The Core Components: Rims, Hubs, and Spokes
Every mountain bike wheel is a system of three key parts working in harmony. Understanding each one is the key to choosing the perfect wheelset for your needs.
1. Rims: Your Connection to the Trail
The rim is the foundation of your wheel's character. Its material and dimensions dictate the ride feel, strength, and weight.
- Carbon vs. Alloy: This is the biggest decision. Carbon rims offer unmatched stiffness and low weight for a responsive, fast-rolling ride. Modern alloy rims provide a more compliant feel and incredible durability at a lower price point. To learn more, read our deep dive on Carbon vs. Alloy Rims.
- Rim Width: A wider internal rim width provides better support for your tire, leading to increased traction and cornering stability. We recommend 28-32mm for most trail and enduro riding.
Ready to explore? Check out our complete Shop Our Rims landing page to browse by material, size, or brand.
2. Hubs: The Heart of Your Wheelset
The hub is the powerhouse of your wheelset, responsible for engagement, durability, and even the sound your bike makes. The key features to consider are the freehub mechanism and the overall design philosophy.
- Engagement Speed: Measured in degrees, this is how quickly the hub engages when you start pedaling. A hub with fast engagement (like an Industry Nine Hydra with its 0.52° engagement) feels incredibly responsive on technical climbs. A hub with a more deliberate feel (like a DT Swiss 350 with its Star Ratchet) is known for its legendary, bombproof reliability.
- The Sound of Silence: Many riders prefer a loud, high-engagement buzz, but others seek the unique experience of a silent hub. A silent hub, like the Onyx Vesper, uses a sprag clutch mechanism instead of pawls or ratchets. This provides not only instant engagement but also a completely silent coasting experience, allowing you to hear nothing but your tires on the trail. It's a unique and immersive ride feel that many riders fall in love with.
Explore the options: Browse our complete Bicycle Hubs Collection to find the perfect engine for your wheels.
3. Spokes: The Unsung Heroes
Spokes are what hold the entire system together, managing immense tension to create a strong and resilient structure. The type of spoke you choose affects the wheel's weight, ride feel, and aerodynamics.
- Double-Butted Spokes: These are the workhorse of high-performance wheel building. They are thinner in the middle and thicker at the ends (where the stress is highest), which saves weight without sacrificing strength. A classic example is the Sapim D-Light or Race. For most custom builds, we recommend butted spokes for the perfect balance of performance and value.
- Bladed (Aero) Spokes: These spokes are flattened in the center, like the legendary Sapim CX-Ray. While they offer a small aerodynamic advantage, their real strength lies in their exceptional fatigue resistance, making them incredibly durable and long-lasting under high tension.
- BERD PolyLight™ Spokes: The cutting edge of spoke technology. These are made from an advanced polymer fiber called UHMWPE, making them the lightest spokes in the world. They offer unparalleled vibration damping for a smoother ride and a massive reduction in rotational weight. They are the ultimate choice for a premium, lightweight build.
Ready to Build Your Perfect Wheelset?
Choosing the right wheels comes down to matching the components to your riding style and budget. If you're ready to experience the ultimate in performance and personalization, head over to our interactive Custom Wheel Builder.
Have questions? We're a team of passionate builders, and we're here to help. Contact us for an expert recommendation.