If you plan on engaging in Enduro mountain bike racing, you need the right Enduro tires, right? If you want to outperform others, you need to invest in the best Enduro mountain bike wheels for the competition.
But, what makes the best wheels? We know the lightweight, carbon frame is imperative, but the wheel size, width, and brands, also go a long way in guaranteeing the best riding experience and the best performance during competition.
So, what are the best Enduro mountain bike wheels available? There are many great options to consider when choosing new Enduro racing wheelsets. These are some options you should consider, especially if you plan on competing at the highest level possible.
Nukeproof Horizon (best budget)
This tough, rugged wheelset is available in 650b and 29’’ varieties. The wheels offer rapid freehub engagement and durable rims that won’t dent or nick on trail rides. With the latest model, all six pawls engage simultaneously, leaving only 42 points of engagement on the wheels, for a smoother transition and pedaling on trails.
The wheels also feature pretaped 29 mm rims and the Maxxis EXO+ casing is sturdy for solid riding experience. The tires are light and easy to inflate. The weight (including valves and tape) for the set is about 2,117 grams and the disc-brake system makes it easy to pedal downhill knowing you can easily stop on a dime. It features:
- Shimano driver freehub
- 28.9 mm internal rim width
- 28 front and rear spokes.
The wheelset is available in 27.5’’ and 29’’ and it is tubeless-ready. The carbon wheelset is priced at about $520, making them relatively affordable in a crowded Enduro wheel marketplace.
Synthesis E11 Boost
The wheelset is available in the 27.5’’ variety, holds its speed well, easily tracks lines, and the set has a rearspecific and front-specific design. The front rim of this set has a wider profile; the outer width is 37.5 mm and the inner is 31.55 mm. If you prefer larger, beefier tires, the wider platform is ideal. This front rim has 28 spokes, in contrast to the 32 spokes on the rear wheel. This design helps eliminate vibration damping on trails.
The rear rim is 29.5 mm internally with a 36.5 mm external width. The 32 spokes make for a stiff design profile. Riders can easily track, have more control, and can ride seamlessly on all trail settings. The wheelset boasts 216 points of engagement via the magnetic-ratchet system. A drive ring, instead of a pull-spring operates the pawls, meaning there’s less noise and not as much noticeable drag is felt when biking.
The set features:
- Front and rear design hoops are distinct for a smooth ride
- Project 321 internals
- The narrower rear rim helps reduce rolling resistance and a wider front rim helps boost stability and traction
The carbon-fiber finish and tubeless-ready clincher, make this the ultimate Enduro mountain bike wheelset. The price tag is quite steep as well, at just shy of $2000.
DT Swiss E1900
The lightweight design of this impressive wheelset features smooth bearings and tight spokes, for a great riding experience, even on bumpy trails or rocky terrain. The center lock hub is compatible with any rotor, and the 29’’ wheel size, makes for a smooth-riding/breaking experience, on any downhill expedition. Riders will appreciate the quiet ride, and a comfortable landing spot, on indoor riding tracks or outdoor terrains.
The rim of this wheelset is sleeve-joined and eyelets are used to reinforce them to prevent the spokes from pulling through. They also feature the traditional, three-pawl freehub design, so the freehub can rotate up to 150 before hub engagement. This wheelset’s ratchet has 24 engagement points, and the weight is about 2106 grams. It features an SRAM XD freehub, with a 29.8 mm internal rim width. The spokes are DT Champion with clincher tires. Priced at under $300, this is one of the more affordable options you’ll find when choosing an Enduro wheelset.
101 Enduro S 29
The Enduro 29 wheelset is built in the latest 101 hubs manufactured by Industry-9 and features four different degrees of engagement. It has an Enduro S rim and features 28-J bend steel spokes (not aluminum), to help keep the price tag down for those who are searching for an affordable wheelset.
Six pawls engage and produce 90 points of engagement, and two pawls are always engaged, ensuring excellent performance and power, no matter where you’re riding. The S rims can tackle the toughest terrain, and the 30.5 mm internal width can house tires between 2.3’’ and 2.8’’ in width. They’re compatible with any 6-bolt brake disc, features 28 spokes, and can carry riders weighing up to 250 pounds.
Industry 9 Enduro S
Industry 9’s wheels are 27.5’’. The wheelset is lightweight, yet delivers on the performance you can expect when riding. It’s the first straight-pull steel spoke in the Industry 9 family of wheelsets; this design increases the lateral stiffness of the hubset while also increasing the durability of this product. It features a 60-tooth drivering, 60 points of engagement, and a traditional three-pawl design.
When riding on rough terrain, this wheelset enhances power and performance, as well as increases responsiveness when you need more drive to get uphill. The wheelset features:
- A 30.5 mm inner and 34 mm outer width
- 120-point drivering (quick engagement)
- It is compatible with 2.3’’ up to 2.8’’ tires
- The aluminum wheelset features 32 spokes
- The brake compatibility is a 6-bolt disc, it’s tubeless, and utilizes a Clincher tire design
Conclusion
Depending on whether you prefer 27.5’’ or 29’’ wheelsets, and your budget, these are five solid choices for you to consider when shopping for a new wheelset. These are the best Enduro mountain bike wheels you can find, regardless of your budget, the type of mountain bike you ride, or what kind of modifications you plan on making to your bike, for upcoming Enduro racing, you plan on competing in.