5 Best Mountain Bike Wheels Review in 2023 – New Edition
Ready to take your ride to the next level? If so, then upgrading your wheels is the way to go, since it is noticeable enough to improve your smooth usage.
Whether your course may be on an all-mountain, endure, or downhill, you need to find the one that suits your biking experience enough to make your money’s worth.
As a bike enthusiast, you should consider factors such as weight and rims for better acceleration, or material for durability.
With all of your expectations, written below are the best affordable mountain bike wheels that can potentially fit your preference.
Sit tight, relax, and read before you buy!
Mountain Bike Wheels Comparison
| Model | Size | Rim Width | Hub | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AM/Enduro Wheels | 27.5er | 35mm | Powerway Hub M81 | Check Price |
| Boost Wheels | 27.5er/650B | 35/40mm | Novatec Hub | Check Price |
| 29er Boost Wheels | 29er | 35/40mm | Novatec Hub | Check Price |
| XC/Trail White Industries | 29er | 27mm/22mm | WHITEINDUSTRIES-CLD | Check Price |
| Chris King Hub Wheels | 29er | 24mm | CHRIS KING | Check Price |
Best Mountain Bike Wheels Review in 2023
In buying, you deserve the high-quality top deals that there are while staying within your budget. To help you, here are the best value mountain bike wheels worth trying;
#1. 27.5er AM/Enduro Wheels
Not all wheels and tracks are created equal, and if you prefer an enduro-type of mountain trail, then ICAN produced a product that can cater to your fast and smooth usage needs!
Aside from being well-known in the biking industry, the pure carbon fiber Toray T700 ensures its durability while maintaining its lightweight design.
Being 27.5 inches wheelset 35mm wide, it can fast track your path and upgrade your mountain bike experience.
The product improves your usage skills, making it go precisely as you want it to.
Moreover, the tubeless-ready wheelset makes it better than any other aluminum wheels!
Also, its black design can fit nicely into your bike frame aesthetics while ensuring its par function.
The sealed bearing Powerway hubs can provide into your rims, with a choice of either SRAM XD driver or Shimano freehub depending on your frame.
It comes with one set of skewer freebies, giving you a head start on your improved biking experience!
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CONS
Latest Guide: Top Fat Bike Wheelset
#2. 27.5er Boost Wheels
Some bikers prefer more rigidness and stability that can partner with their skills. With another variety from ICAN, this boost wheelset guarantees stiffness within the usage and accentuates your expertise.
Like the previous wheel, the 27.5er boost wheel is made of Toray T700 carbon fiber, which ensures its strength and lightweight feature despite the size.
However, the product sets it apart in terms of preference, since the boost design comes with widened hubs for a more rigid approach, giving you the power of control in biking.
The Novatec hubs come with a variety of either SRAM XD driver or Shimano freehub to fit your frame.
Moreover, the tubeless-ready frame also contributes to speed as you paddle away toward your victory!
It comes with 35mm and 40 mm rim widths, ensuring that it can fit your bike effortlessly.
The package comes with one set of skewers and one set of a wheelset, a 2-in-1 deal!
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#3. 29er Boost Wheels 35/40mm
Find yourself getting stuck in humps and obstacles? With the larger 29er boost wheels, your problems can be solved with the needed height and control!
Aside from speed and accuracy, it gives you leeway on the road while eliminating the hindrances that can potentially stop you in your tracks.
Like most products from ICAN, the durability and strength are tested with its pure Toray T700 carbon fiber.
In it, long-lasting usage is ensured, getting your money’s worth. Moreover, its carbon rims have a UD Matt finish and are available in either 35mm or 40mm, which can fit depending on your frame of preference.
The product also comes in a package of 1 set of wheelsets with an additional 1 set of skewers, which backs up its reliability and value.
Another plus side is its tubeless-ready wheels! It helps you in your grip without puncture consequences, making you last on the road longer.
Like the first two products, it is equipped with Novatec sealed bearing boost hubs and gives you the choice of either Shimano freehub or SRAM XD driver.
The variety is ensured to fit most bikes as much as possible and match each owner’s preference. A perfect investment for professional bikers!
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Related Guide: Good Mountain Bike Frame
#4. 29er XC/Trail White Industries
Looking for the best value mountain bike wheels that can handle track diversity? The ICAN 29er Trail wheel is a great candidate!
It can take any road trail since it is designed with the aim of versatility. The product can handle quick rides or long-term biking experiences!
With a carbon tubeless-ready wheel, you are guaranteed to have a lightweight design while having high-quality material.
Specifically, like most wheelsets produced by the manufacturer, it is made of pure carbon fiber Toray T700.
However, the feature that sets it apart from the previous products is its narrower rim, specifically 24mm depth and 27mm external. This provides a better grip while still providing a smooth ride along the way.
The front and rear hub of it is backed up by White Industries, a well-known brand for its robust and long-lasting products.
Specifically, it has sealed cartridge bearings that can either be Shimano or Sram XD driver.
Moreover, the spoke type is Sapim CX Tray, which provides an aerodynamic advantage.
It allows you to showcase your skills and prevent the extraneous factors that may lead you otherwise.
The package comes with one wheelset with an additional set of thru-axle. It is a wheel that is designed for bike professionals and enthusiasts!
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#5. 29er Chris King Hub Wheels
While upgrading, you need to ensure that you get the best budget mountain bike wheels. Look no more!
With ICAN 29er wheels, you get high-quality products that are worth every usage on the road!
The hubs are made explicitly by Chris King, known for their well-built components and optimal efficiency.
Specifically, the sealed cartridge bearings can either have a rear of Shimano or Sram XD driver.
Its rim material is also made of pure carbon Toray T700, like most products produced by ICAN, and is well-known for its strength and long-lasting usage.
The depth of its rim is 24mm with 27mm external, ideal for long and smooth rides.
Each wheelset is assembled hand-built, which minimizes the possibility of error in production.
The carbon tubeless-ready frame makes it faster while on the tracks, ideal for biking tournaments or roundtrips.
Its recommended tire sizes are 2.1 to 2.3 inches, and the package comes with 1 set of wheelset and an extra 1 set of thru-axle.
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What to Look for Before Buying
While taking your next step toward your biking experience, you need to make sure that you get the most reliable and the best wheel.
To know the key features that you need while choosing the wheel for you, here are some options—
Type of Rider
Your wheels should depend on what type of biker you are since it will partner with your skills along the way.
For those that are prone to all-mountain tracks, the durability of your wheels is needed, as well as its lightweight capacity.
Meanwhile, you should prioritize the strength over its weight, or balance both as much as possible for downhill or enduro.
If you are known to be an aggressive rider, a well-built with a high spoke count such as 32 spokes, is your wheel of choice.
Durability and Reliability
In your first months of usage, all the benefits are indeed experienced. However, it would be best if you aimed in the long run.
You should check if the material is not prone to rust and are durable enough to handle long rides, especially if you are often on the road.
Investing in known brands can guarantee its long-lasting capability and come in handy in spare parts availability.
Carbon vs. Aluminum
Both are the usual material in a wheelset. Carbon gives you more control and sturdy balance with the lightweight feature.
Its rims are also not prone to damage and would not show any bumps or dents than aluminum.
Meanwhile, if control and weight do not concern you, aluminum rims are known to have a more affordable price, and it is best to lean towards known manufacturers.
Tubes vs. Tubeless
With both being offered in the market, the one being better is subjective to your preference.
Tubeless is known as lighter and can self-seal small punctures, which is ideal for prolonged usage.
However, if you are looking for a cheaper alternative, the tubes are also a great choice, especially for the replacement aspect, but they can be more prone to puncture and needs more control than tubeless.
Axle Type
A wider axle width improves the stiffness or control. The wider hubs also lead to a wider angle, which implies more robust and smooth wheels.
For hubs with standard boost spacing, the usual products are 148mm wide.
The measurement for super-boost hubs is usually 157mm wide.
As you know, the higher width, the stronger the wheels, but you need to ensure that the type and width fit your frame.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are carbon material wheels faster than those of aluminum?
Yes, due to the lightweight and stiffer wheels. It contributes to the speed, acceleration, and usage or handling of the biker.
2. Can I replace a mountain bike frame with road wheels?
Yes, however, it is skinnier and has smaller rims compared to mountain bike tires.
3. How long should bike wheels last?
It can last for over 20 years, depending on your maintenance, longevity of usage, and tracks.
As long as you carefully observe its maintenance procedure, it is guaranteed to last long.
4. How do I measure my tire wheel size?
Place the end of the tape measure in the center of the bike wheel, then extend until the outer part is reached. Double the inch measurement to get the diameter.
5. What is the maximum weight a bike can carry?
The bike can carry up to 220 pounds on average. If you need a bike that can handle more weight, there are available options for those designed for the heaviness of handling.
Final Words
Before you take your bike down the road, investing in affordable mountain bike wheels can showcase your skills and make your ride last longer.
Know the type of track you are leaning towards and find the right one from the variety.
Need an upgrade to engage in a more professional biking experience? Consider the wheels candidate, know the features, and buy one now!