Skip to main content

Novatec Diablo wheels


NOVATEC'S BROAD DIABLO rims have a 23mm inner width that'll happily support even the biggest 2,4in tyre without pinching it. The 32-spoke build, stout hubs aid tough rims mean the wheels are relatively heavy but the multi-point freehub pick-up is almost instant, which boosts responsiveness.

We beat the crap out of them all last year and despite repeated pinch flats and rim dings they're not dented or even scuffed, and we've seen the maddest pro riders have a similarly unscathed time on them.

They've never missed a beat in terms of bearing or build tension reliability either, and they come with a full selection of axle adaptors, 9mm and 10mm QRskewers, and spare spokes as standard. You'll have to buy your own tubeless kit though.

Weight: 1,790g (810g F, 980g R)
Rim: 23/28,5
Freehub lag: 5°
Tubeless type: ready
Sizes: 650b, 29in
Options: QR/15/20mm F, QR135x10/135x12/142x12mm R
XD: Yes

PRICE 720$


Labels

Popular posts from this blog

Merida Big Nine 100

Wit the bikes swapped over, we head out on the same loop again, this time on the 29in Big Nine 100. Whereas the Big Seven was snappy off the line, the 29er takes a couple more pedal strokes to get up to speed. That said, once it's up there, it's easy to keep the big wheels rolling, allowing us to cover ground with ease. The fire road is at times a little rough, and the bigger wheels roll over the imperfections so we barely notice them.

READ MORE >>

Cannondale Trail SL 29 SS

The fat aluminium tubes are a constrast to the skinny items seen elsewhere in the test, but this rigid Cannondale uses them to create one of the most old-school - and lightest - rides here.

READ MORE >>

CANYON NERVE AL 8.0

  S ince their entry into the UK market a few years ago, Canyon have made a name for themselves as purveyors of well-made bikes that exhibit often extraordinary value. The secret (or catch, depending on your point of view) is that the brand don’t have dealers – they ship bikes directly to your door.

READ MORE >>

SKS Airbuster CO2 inflator

The alloy Airbuster has a large knob so you can regulate the flow of gas, a mechanical stop to prevent the cartridge being pierced in transit and a dust cap to keep the valve free of debris. While it works with Presta and Schrader valves, switching between them requires a fiddly change of the valve head. The thin rubber sleeve doesn’t provide much protection from cold spent canisters. You can’t insert much of the valve into the inflator head, so you have to be careful to avoid leaks. Price $33 w/16g cartridge

READ MORE >>

KONA SHRED

With a reputation for no-nonsense ruggedness and a background in the always progressive and punishing riding of Canada, Kona have been building hardcore hardtails for longer than almost anyone else. The Shred is the most expensive bike on test but it’s a proper trail tank.

READ MORE >>