MTB Wheels

MTB wheels for every discipline and riding style

The rim, spokes, and hub with bearings are the 3 elements that make up bicycle wheels. Although they are very simple in structure, MTB wheels come in many variants, specifically designed to meet the riding needs of every rider. Sizes, selected materials, and quality are the 3 characteristics to keep in mind when choosing new wheels for your MTB. Materials, in particular, are extremely important in determining the weight of your MTB. Rims are made from many different materials, both in terms of characteristics and price. The most popular options right now are carbon rims, considered the best choice for strength and lightness. There is no shortage of highly capable, high-performance models made from more classic materials, such as aluminum, which offers savings while still delivering a very competitive product.

The importance of rim diameter: 26, 27.5 and 29

MTB wheels are available in three sizes: 26, 27.5 and 29 inches. The size refers to the diameter and is always measured in inches. Depending on the chosen size, there are pros and cons, allowing you to gain both advantages and a different riding experience. 26-inch MTB wheels are the format on which the discipline was originally conceived. Used by XC professionals until 10 Years ago, they have gradually fallen out of use. This type of rim is still found on smaller bikes and junior models. 29-inch MTB wheels represent the true recent revolution in off-road riding. Larger and taller, they are very effective at overcoming obstacles. Compared with the 27.5 model, they improve traction and speed, especially uphill. These features make them the first choice of XC champions. 27.5-inch MTB wheels, on the other hand, offer greater lightness and handling, two essential advantages when tackling very technical sections. Another advantage is provided in terms of acceleration. For this reason, they are highly regarded in Gravity disciplines. A trend that has been gaining momentum over the last Years, especially in enduro and downhill disciplines, is the mixed setup with a 29-inch wheel at the front and a 27.5-inch wheel at the rear.

Tire width

For every rim, there must be a perfect synergy between the wheel and the tire. This should help deliver maximum performance both uphill and downhill. When what you want is an oversized tire, the MTB wheel must be adjusted accordingly. With an internal width of 30 mm, the rim of the Specialized Roval Traverse 29 Carbon 148 is ready to accommodate an XL tire for tackling the most demanding climbs and descents. For XC, on the other hand, a narrower wheel works perfectly, such as the DT Swiss X 1900 Spline 29 CL Boost with 22.5 mm. The middle ground, finally, is represented by the Mavic Crossmax 22 Boost 6B 29 with an internal width of 25 mm.

MTB Wheels: the most popular brands

- DT Swiss
- Enve
- FSA
- Fulcrum
- Mavic
- Roval
- Shimano
- Specialized