GROUP TEST

Nothing rolls through trouble like a wide-rimmed wheel. We test 15 of the best, from budget alloy to premium carbon

Wheels are an upgrade that makes a huge difference to how your bike rides. We test 15 sets; some alloy, some carbon

The great news is that there’s never been a better selection of wheels available, with wide, tough rims, reasonable weights, fast-reacting freehubs and some impressive warranties. We’ve tested 29in sets, because it’s the size with maximum speed and smoothness potential, but most of the wheels here come in the smaller 650b (‘27.5in’) diameter too.

This test is focused on wider rims (26mm+, internal), because that’s where most development is and they’re the ideal match for the bigger tyres a lot of riders are trying. Having a broad base for your tyre gives it a more stable stance, so you can run lower pressures for better grip without it flopping over, along with more volume, for cushioning ‘float’, and increased protection against rim dings. Wider rims can also be made stiffer laterally while more compliant vertically, often without much extra weight. That said, if you run narrower tyres and are more into climbing than clattering down stuff, then skinnier, lighter wheels are still the way to go.

Always think beyond the simple numbers. Some wheels have a light, responsive rim so feel peppy and brisk to ride, but heavy hubs make their overall weight look chunky. Others may use heavy rims for strength so take some grunt to get going, even if their overall weight looks good.

Hub engagement speed isn’t a simple equation either. A freehub that lets you put down power immediately can feel awesome, but more clicks (particularly in cheaper hubs) often means smaller ratchets and teeth, and a hub that’s more likely to start slipping and stripping than a bigger-toothed equivalent, which can feel gappy but last forever.

Warranty or crash replacement offers can be brilliant for peace of mind, but check the small print, as some make you fork out for postage/labour. And a broken wheel on the first day of a holiday is still a disaster, even if you’ll eventually get it replaced.

Finally, make sure you read our reviews, because, while strength, reliability, price and weight are all important, there have never been more differences between how individual wheels ride. That’s why we’ve spent months working through these 15 sets of hoops, and plenty more that didn’t make the cut.