The wheels, on an MTB bike, are crucial as they are the only elements of connection with the road. They condition the behavior of the machine. So, whatever its practice (cycle touring, cyclospora, or pure competition), it is vital not to be mistaken.
Are we going to strengthen in the plains, on hilly roads, or in the mountains? What is its pace and level? Disc or pad braking? It is necessary to ask the right questions. Here, we offer the top 6 best MTB wheels and a buying guide for the right bicycle wheels for you.
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Top 6 Best MTB Wheels For Your Bike
Top 1: Mavic Crossride Mountain Wheelset
Created in 1889 in Lyon, MAVIC has become one of the world leaders in bicycle wheels. Present at all levels of the range, the brand offers quality products with recognized longevity. These MTB tires are proof of this reputation.
It is ideal for beginners and training experienced cyclists. These wheels that come with tires will even suit moped riders. As being robust and rigid, they will accumulate kilometers in all conditions and on all terrains. People praise them and prove to be indestructible.
The S6000 aluminum alloy rims (21mm profile) support tires up to 32mm. It is a real plus in terms of comfort. These rims are strong, with beautiful inertia.
The 20 radial spokes at the front give this wheel good rigidity, for optimized aerodynamics and unparalleled handling. At the front, the 20 spokes crossed in pairs provide exceptional lateral rigidity that ensures excellent transmission of force. The QRM sealed bearing aluminum hubs complete the device.
Pros
- Lateral rigidity
- Quality of the hubs
- Profile of the rim
- Ability to line up kilometers
- Reasonable price
Cons
- Reserved only for training, winter events, and cycle touring
Top 2: DT Swiss 1800 Spline Wheel
Founded in 1994 by former executives of a wire-drawing mill, DT Swiss is a specialist in bicycle wheels in both medium and high range. This DT Swiss 1800 plays the card of versatility.
They have designed the 32mm profile aluminum rim to accept tires from 700x25mm. The quality of the assembly, the in-house DT Swiss 350 hub, and the spokes also contribute to the expression of this versatility.
Weighing 1739g per pair without tires, these wheels display a remarkable balance between inertia and dynamism, thanks to the well-thought-out lateral stiffness. They can accumulate the kilometers throughout the season, on all terrains, whether for dynamic training. They include in the mountains or for the races at the start of the season.
If this DT Swiss 1800 is for tubeless tires, it emphasizes Tubeless compatibility. It is a real plus in terms of versatility, especially on solo training rides.
Pros
- Lateral rigidity
- Quality of the hubs
- Profile of the rim
- Ability to line up the kilometers
- High versatility
- High quality of assembly
Cons
- Expensive
Top 3: Superteam Carbon Fiber Road Bike Wheel
Superteam offers a complete road rage. In the middle of the range, Superteam MTB wheels offer remarkable qualities at a level of quality that is close to the top of the range, thanks to a CNC finish and the most beautiful effect.
The aluminum rim is wider than average, allowing it to accept tires from 700×25 to 700x35mm. It differentiates the profile to improve the general aerodynamics of the bike. And it goes toward versatility. Most riders will use it in training.
Designed for performance on all terrains, without compromising on comfort or reliability, they adopt 16 radial spokes at the front and 21 spokes at the rear. The hubs are aluminum with oversized flanges.
The assembly offers a very good level of lateral stiffness, coupled with a good level of inertia. With a remarkable 1570g on the scale, these Superteam MTB wheels will delight the most demanding cyclists.
Pros
- Lateral rigidity
- Quality of the hubs
- Differentiated profile
- Quality of relaunch
- Ability to long distances
- Low weight
Cons
- Too versatile
Top 4: Aeromax Alloy Wheelset For Your MTB
Being an undisputed specialist in bicycle wheels, the Aeromax wheelset is a unifying model. Indeed, the brand has been popular both in training and in racing. Made of Maxtal aluminum, these wheels have wide rims with an asymmetrical profile. It comes with 18 radial spokes, flat and constrained, at the front; and 20 spokes, Isopulse, flat and constrained, at the rear.
The hubs are in sealed aluminum for exceptional rolling qualities. The asymmetric profile, but reduced, allows the bike to show a remarkable nervousness. Controlled lateral stiffness allows sharp relaunches and efficient acceleration. Sprinters and punchers, and pure climbers, will know how to take advantage of this.
In training, on all terrains, and in all conditions, these wheels will know how to handle the kilometers without history, especially since this recent version has been designed for Tubeless. It delivers the wheels with a syringe and preventive liquid.
Pros
- Controlled lateral stiffness
- Quality of the hubs
- Differentiated profile
- Relaunch qualities
- Low weight
Cons
- Only available in black
Top 5: DT Swiss M582 MTB Wheelset Tubeless
The Swiss manufacturer, DT Swiss, has an M582 model built for performance. You can notice it immediately when you glance at the rim and the ceramic Oxic braking surface. It optimizes in all weather, especially in wet weather.
The rim is aluminum. With an internal width of 18c, it allows the use of tubeless tires from 700×25 to 700×38. Two profiles are available in 21 mm and 32 mm to meet the needs of almost all cyclists. It is efficient on a good deal of terrain, with lateral stiffness or greater or lesser inertia.
There are amazing features for everyone, especially over long distances or in the mountains, both in mountain passes and in the most technical descents. There are 20 DT Aero Comp radial spokes and 24 DT Aero Comp spokes. The hubs are DT Swiss 240 with recognized rolling qualities.
Pros
- Exceptional braking qualities
- Quality of the hubs
- Lateral rigidity
- Excellent inertia
- Low weight
Cons
- Expensive
Top 6: SunRise Carbon Fiber Wheelset
In terms of aluminum clincher wheels, SunRise is undoubtedly one benchmark on the market. At the top of the manufacturer’s range, this wheelset optimizes the transmission of energy to the ground, while providing excellent handling. Competitors will appreciate it.
The SunRise aluminum rims have an internal width of 17mm (17c). It allows the use of tires from 700×25 to 700×35 mm. The brake track is aluminum for optimized deceleration in all conditions, including in the rain or at high speed.
It differentiates the profile (27 mm at the front and 30 mm at the rear) for an excellent compromise between inertia and nervousness. The spokes, aeros, and radials, are 16 in number at the front. At the rear, there are 21 spokes arranged three by three. The hubs are aluminum with oversized flanges.
Pros
- Quality/price ratio without actual competition
- Quality of the hubs
- Compromise inertia/dynamism
- High quality of assembly
Cons
- Too consensual
Why Should Buy MTB Wheels
The wheels of a mountain bicycle have a crucial role in the overall performance. They are the ones that transmit the force that moves the bike forward. They are also the ones in contact with the road. It is not always smooth, so you need the best mountain bike wheels to deal with it.
Who Should Buy MTB Wheels
The performance of the cyclist goes through his calves. But we consider that it transmits this power to the machine by a link of man, machine, and road. A road that goes up and down, with surfaces of various kinds, wind from the front and sometimes from the side. The fight is always uneven for the cyclist.
Wanting to drive at a certain speed or maintain a certain average requires producing a power capable of overcoming three forms of resistance. They are unequal resistance because of gravity, resistance due to air, and resistance because of other frictions. For each of these forms of resistance, there is a set of factors, some depend on your ability or the choices you will make.
Best MTB Wheels FAQs
How to choose the MTB wheels?
At the level of the rim, it can be aluminum or carbon but with a low rim profile. The less material there is, the lower the weight. We are talking about a rim with a profile of 15 to 30mm. Some 35mm carbon wheels behave well in terms of weight and feel, with a certain versatility of terrain.
In terms of the spokes, the combination must be between rigidity and lightness. Carbon spokes are the pinnacle, but involve constraints in terms of maintenance, change, and repair. Likewise, prices are soaring. The low number of spokes also affects the overall weight of the wheel.
On the hub side, you can opt for 100% carbon or carbon/titanium hubs. The weight gain is effective, but the prices are skyrocketing.
Which section of the tire to climb the passes?
If many manufacturers have proven that wide section tires provide more comfort without penalizing performance. The fact remains that the weight is more substantial! As a result, manufacturers also adapt the section widths of the rim profiles. For the mountain, a rise of 23 or 25mm seems more judicious to us.
Tubular or tubeless?
It is a quarrel of specialists which rebounds with tubeless. How to navigate an avalanche of peremptory statements with so many criteria: weight, resistance to punctures, watts consumed, comfort, and wear. They are impossible to quantify to support an aim conclusion.
