Skip to main content

Superstar Electro Alpine 30 Trail wheels


Superstar’s wheels have always been top value, but these are proper premium performers too. The Alpine30 rims are asymmetric to reduce the offset of the 32 ultrabutted Sapim Laser spokes, and the pre-taped ‘LockR’ profile means tyres pop easily and securely into place. Built by hand, the wheels track precisely but have enough give to let you carry speed and avoid trouble on long rocky descents. We’ve not had any ding or burp issues, and top-quality SKF bearings underwrite long-term smoothness. The instantreaction Electro rear hub offsets the relatively high weight of the wheel when it comes to snapping back up to speed. Considering the quality, the price is excellent, and Superstar include a two-year warranty, a crash replacement scheme and free spoke re-tensioning for life.

Weight 910g+1,020g= 1,930g
Width 29mm/35mm
Freehub lag
Sizes 26in, 650b, 29in

Price $600

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.

Nukeproof Vector AM Comp Cro-Mo saddle

The Vector AM is pretty race focused, with minimal padding. There’s a deep (if narrow) pressurerelief channel to keep the blood flowing where it’s meant to. Used with bib shorts, we found it pretty comfortable for shorter rides and suffered no pain or discomfort in the central region. On steep climbs the slightly downturned nose provides a reasonable forward perch, while the svelte profile and smooth edges make it particularly unobtrusive when moving about on the descents. It’s quite stiff though, and can feel harsh on long rides or bumpy ground. We definitely wouldn’t want to spend much time on it without a chamois. It’s heavier than we’d expect for such a lightly padded perch too. There’s a lighter Pro version with titanium rails for $105, but at 241g it’s only 10g lighter. Weight 251g Price $67

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.

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.

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.