All Arround MTB

At 1,630g for our 650b/Boost samples, these 28mm (internal) alloy wheels are significantly lighter than all the carbon wheels of a similar size that we’ve tested, which puts the premium price into perspective. While the 10-degree freehub engagement is slightly slow, acceleration is excellent once the pawls hook up. The 28 straight-pull, double-butted spokes in shallow block flanges give a lively and agile feel that’s still acceptably accurate when you’re really straining them through corners or under braking. They’re still tight, true and undented despite several months of hard trail use, too. The German-made hubs use adjustable bearings behind locked sealing collars, and the only sign of wear so far is slight notching on the freehub body. Tubeless inflation is easy too, although valves and tape aren’t included, which is tight for the price. That shouldn’t put you off if you’re looking for a big XC/ trail responsiveness boost without the higher cost or fragility of carbon. Price ...

FFWD (Fast Forward) are better known to our skinny-tyred roadie friends, but these are serious mountain bike wheels. The carbon fibre rims have an internal width of 26mm, which gives a decent tyre profile with up to 2.5in rubber. They’re built around DT Swiss 240 hubs with 28 asymmetrically-laced spokes in a three-cross pattern. The fairly deep rims (24.5mm) give them a stiff feel. We’ve ridden harsher wheels, but the lack of radial compliance means you may need to adjust your tyre pressures or suspension set-up. The pay-off is that their lateral stiffness ensures they’ll go wherever you point them without deflecting offline. Our set weighed 1,575g, which is fair for the price and application, though not ground-breaking. The build was spot on, remaining true and stiff, and we didn’t damage the rims or have any problems with pinch flats or burping. The DT hubs appear on many top-end wheels for a reason. Price $2775

Getting wheels hand-built means you need to be patient but the advantages go well beyond the free custom-colour decals on the Stan’s Flow rims used for this set. Just Riding Along’s Jon Webb is an experienced racer and a proper wheel fetishist. He self-tests endless permutations to find the best to sell and then builds, balances, de-stresses, settles, tapes and final-checks every wheel in-house in Yorkshire. This set with Sapim D-Light spokes and colour-matched alloy nipples balances precision line holding with a lively, forgiving feel. From experience, they’ll stay like that way long after machine-built wheels have gone soggy or started eating spokes too. That makes the sweet-riding Stan’s rims feel even better than normal on the trail, and their 29mm internal width makes them ideal for getting the best out of wide tyres too. Add Bitex hubs with 54-tooth pick-up and a 1,770g overall weight (100g less than Stan’s own Flow wheels), and they’re agile and acceleration friendly too...

There isn’t a wheelset with a more prestigious history in downhill racing than the Mavic Deemax. The iconic yellow hoops have been ridden to victory by many of the sport’s top names, including Troy Brosnan, who this year won his second World Cup on a set of the 2018 wheels. These have undergone a few changes, starting with an increase in internal rim width from 21mm to 28mm. This is still quite conservative, but Mavic aren’t believers in the ‘wider is better’ trend and reckons this width gives the best balance of ride quality and tyre choice. The new asymmetric rim profile gives more even spoke tension on the rear wheel, increasing lateral stiffness and, Mavic say, delivering more predictable handling. Following the lead of the Deemax Pro enduro wheelset released earlier in the year, the DH rim now has a hookless profile, with vertical sidewalls for extra strength. Many features of the old Deemax have been carried over, such as Mavic’s weightsaving ‘ISM’ machining and the large...

They’re pricey, but whatever width and wheel size we’ve tried, DT’s flagship alloy hoops have delivered a delicious balance of responsiveness, excellent ride quality and mechanical and structural toughness, to make them our favourite trail wheels. A full range of widths is available, but these 29mm hoops are spot on for 2.5 to 2.6in tyres, with easy and secure pre-taped sealing. The low-weight rims and super-tight build with long straight-pull spokes give them a super-responsive and precise feel but they still shrug off hits and float through the rough better than most carbon wheels. They’re bomber tough too, and the hubs are just as durable. Pick-up speed from the spring-loaded ratchet clutch is slightly slow, but if that bothers you, you can get a version with more teeth and faster pick-up. Weight 800g+920g= 1,720g Width 29mm/33mm Freehub lag 10° Sizes 650b, 29in Price $1245

A damn near indestructible rim and hub, plus top customer service from their Lancashire factory, make these Hope hoops fantastic long-term value. The 35W rims are heavy but, at 34mm wide, they’ll handle any tyre up to 3.0in happily. You’ll have to buy tape and valves separately, which is a pain, but once fitted they air up OK and seal securely. They’ll take a battering without denting or losing shape too, although the ride feel is solidly damped rather than dynamic. The Pro 4 hubs have a faster pick-up and aren’t quite as noisy as older Hopes. All fitment standards are available and there’s a straight-pull spoke option too. Top-quality spoke tape and spare spokes are supplied. Hope’s reputation for sorting out any issue on any component, no matter how long you’ve had it, is legendary. Weight 1,020g+1,120g= 2,140g Width 34mm/39mm Freehub lag 8° Sizes 650b Price $570

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 e...

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 3° Sizes 26in, 650b, 29in Price $600

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

Flow rims have been a tubelessready trail benchmark for years and the latest version has a buoyant, wider-tyre-compatible ride. Stan’s started the tubeless conversion revolution and the MK3s come fitted with their signature custard-yellow tape and with valves included, ready for an easy pop into place. The tiny ‘Bead Socket’ lip on the rim makes for a seal that’s trustworthy down to super-low pressures. On the trail, the 32 J-bend Sapim Force spokes and shallow ‘WideRight’ rim profile give a smooth, shock-absorbing ride, but the wheels still track accurately. We’ve ridden them for months without obvious denting, wobbling or de-tensioning too. Engagement of the four-pawl Neo hub is slightly slow and the splines scar over time, but the previously loose end-caps are now properly secure. Weight 870g+1,000g= 1,870g Width 28mm/31mm Freehub lag 10° Sizes 26in, 650b, 29in Price $780

These are the second-narrowest wheels in the Duroc quintet, with a well-balanced ride, excellent tyre security and comprehensive spares package. The 31mm width works great with 2.5 to 2.6in tyres, and the extra ‘lock’ of the humped rim means you can run narrower 2.8 to 3.0in rubber without any worry of burping. SUNringle supply the STR rims pre-taped, with valves and sealant in the box. Wheelsmith double-butted spokes give a good balance of float, precision and power delivery, and you get brass nipples for easy adjustment. Our year-old set of Duroc 40s is ready for new bearings and the freehub is a bit scarred, but otherwise they’re still enjoyably lively daily drivers. Long-term multi-bike versatility is boosted by the inclusion of a full set of axle adapters and an XD freehub body. Weight 880g+980g= 1,860g Width 31mm/34mm Freehub lag 10° Sizes 650b, 29in Price $810

E*thirteen’s latest alloy wheels are tight all-rounders, backed up with a good first-year guarantee. The hooked 27mm rim works best with tyres in the 2.3 to 2.4in size band, but it’s well-profiled and pre-taped for blissfully easy inflation. Clever two-piece valves that screw together on either side of the rim give a leak-proof fit too. Having to fit the freehub yourself is a bit weird but it’s simple enough, and e*13’s signature super-fat all-alloy hubs let them use really short quad-butted spokes. This all creates a really tight and accurate-tracking wheel that riders who like HD-clarity feedback will love, but you may find hands and arms complaining quicker than normal. Bearing life is far better than on early e*13 wheels and they’re covered with a one-year ‘no questions asked’ guarantee. Weight 890g+1,040g= 1,930g Width 27mm/33mm Freehub lag 6° Sizes 650b, 29in Price $972

Mavic’s ‘half-hearted’ wide wheel approach isn’t fashionable, but the new Deemax Pros are light and massively tough. Once you’ve added valves, the solid rim bed and new hookless sides mean an instant seal. Tyres are included, and the new 2.5in Claw up front is an awesome aggro all-rounder. Add super-stiff tracking, low-pressure stability and a 27mm inner width, and the front wheel can be ridden super-hard. The rear is much narrower (23.5mm), to improve rolling speed and make the back end easier to turn/slide. Mavic’s Quest rear tyre is surprisingly draggy too, and the narrower profile doesn’t damp impacts as well as the glueddown front. With a different back tyre, the ultra-reliable rear hub and low weight make this a very responsive, precise-feedback race or hard-riding option. Weight 820g+910g= 1,730g Width 27/31mm (f), 23.5/27mm (r) Freehub lag 7.5° Sizes 650b Price $1200

The rims on Race Face’s new ‘Rally’ wheels are offset dramatically (by 4.5mm) to reduce the sideways dish of the build, and the massive, conical Vault rear hub means the 28 spokes at each end are significantly shorter than usual. That makes them very stiff and accurate wheels for their weight, but not to the extent that they rattle off line or punish your palms on long descents. Tyres pop up easily on the pre-taped rims and they’ll take serious-sized rubber without wobbling even at teen pressures. Pick-up is almost instantaneous, and they’re light enough to keep that speed surge going right through the gears. While they’ve only just hit the shops, we’ve been hammering them for several months in some pretty foul weather without any ill effects, making the high price the only significant moan. Weight 820g+920g= 1,740g Width 29mm/33mm Freehub lag 3° Sizes 650b, 29in Price $1347

CrankBros’ distinctive-looking Iodines are a stiff and strong – if laggy – mid-width option for high-torque riders. By shifting spoke attachment from the rim bed to barrels that slot into fins on the underside of the deep triangular rim, they’ve ensured there are no worries about easy sealing. It took us several months of battering at home and in the Alps to finally dent them, and even then they stayed sealed and straight. The unique centre-threaded spokes have shrugged off sticks without damage too. At 27mm, the rims are wide enough to handle low-pressure 2.4in tyres, and the wheels accelerate better than their overall weight would suggest. The steel freehub removes any spline damage worries for powerful pedallers, although pick-up can be slow and clunky. Weight 840g+1,030g= 1,870g Width 27mm/32mm Freehub lag 17° Sizes 650b, 29in Price $750

A freehub fault on our first set of Maxlight Boosts left us with a long scoot home, but Kinesis assure us that’s sorted now, making them a relatively light and affordable plus-size option for less aggressive riders. The broad (35mm internal) rim has vent holes in the outer edge, so you’ll need extra-wide tubeless tape or gaffer tape to DIY seal it. We found that the baggy tyre fit meant we had to use a high-volume pump or compressor to get them up, and at low pressures they can burp easily if you get them sideways. The wheels are light for their price and extra-wide dimensions though, and while the freehub pick-up is average, they feel lively but not distractingly flexy on the trail. This means they’re still a decent option for less aggressive, plus-curious trail riders who don’t want to break the bank. Weight 880g+1,040g= 1,920g Width 35mm/39mm Freehub lag 10° Sizes 650b Price $600

Specialized’s Roval Fatties were some of the first wider trail wheels available and their light weight and flowing ride feel will suit longdistance cruisers. They’re too flexy and slow on the uptake for pinners though. The shallow rim comes well-taped and with valves installed, so tubeless inflation is immediate and easy. At 28mm, it supports 2.4 to 2.5in tyres well. The carefully thought out spoke arrangement gives a soft, forgiving ride over rough terrain. They’re light and easily hopped around, and the DT Swiss rear internals are totally dependable. Excessive flex means steering accuracy and front tyre feedback is woeful though, and they feel mushy and lacking in muscle under both braking and driving torque. The freehub is slow to engage too, creating a clunky lag on the trail. Weight 810g+920g= 1,730g Width 28mm/32mm Freehub lag 15° Sizes 650b, 29in Price $660

The TRX 1s are available aftermarket as well as on Giant’s more expensive complete bikes. Their medium width and very stiff feel mean they’ll suit more XC-orientated riders best. Tubeless tape and valves are supplied but need careful DIY fitting, and the 26mm internal width means they’re best suited to 2.4in or narrower tyres. That compounds the already extremely stiff feel of the carbon rim to create a precise ride that often strays into harshness. They do feel taut under power though, and the rims are relatively light compared to most alloy hoops, so they accelerate quicker than most wheels of a similar weight. The DT Swiss-based hubs are reliable in all weathers and easy to self-service if needed, but if you do crack a rim on a rock, the replacement cost is much higher than with alloy hoops. Weight 880g+980g= 1,860g Width 26mm/32mm Freehub lag 10° Sizes 650b Price $1275

Raleigh’s new carbon fibre wheels are instantly responsive and have a very comfortable ride, but they’re unpredictably flexy under stress. The 28mm deep, 27mm wide rims handle broader conventional tyres well and are OK with 2.5 to 2.6in rubber at medium pressures. You’ll have to order tape and valves separately but they seal well and rarely burp air, even when rimmed out or ripped sideways. The tension of the 32 spokes on the mid-diameter hubs is tight and even. Our long-term samples are still running fine, and they come with a one-year warranty and two-year crash replacement deal. While the 120-point engagement of the Chosen hubs means almost instant power pick-up, the super-springy rims make hitting landings, rocks and ruts a pretty random experience. Weight 820g+950g= 1,770g Width 27mm/33mm Freehub lag 3° Sizes 650b, 29in Price $1342

FUNN’s ‘downhill’ wheels are light and responsive enough for heavy-duty trail use, with neat user-friendly detailing to match. With a 29.5mm internal width (34.5mm external), the rims are ideal for the latest 2.4 to 2.6in tyres and they’ll even handle a 2.8in OK if you don’t go too low on pressure. They come taped and valved as standard, and while initial tyre fit can require determined persuasion, they seal and inflate easily without needing a compressor. The wheels are fully axle versatile and the adapters are held in place with threaded lockrings (front) or screwed onto the axle (rear) rather than being fudged into place with O-rings. At 1,930g (900g front, 1,030g rear) for our 650b Boost-width samples, they’re competitive on the scales, and the 102t driver gives effectively instant power pick-up. While super-fast freehubs don’t always last well, these have been fine so far. The rims are unscathed after regular rimming-out through rock gardens too, and spoke tension and tracki...