The Oozy Trails aren’t new, but that means we can categorically state that they’re the toughest, most reliable wheels you can buy without being prohibitively pricey or heavy. We’re saying that because every set of Spank Oohbah-rimmed wheels we’ve had on test over the past few years – whether they were 26in, 650b or 29er sized – isn't only still in use, but still going strong. That’s despite homing sets with testers who are generally a death sentence to any wheels we send them.
We’re not saying that these savages haven’t managed to dent the rims eventually. But in each case the rider admitted to smashing the wheel so hard that any other trail hoop would have collapsed. The Spanks have stayed true, round and sealed in every case. While the distinctive central lump can make initial fit a fight with tight tyres, the pre-taped rims seal easily and the ridged ‘BeadBite’ sidewalls add tyre grip if you love to take your turns sideways. Stiff rims and 32 triple-butted spokes at both ends give them a precise and accurate feel, but they’re wide enough to take fat tyres at low pressures to offset potential punishment on long, hard descents.
At just under 2kg and with occasionally noticeable freehub lag they may be overkill for lighter XC/trail riders, but they’re just as reliable mechanically as they are structurally and even the sealing is impressively UK proof.
Weight 920g+1,020g= 1,940g
Width 29mm/34mm
Freehub lag 12°
Sizes 650b, 29in
Price $735