The Best Chinese Road Wheels I've Ever Ridden - Nepest MAUI 35 Wheel Review

[@ribblevalleycyclist]

PLEASE NOTE: Nepest sent me these wheels free of charge, to produce an unbiased evaluation. They are not paying me to produce this video, and they have not influenced the outcome of it.

[@Hambini]

Unfortunately, this is the state of KZbin in 2024. If you say anything good, you'll be seen to be promoting said item. If you say anything bad it will be twisted to say you are promoting the item because you are encouraging them to get better and said brand looks better. You will be damned if you do and damned if you don't. There will also be accusations that you take bribes, back handers etc etc. And don't say anything critical because some snowflake somewhere will then make a video about it crying their eyes out!

[@ribblevalleycyclist]

Thanks, @@Hambini. Was out having an anniversary meal with my Hairdresser when the comments kicked off, kinda ruined the evening. Should know better than to read the comments!

[@Hambini]

@@ribblevalleycyclist This platform does encourage it. I'm at the decisive end of opinion, so I probably get it more than most, but it also affects me less than most - I used to do it originally as I thought I was providing an information service but over time it becomes tiresome and boring, Now I do it to see how much trash talking I can get in there for the amusement of my colleagues and set the comments on fire. That's a sadistic form of entertainment! From experience, as your channel grows, you'll find yourself on the end of negative opinion and it's largely unavoidable. I can imagine that will have a negative effect on the mental health of some KZbinrs. But I'd also be a hypocrite to say that it's one way traffic. I give it out as good as I get it but that's part of the enjoyment (for me).

[@ribblevalleycyclist]

@@Hambini I'm noticing that as the channel grows, I'm starting to see more Keyboard Warriors. The trouble with me is, I could have 99 people saying it's great, and 1 person saying it's crap, and I listen to that 1 person. I've invested a lot of time and money into the channel, so I need to invest time into learning to ignore idiots! Think I'll park the review videos for a while, and stick to the maintenance videos...... idiots don't tend to disagree with those 😉

[@johnkilliner8283]

Please don't Jon, the review vids are a great addition to the channel, don't let the negative get to you. It's not important. What is important is to just carry on being yourself 😁. ​@@ribblevalleycyclist

[@TheRickysee]

I love all your videos! Don’t pay attention to haters and don’t change your channel. We like the honest Jon we have grown to know and love

[@ribblevalleycyclist]

Thank you 👍

[@davidhope1910]

Jon, you are a veey good honest mechanic and are one of my go-to experts for bike related maintenance without too much blinding with science. I like your down to earth approach and I would stick with the workshop stuff and maybe the occasional ride review. Its your channel, if you like doing ride videos, go right ahead. Just ignore the keyboard warriors!

[@ribblevalleycyclist]

Thank you David for your kind words, I really do appreciate it. Shouldn’t let these people get under my skin 👍

[@adventureout-brief6836]

This is a perfectly timed video! I have had these and the Hunt wheels on my short list since your initial review. Thank you for posting up!

[@ribblevalleycyclist]

Glad I could help!

[@DaigoroToyama]

Thank you for the great follow-up video on the MAUI-35 wheels! I have logged a little over 200 miles on mine so far, and my average speed has clearly increased. Those wheels make it easier to keep my speed and cadence than the DT Swiss one that came with my bike. I couldn't be happier!

[@ribblevalleycyclist]

Totally agree, Daigoro. Looking at my Strava, I'm PR'ing segments that I've ridden countless times in the past. The performance is impressive. Fingers crossed they'll stand the test of time.

[@DaigoroToyama]

@@ribblevalleycyclist Same here. Based on my own Strava data, I am aabout 1 to 1.5 MPH faster overall!

[@superstrada6847]

Both formats work well. Keep it interesting with both.

[@ribblevalleycyclist]

Thanks 👍

[@johnrozee2648]

big fan of your straightforward approach and videos. From a fellow middle aged plodder. Btw, also experienced those brutal rides this Spring, and broke my chain half way up Buttertubs!

[@ribblevalleycyclist]

Glad you’re enjoying them. Buttertubs is brutal from either side

[@getbusymagazine]

Always clear and complete review. Now waiting for your long term review of the more affordable ICAN wheelset.

[@ribblevalleycyclist]

Wanted to get the ICAN review out first, but fine weather has meant I’m riding the road bike more. Don’t want to pass comment on the ICAN wheels without putting the miles in. However, so far they’re looking good

[@aveedub7403]

Hi Jon, i enjoyed the video and the wheel test which was interesting! In terms of content keep things as they are, techy items plus the rides! I enjoy the format you present, and to keep yourself from getting "bored" indisperse oily bits with test rides. Ultimately its up to you, its your channel but i'll usually watch your videos no matter what!👍👍👍

[@ribblevalleycyclist]

Hi Aveedub, Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Most are saying similar to be honest. So I think I'll add a little bit of riding into what I'm already doing. Thanks for the support 👍

[@CarlCole-i1w]

I like both formats: Tech stuff and equipment reviews..........Keep it up

[@ribblevalleycyclist]

Thanks 👍

[@loydsa]

I appreciated your video, it's good to see your on the road impressions having seen the previous review in the workshop. I am much more likely to be influenced towards a purchase having seen both video's as I have more knowledge of the product in usage that is typical of my own.

[@ribblevalleycyclist]

Thanks for taking the time to give feedback, really appreciate it 👍

[@loydsa]

@@ribblevalleycyclist I appreciate your video's though I am afraid I don't find the time to say so enough. Yours is a channel I trust.

[@ribblevalleycyclist]

Thank you 👍

[@Gazmaz]

Loved the camera work out on the bike, and I think the occasional different outside vs inside vid is good, variety is the spice of life and all that. But it’s down to whether the outside clips are more work and if you enjoy doing it, because if you enjoy doing the content then we’re likely to enjoy it also ;)

[@ribblevalleycyclist]

Thanks @Gazmaz. Yeah, I think I do enjoy the outside stuff. Think a few van/cycling videos where I go off somewhere may be a good idea.

[@LakeDistrictcyclist]

Brilliant mate, well done over buttertubs. Appreciate the videos mate

[@ribblevalleycyclist]

Thanks, Dave 👍

[@simonwoodthrillerwriter]

Thanks for the follow-up video. I appreciate the time and effort you put in, especially on the 1st video where you disassembled the wheel. That showed how well engineered the wheels were compared to the other wheelsets you're product testing and showed some surprising shortfall in the other brands. I liked the "on the road" portion of the video. It's nice to someone else in their 50's struggle up a hill. 🙂 On a side note, have you done a video on Hunt wheels. Opinions are so divided on the company, it would be nice to see your methodical approach to the positive and negatives of the wheels.

[@bkking5625]

i Like this format with tech included in the same video.

[@archie-h5y]

Great video! Liked the outside road stuff, it’s what makes cycling sO!! … amazing, country lanes, distant hills, valleys, long climbs, short climbs, and the rewards of decents! ….. I Luv all your stuff on the channel so keep up the normal but please show the real test on those rides through the beautiful countryside!👌🏻

[@ribblevalleycyclist]

Thanks, Archie. Some great lanes where I live, just need to spend less time on the tools, and more time in the saddle 🤣

[@n22pdf]

Great vid dude always like you vids and uploads.. you always see a very honest guy and reviewer which is great to see on KZbin.. kudos dude 😊😊 keep up the good work buddy.. Pete 🚴‍♀️🚴🏻👍

[@ribblevalleycyclist]

Kind words in a sea of criticism. Thank you, really appreciate it. 👍

[@n22pdf]

Ignore it mate your better than they are..

[@steppings5645]

Enjoyed the outdoor bit, a good mix now and again. Agree with you on testing stuff on your local roads its the only way of getting a good feel for new equipment.

[@ribblevalleycyclist]

Yeah, this is the best way I think. Glad you enjoyed it 👍

[@lazzaboyman8003]

I’m a fan of your workshop stuff but real world tester of kit by someone who seems honest and straightforward seems a good mix. Maybe 80%+ workshop content mixed with testing?

[@ribblevalleycyclist]

Thanks for your thoughts 👍

[@MHMvanOs-qt9cc]

Just more workshops videos please. Bike riding we do ourself😂😂😂😂

[@ribblevalleycyclist]

Noted 🤣

[@PeterSchow]

I like seeing the country side too, so a mixture is nice, maybe 90/10 workshop vs outdoor percentage

[@ribblevalleycyclist]

Thanks Peter 👍

[@tomhilbi80]

I experienced almost the same, made my gravel bike almost 1kg lighter. But I used the Newmen Evolution SL XR25 made out of aluminium which come in at around 1400g 😎 And now it's easier to speed up or climb hills👍🏻

[@ribblevalleycyclist]

Suspect the wheels made for roughly 200g of the saving, the rest was down to tyres, tubes, and the lack of sealant

[@tomhilbi80]

@@ribblevalleycyclist Wheels were almost 600g in comparison with the stock wheels from Fulcrum. The rest were TPU tubes, cassette and brake discs. The last two more because of better braking (RT-MT900) and larger gear ratio (11-46). The weight loss was just a benefit 😉

[@ribblevalleycyclist]

@tomhilbi80 The Mavic Aksium is the worst I’ve ever seen I think. Think they make those things out of pig iron 😂😂

[@richardseverin8707]

Great video got a couple questions A - what size frame Pinarello do you ride ? B- I like those thru axels where can I get some? C- what size tyres did you run on the Pinarello? Thanks keep up the good work 👍🏽

[@ribblevalleycyclist]

Hi Richard, Some very good questions there!! A - 53. Pinarello is an odd sizing. I'm 5'11". Given my time again, I'd also try a 54 B - They are amazing. They're RapiLock Thru Axles. This video shows them: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fIWaZ4uaisZseJI C - Just moved from 25 to 28. Thanks, Jon

[@richardseverin8707]

Thanks for answering those questions I’m a little bit over 6ft I’ve got two Pinarello’s got & 2020 Prince size 56 & a 2020 Matt black/ naked carbon Gan 57.5 it’s a bit big but I love them both , your Pinarello look fantastic btw , thanks for getting back to me so swiftly have a great bank holiday weekend 👍🏽

[@ribblevalleycyclist]

@richardseverin8707 Mine is a 2020 BoB too, fantastic bike. You too 👍

[@Milo-wl2if]

Veloflex tyres make any wheel feel massively better.

[@ribblevalleycyclist]

Agreed. Been running them for years on the old Hunt wheels, but the Race variant.

[@andybutler3868]

Great video , I do value your opinion , been watching your channel from beginning . I think yes do some mixes and matches of content . I might just look to invest in a pair of these wheels 👍

[@ribblevalleycyclist]

Thanks for your thoughts and continued support, Andy. They're a good set of wheels, I'm genuinely impressed by them.

[@bahgatmostafa1927]

Thanks for this I enjoyed it and I bought Nepest 45 and it’s really good wheels. Pls advise what disc rotor brand you are using

[@ribblevalleycyclist]

Hope you enjoy them. They are Hope Road floating rotors, available in both centrelock and 6 bolt

[@paulnewman6307]

Great videos keep them comimg . ive got mountian bikes hard tail 1x12 but with 29x2.22 race kings and go mosty on gravel paths and lanes . got 4 bikes 1 has 2x10 with 29x20 tires fighter 2 continentil tires so thats my gravel bike in my eyes . you got a great likable way 12:29 about you dont change your videos

[@ribblevalleycyclist]

Glad you're liking the videos, thanks 👍

[@DaigoroToyama]

Thanks for the super informative video!

[@ribblevalleycyclist]

Thanks, Daigoro. Will grab a coffee on the next ride ☕️👍

[@2up4down]

Thank you for the follow-up 😊

[@ribblevalleycyclist]

Thanks, Mischa. Didn't need to though, just wanted to follow up as promised 👍

[@SamuelBlackMetalRider]

28% climb? What gear were you in? I have a 35mm carbon spokes for rim brakes 1200g that I paid 650€ straight from an Aliexpress seller / factory. Straight frop the factory, no brand, no marketing, no proper website, no nothing hence the crazy low price. So far so good

[@ribblevalleycyclist]

Can’t remember exactly, but will be 36 on the front (small), and probably roughly 26/28 on the back.

[@boc-tonysyklist2145]

You got several new PR with new and lighter wheels. Ok. Did you do the same test with the same power, tires, weather conditions and body weight with the Hunt wheels as well? And how much better are your new PRs than your old ones?

[@ribblevalleycyclist]

A typical Example for you - Devils Lane: Distance - 1.54mi Elevation Gain - 175ft Avg Grade - 1.8% Ride Count - 136 times (Over 3 years) My previous best was on the same bike, using Veloflex Cross Race tyres (Better) back in 2022, when I was riding roughly 650km a month (now at 1153km year to date), and weighed roughly 8-10kg less. I remember getting that PR, because I went full gas. My time in 2022 was 6:04 at 274 watts. My time on the 3rd of August with the Nepest wheels was 5:52 at 270 watts. I tried hard, but it was not full gas. This result is typical.

[@Tntdruid]

Do both types of videos 👍

[@ribblevalleycyclist]

Seems to be the most common suggestion. Thanks 👍

[@bkking5625]

How are the wheels working out? They have a DTSwiss 240 hub. What's your thoughts?

[@ribblevalleycyclist]

I'm very impressed with the wheels. I'm testing other wheels on this bike, but when the test is done, the Nepest go back on....... because they're very good. You can't go wrong with the 240 hub, they're probably the best hubs you can buy right now..... Saying that though, you're paying a lot more, and the freehub design is now readily available, and bearings are easy to replace. My personal choice would be to go with the Nepest with the standard hub.

[@valmorell]

Interested to know how one can get brake rub with discs....

[@ribblevalleycyclist]

The flex of the whole wheel will be minimal at the hub, but as you move out, that minimal amount of movement will amplify. There is an engineering term for this phenomena, but I can't remember it for the life of me!!

[@dcv9460]

AWESOME! 😎👍💯

[@ribblevalleycyclist]

Thanks

[@williamdaniel6143]

New to the carbon wheel discussions. If wheels are lighter and faster on climbs are they than slower on flats or descent?

[@g.fortin3228]

The riding clips are nice indeed but I like the info base vids.. so maybe just mix in a few riding clips with your thoughts amid the info based vids. just a thought. nice job and keep up the great work. and enjoy your riding !

[@ribblevalleycyclist]

Thanks for the input.

[@andyfdo1]

Great review, and liked the format.

[@ribblevalleycyclist]

Thanks 👍

[@SimonS-i5g]

Does anyone know whether you will end up paying another 20% import tax in the UK?

[@ribblevalleycyclist]

I didn’t.

[@SimonS-i5g]

@@ribblevalleycyclist thanks John. I have been stung before for import vat 20% , custom duty £12 and importer charge £8. You only pay if the package is over £140 I believe so you may have avoided since yours were free? Nepest website says they don’t take responsibility for these charges so am a little wary. However I see that 360 cycling are selling them in the uk now for £ 950. Btw I really enjoy both types of vid so keep up the great work!

[@BenDhover7]

Mint video

[@ribblevalleycyclist]

Cheers Ben 👍

[@dogbreath6974]

How fast were you going down that hill?

[@ribblevalleycyclist]

Not fast, roughly 45MPH

[@boc-tonysyklist2145]

How did a pair of RideNow TPU tubes cost you a small fortune? Either you have been ripped off or you have another definition of a fortune than I have.

[@ribblevalleycyclist]

Normal tubes cost £4 a pair, those two cost £21.90

[@KerryJapan1]

Love your Vid’s but since you asked for feedback I’ll be “that guy”. The very poor quality of your 360 camera was quite distracting. Maybe limit its use to bright sunny days when the internal SS is higher. I’m now kind of listing for a set of those nice hoops.

[@ribblevalleycyclist]

You know that, I agree with you on that. I think I was so concerned about the audio (still not worked out what the issue is), I didn’t stop and consider the video quality. I did however spot this when watching it back later. It really struggled in low light, and quickly over-exposed when going into bright light. I also have a good ‘normal’ action camera, that I think I should also use when doing this sort of stuff. Thanks for the honest feedback, because you’re saying what I was already thinking.

[@KerryJapan1]

@@ribblevalleycyclist. I was just thinking, if you limit the use of that 360 camera to only bright sunlight days you poor sods in Ol Blighty may have to wait for a while and only get to use it a few times a year. 😂

[@ribblevalleycyclist]

@@KerryJapan1 Hahaha…. Ain’t that the truth 😕

[@theillegalimmigrant9314]

Did you get these wheels free? Discount code prominently shown. If you did, why is paid promotion not ticked?

[@ribblevalleycyclist]

I was given the wheels for free. I wasn't paid.

[@theillegalimmigrant9314]

@@ribblevalleycyclist Are you on commission?

[@ribblevalleycyclist]

No. They asked me to provide a code unique to my channel, so that they can track their ROI. I have all of this in writing between myself, and Nepest.

[@BeerSougion]

@@ribblevalleycyclistThat is important information to mention when reviewing. First of all because receiving something for free is also being paid, does not matter a lot whether you are paid in money or in nature. And second, when they give a reviewer products, if they have any sense of marketing will have done the best quality control they could before shipping.

[@ribblevalleycyclist]

@BeerSougion I did mention this in the first video, but didn’t mention it in the second. Agreed, I should’ve. I don’t consider it as payment, because they’re something I neither want nor need.

[@StarchaseKA]

Nice wheels but 1300 Dollar + 19% Tax to Germany... Thanks no

[@gammelgemse]

TPU tubes cost 5-6 bucks a piece. What fortune are you talking about? 🤔 Personally i like to see more workshop videos, tools, hacks and tutorials. Good for you that you got some wheelsets for free, but riding around and talking is not that interesting.

[@ribblevalleycyclist]

Normal tubes cost £4 a pair, those two cost £21.90