Skip to main content

Halo Vapour 35 27.5” wheels


Halo’s updated Vapour wheels are a fast-reacting, bigger-tyre-friendly bargain. We were impressed by the performance of last year’s test set, but not by the easy-to-lose end caps. Thankfully, Halo have now improved the O-ring-retained front axle adapters so that they’re much more secure. The rear ones are screw-on now too. That aside, the non-welded but eyeleted rims are acceptably stiff and strong, and the build, with 32 double-butted spokes, is sound enough to handle a whole lot of turn-slapping without worry. They come pre-taped (valves are extra) and hold low pressures well. You’ve got the option of Halo’s fast-reacting MT Supadrive rear hub (as specced here) or the slower but ultra-reliable MT 6Drive for $68 to $82 less. ‘Stealth’ rims with subtler logos are available too.

Weight 930g+1,020g= 1,950g
Width 29.5mm/34.5mm
Freehub lag
Sizes 650b, 29in

Price $555

Popular posts from this blog

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.

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.

GT Zaskar Evolution

While some bike models last just a couple of years, others change with the times to stay at the top of riders’ wishlists. In the second part of this series looking at the evolution of bikes that enjoy enduring popularity with UK riders, we turn to the GT Zaskar – a bike that was at the forefront of our sport for a long time and still has plenty of appeal today.

COMMENCAL EL CAMINO 3

Commencal are going from strength to strength at the moment and they’ve taken their tough trail hardtail bang up to date with 650b wheels. With its skinny rims, crankset and fork, the El Camino certainly isn’t perfect and it’s the least hardcore bike here. The handling, smoothness, speed and all-round agility of the basic bike still make it a real blast for technical trail riding though, and it’s a great base for upgrading over time.

Merida Big Seven 100

We've rolled up to our local woods, with a meandering blue trail, some natural wooded tracks and a bit of fire road chucked into the mix to see how the Big Seven 100 tackles trails that entry-level riders are likely to cut their teeth on.