All Arround MTB

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 3° Sizes 650b, 29in Price $555

Halo’s Vapour range has literally expanded for 2016, with broad 35mm and plus-size 50mm versions now on the menu.

IN A WORLD where it’s increasingly apparent that size does matter, these wheels sit firmly in the ‘bigger is better’ camp. Halo say the 35mm wide alloy rims (30mm internal) are “optimised for 2.25 to 2.8in tyres”, pushing them towards 29+ territory.

With subtle water transfer decals and red alloy nipples in the mid-depth rounded rims they're stylishly low-key wheels. The deeply hooked rims are easy to turn tubeless with rim tape and an appropriate valve. However, while the external width is a chunky 28mm the curved lips mean internal width is a skinny 20mm so tyres over 2.2/2.3in can feel pinched and unstable.

Good luck explaining this to anyone unfamiliar with high-end MTB kit, but a set of carbon wheels for under 1500$ could almost be described as a bargain! The Vapour Carbons aren’t short of features either.

HALO'S TOUGH JUMP rims have been upsized to 650b and laced on to their evergreen Spin Doctor hubs to create this enduro wheelset.