Second Wheel Advice: Coming from 18XL. All advice welcome!

[jgortner]

Hi all,

 

So I rode a KingSong 18XL for two years. I loved it. But I definitely need a suspension wheel for these aging (43) knees. 
 

Here are my use cases and requirements:

• 95% street/paved use. Roads, bikes trails, sidewalks, and similar.
• I don’t think I’d go much faster than I did on my last wheel; maybe a little more so we can say I would top out at 40mph.
• I love just crusing and carving at the 25-35mph range. I just love being out there and cruising along. Bike trails with nice long turns and switchbacks.
• I only want the suspension for safety (unexpected bumps) and comfort (a bit easier on my knees for hopefully longer rides). Biggest impacts will be unexpected potholes and maybe dropping down from a single curb. No stairs or trails. 
• Range of 40-50 miles is fine.
• Safety and build quality is huge for me. So wheels with backup systems, more power than I’ll using, less probability for sag, etc. For example, I read the Lynx has some sort of Hall sensor thing that brings the wheel to a slow stop? I don’t really understand.
   

Looking for the wheel to last many years. The Veteran and Inmotion brands stand out to me. And the Patton (but I think 16” is too small) and Lynx (expensive but I think ticks all the boxes) in particular. Other wheels on my radar are s19, s21, v11y, s16 pro. Begode seems to have not great build quality and reliability. 

But I’m open to all conversations, opinions, and options!

Thanks in advance for all your insight and advice!

Justin 

Edited May 5 by jgortner
Update description.

[slippyfeet]

5900km on an 18XL here, and I do not recommend S16 Pro. I had nothing but issues with mine for 5 weeks and I basically gave mine away in a trade for a 16S.

I had the same checklist as you, but just wanted to try suspension to see what the hype is all about. Ultimately I found it an amenity rather than a necessity. Just be fully aware that any suspension choice you find out there with similar range as an 18XL will be at least +30lb heavier, and 2-3" higher pedals which changes the riding dynamics and mounting technique.

If I could redo my experience now, I'd personally try a T4 Pro given the price point it's at now and with all the subtle upgrades it's been getting semi-annually. Looks to be a much more refined piece, but laying in the shadow of the Extreme.