DT Swiss XR 1501 Spline One 29
The DT Swiss XR 1501 Spline One 29 earns its market-leader spot by pairing ultra-light rim construction with DT's precise Spline hub platform, delivering a fast, responsive ride ideal for cross-country racing. Compared with the more value-oriented rims on this list, it trades a higher purchase price for top-tier bearing durability, lower rotating mass and proven serviceability that XC racers prioritize for speed and reliability in tubeless clincher setups.
Ultra-light hero
Explosive acceleration
Ultra-light hero
Explosive acceleration
Review Summary
"Long-term users praise the DT Swiss XR 1501 Spline One 29 for its exceptional light weight, stiff yet compliant ride, and reliable tubeless bead; common negatives are the high price and occasional creaking with certain hub builds. Overall it performs like a premium XC carbon rim for sustained racing and fast trail miles."
Swiss-precision wink
Full wheelset built around lightweight aluminum rims optimized for cross‑country racing.
Swiss-precision wink
Full wheelset built around lightweight aluminum rims optimized for cross‑country racing.
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Skill Development & Mastery
The DT Swiss XR 1501 Spline One 29 earns its market-leader spot by pairing ultra-light rim construction with DT's precise Spline hub platform, delivering a fast, responsive ride ideal for cross-country racing. Compared with the more value-oriented rims on this list, it trades a higher purchase price for top-tier bearing durability, lower rotating mass and proven serviceability that XC racers prioritize for speed and reliability in tubeless clincher setups.
Ultra-light hero
Explosive acceleration
Swiss-precision wink
Full wheelset built around lightweight aluminum rims optimized for cross‑country racing.
DT Swiss Spline hubs deliver precise engagement and reliable durability on fast trails.
Ultra-light hero
Explosive acceleration
Swiss-precision wink
Full wheelset built around lightweight aluminum rims optimized for cross‑country racing.
DT Swiss Spline hubs deliver precise engagement and reliable durability on fast trails.
$1,200-1,600 CAD
Stan's NoTubes Crest MK4
The Stan's NoTubes Crest MK4 stands out as a best-in-class aluminum tubeless rim for cross-country use thanks to its light-but-strong single-wall design and a bead profile engineered for secure tubeless seating and easy maintenance. It undercuts premium-weight rivals on price while offering exceptional puncture resistance and rim-stick compatibility, making it the go-to practical choice for riders who want near-pro performance without the DT Swiss-level premium cost.
Tubeless-ready charm
Seal-master magic
Tubeless-ready charm
Seal-master magic
Review Summary
"Riders report the Stan's NoTubes Crest MK4 is a very reliable, lightweight alloy tubeless rim with excellent bead retention and easy setup; some note it’s not the stiffest option but offers outstanding value and durability for long-term use. Most owners find it dependable for XC and light trail use."
Low-maintenance grin
Aluminum tubeless‑ready clincher designed for easy tire seating and reliable air retention.
Low-maintenance grin
Aluminum tubeless‑ready clincher designed for easy tire seating and reliable air retention.
Time-Saving Convenience
Recreational Enjoyment
The Stan's NoTubes Crest MK4 stands out as a best-in-class aluminum tubeless rim for cross-country use thanks to its light-but-strong single-wall design and a bead profile engineered for secure tubeless seating and easy maintenance. It undercuts premium-weight rivals on price while offering exceptional puncture resistance and rim-stick compatibility, making it the go-to practical choice for riders who want near-pro performance without the DT Swiss-level premium cost.
Tubeless-ready charm
Seal-master magic
Low-maintenance grin
Aluminum tubeless‑ready clincher designed for easy tire seating and reliable air retention.
Wide internal rim bed improves tire profile and allows lower pressures for better traction.
Tubeless-ready charm
Seal-master magic
Low-maintenance grin
Aluminum tubeless‑ready clincher designed for easy tire seating and reliable air retention.
Wide internal rim bed improves tire profile and allows lower pressures for better traction.
$180-260 CAD
Race Face ARC 30
Race Face ARC 30 is positioned for riders seeking a balance of stiffness and weight savings, offering a rim profile optimized for quick acceleration and confident cornering on XC trails. Compared to the Crest MK4 and EA90 AX which emphasize value and versatility, the ARC 30 delivers a slightly stiffer ride and more aggressive engineering—appealing to racers who want responsive handling without stepping up to the most expensive, race-only options.
Bombproof backbone
Wide-platform confidence
Bombproof backbone
Wide-platform confidence
Review Summary
"The Race Face ARC 30 is regularly praised for its strong, confidence-inspiring construction and tubeless performance, delivering a stiff yet forgiving ride for aggressive XC and light trail riders; a few users call out its slightly higher weight and premium price. It’s regarded as a durable, race-capable carbon option."
Playful aggression
Strong aluminum construction tuned for a stiff, responsive ride on varied XC terrain.
Playful aggression
Strong aluminum construction tuned for a stiff, responsive ride on varied XC terrain.
Recreational Enjoyment
Skill Development & Mastery
Race Face ARC 30 is positioned for riders seeking a balance of stiffness and weight savings, offering a rim profile optimized for quick acceleration and confident cornering on XC trails. Compared to the Crest MK4 and EA90 AX which emphasize value and versatility, the ARC 30 delivers a slightly stiffer ride and more aggressive engineering—appealing to racers who want responsive handling without stepping up to the most expensive, race-only options.
Bombproof backbone
Wide-platform confidence
Playful aggression
Strong aluminum construction tuned for a stiff, responsive ride on varied XC terrain.
Tubeless clincher bead and optimized rim width support modern XC tire sizes and sidewall protection.
Bombproof backbone
Wide-platform confidence
Playful aggression
Strong aluminum construction tuned for a stiff, responsive ride on varied XC terrain.
Tubeless clincher bead and optimized rim width support modern XC tire sizes and sidewall protection.
$600-900 CAD
Mavic Crossmax SL S
The Mavic Crossmax SL S leverages Mavic's rim and wheelbuilding heritage to deliver refined tubeless-ready clincher rims that prioritize reliable sealing, consistent manufacturing tolerances and long-term serviceability. While pricier than budget aluminum options, it offers integrated finish and quality-control advantages over many competitors, making it attractive to riders who value a premium factory spec and long-term resale value in cross-country applications.
Race-focused lightness
Snappy handling
Race-focused lightness
Snappy handling
Review Summary
"Long-term reviewers say the Mavic Crossmax SL S offers good rim strength, consistent build quality, and solid tubeless performance, though some riders expected lighter weight and noted mixed freehub/engagement issues on older models. It’s seen as a competent, slightly conservative cross-country alloy choice."
French-speed swagger
Premium aluminum rim profile focused on low rotating mass and high lateral stiffness for racing.
French-speed swagger
Premium aluminum rim profile focused on low rotating mass and high lateral stiffness for racing.
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Skill Development & Mastery
Recreational Enjoyment
The Mavic Crossmax SL S leverages Mavic's rim and wheelbuilding heritage to deliver refined tubeless-ready clincher rims that prioritize reliable sealing, consistent manufacturing tolerances and long-term serviceability. While pricier than budget aluminum options, it offers integrated finish and quality-control advantages over many competitors, making it attractive to riders who value a premium factory spec and long-term resale value in cross-country applications.
Race-focused lightness
Snappy handling
French-speed swagger
Premium aluminum rim profile focused on low rotating mass and high lateral stiffness for racing.
Tubeless‑ready clincher design with reinforced bead area for durability under hard use.
Race-focused lightness
Snappy handling
French-speed swagger
Premium aluminum rim profile focused on low rotating mass and high lateral stiffness for racing.
Tubeless‑ready clincher design with reinforced bead area for durability under hard use.
$900-1,300 CAD
Easton EA90 AX
The Easton EA90 AX provides a pragmatic blend of light weight, durability and affordability for XC riders who need a dependable tubeless clincher without frills. It competes closely with Stan's on cost-effectiveness but leans more toward a race-oriented rim profile than some value models, giving riders a cost-efficient middle ground between entry-level rims and the highest-performance DT Swiss and Mavic offerings.
Value-packed durability
Predictable tracking
Value-packed durability
Predictable tracking
Review Summary
"Users appreciate the Easton EA90 AX for its balance of weight, stiffness, and reliable tubeless setup at a competitive price, with reports of solid long-term durability for XC and light trail use; a minority mention it lacks the absolute refinement of higher-end carbon rims. Overall it’s viewed as a strong value alloy option."
All-day comfort
Reliable aluminum tubeless clincher offering a strong, cost‑effective platform for XC builds.
All-day comfort
Reliable aluminum tubeless clincher offering a strong, cost‑effective platform for XC builds.
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Recreational Enjoyment
Time-Saving Convenience
The Easton EA90 AX provides a pragmatic blend of light weight, durability and affordability for XC riders who need a dependable tubeless clincher without frills. It competes closely with Stan's on cost-effectiveness but leans more toward a race-oriented rim profile than some value models, giving riders a cost-efficient middle ground between entry-level rims and the highest-performance DT Swiss and Mavic offerings.
Value-packed durability
Predictable tracking
All-day comfort
Reliable aluminum tubeless clincher offering a strong, cost‑effective platform for XC builds.
Balanced internal width supports common XC tire sizes while improving stability and grip.
Value-packed durability
Predictable tracking
All-day comfort
Reliable aluminum tubeless clincher offering a strong, cost‑effective platform for XC builds.
Balanced internal width supports common XC tire sizes while improving stability and grip.
$180-260 CAD