Shimano Deore LX WH-M565 Wheelset Review
The Shimano Deore LX WH-M565 wheelset was a staple of Shimano’s mountain bike wheelset selection – but it’s got some flashier replacements in the Shimano lineup today. You might have it because it came with the bike you bought, because its low price and rough and tumble reputation makes it a fine wheelset for beginners, or you might be able to find a set at a bargain close-out. Either way, if you want to race, shoot downhill, or fly off drop offs, then you will probably want something more specialized.
The Shimano WH-M565 isn’t just a stock wheelset though - it deserves a little more respect than that. It does have some of the clever innovations seen on Shimano’s upper end bikes, such as straight pull spokes for stability, and aluminum spoke nipples to take a little weight off. Not much weight though - at 2103 grams these are some pretty heavy wheels.
Versatility
The Shimano Deore LX might not be a brilliant wheelset for any one discipline, but it’s a good all-around workhorse. It’s designed for versatility – it works with either disk or rim brakes for example. It works with 8 or 9 speed cassettes, too, and you can even upgrade these wheels a little if you want to – with a DT Swiss adapter you can put Shimano’s Center Lock rotors. However, by the time you’ve spent the effort and money to do that you might as well have bought a better wheelset.
But the Shimano WH-M565 wheelset isn’t designed to be a superstar cross country or downhill wheelset. It’s meant to be an inexpensive, versatile wheelset that can go from a weekend trail epic to a midweek rally or even a novice Super-D. At only $299, they aren’t going to break the bank, and you really don’t have anything to worry about with this wheelset. That said, these are inexpensive wheels, and you get what you pay for. The bearings will wear out after a season or two of regular riding, and careless trail skills or heavy riders on tough tracks will find themselves replacing spokes from time to time.
Conclusion
If you got a Shimano Deore LX wheelset with your bike, then get out and enjoy them. They roll fine, and they’re reliable enough to get you round most trails. Don’t be afraid to try out racing on them too – beginner cross country or super-D aren’t going to be a problem for this wheelset. But it is heavy – and sooner or later you’ll want to upgrade. When you do – hang on to them. If you are looking for an inexpensive wheelset to take out in the mud or to save your fancy race wheels, then the WH-M565 is a fine choice. That’s the thing about this wheelset, it’s a jack of all trades and a master of none, but that means it’s perfect for a starter or a spare wheelset, and at that price you really can’t go wrong.
