Sun Ringle Mulefut 80 SL Wheelset
The Sun Ringle Mulefut 80 SL is positioned as a purpose-built, high-volume alloy wheelset that prioritizes flotation and long-term durability for fat-bike riding; its wide profile and rugged construction make it an economical choice for riders who need reliable performance in snow and sand. Compared with carbon choices like the HED Big Deal and Race Face Next R31 it delivers a lower upfront cost and easier field serviceability, and it undercuts premium hub-focused options such as Industry Nine on price while offering more width than many DT Swiss alloy alternatives.
80mm float
Stable platform
80mm float
Stable platform
Review Summary
"Long-term users praise the Mulefut 80 SL for its rock-solid durability, wide rim profile and reliable tubeless performance, though many note it's heavier than carbon alternatives and not aimed at racers."
Snow-surf smile
80mm internal rim width for strong flotation in soft snow and sand
Snow-surf smile
80mm internal rim width for strong flotation in soft snow and sand
Recreational Enjoyment
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
The Sun Ringle Mulefut 80 SL is positioned as a purpose-built, high-volume alloy wheelset that prioritizes flotation and long-term durability for fat-bike riding; its wide profile and rugged construction make it an economical choice for riders who need reliable performance in snow and sand. Compared with carbon choices like the HED Big Deal and Race Face Next R31 it delivers a lower upfront cost and easier field serviceability, and it undercuts premium hub-focused options such as Industry Nine on price while offering more width than many DT Swiss alloy alternatives.
80mm float
Stable platform
Snow-surf smile
80mm internal rim width for strong flotation in soft snow and sand
Tubeless-ready alloy rims built to resist impacts and curb strikes
80mm float
Stable platform
Snow-surf smile
80mm internal rim width for strong flotation in soft snow and sand
Tubeless-ready alloy rims built to resist impacts and curb strikes
$900-1400 CAD
HED Big Deal Carbon Wheelset
The HED Big Deal Carbon wheelset is a market-leading carbon option for fat bikes that emphasizes low rotating mass and a stiff ride for riders focused on efficiency and speed in soft-surface conditions. It commands a premium price versus alloy offerings like the Sun Ringle Mulefut and DT Swiss BR 2250 but delivers a clear weight and performance advantage; riders trading durability and service simplicity for lighter carbon performance will find it a stronger technical choice than Race Face's trail-focused carbon and a lighter alternative to hub-centric premium builds from Industry Nine.
Featherweight carbon
Aero roll speed
Featherweight carbon
Aero roll speed
Review Summary
"Riders love the HED Big Deal Carbon for being light, fast and stiff with excellent ride quality, but some users report vulnerability to hard impacts and the high price."
Jetlike swoosh
Full carbon rim construction tuned for stiffness and vibration damping on fat-bike setups
Jetlike swoosh
Full carbon rim construction tuned for stiffness and vibration damping on fat-bike setups
Recreational Enjoyment
Skill Development & Mastery
The HED Big Deal Carbon wheelset is a market-leading carbon option for fat bikes that emphasizes low rotating mass and a stiff ride for riders focused on efficiency and speed in soft-surface conditions. It commands a premium price versus alloy offerings like the Sun Ringle Mulefut and DT Swiss BR 2250 but delivers a clear weight and performance advantage; riders trading durability and service simplicity for lighter carbon performance will find it a stronger technical choice than Race Face's trail-focused carbon and a lighter alternative to hub-centric premium builds from Industry Nine.
Featherweight carbon
Aero roll speed
Jetlike swoosh
Full carbon rim construction tuned for stiffness and vibration damping on fat-bike setups
Very wide rim profile optimized for large-volume tires and low-pressure riding
Featherweight carbon
Aero roll speed
Jetlike swoosh
Full carbon rim construction tuned for stiffness and vibration damping on fat-bike setups
Very wide rim profile optimized for large-volume tires and low-pressure riding
$2,200-3,200 CAD
DT Swiss BR 2250 Classic Wheelset
The DT Swiss BR 2250 Classic is a Swiss-built alloy wheelset known for robust engineering, dependable hubs, and a conservative, long-life design that appeals to riders seeking low total cost of ownership. It sits in the middle of the pack financially—more upmarket than entry alloy options like some Sun Ringle builds yet far less costly than carbon leaders like HED—and offers broad compatibility and easier servicing compared with the higher-engagement, higher-maintenance Industry Nine systems.
Tough alloy rims
Service-friendly hubs
Tough alloy rims
Service-friendly hubs
Review Summary
"The DT Swiss BR 2250 Classic is widely regarded as a dependable, well-built alloy wheelset with smooth hubs and long-term reliability, with a few users mentioning it feels heavier compared to premium carbon options."
Old-school grit
Rugged alloy rims designed for heavy-duty winter and off-road use
Old-school grit
Rugged alloy rims designed for heavy-duty winter and off-road use
Recreational Enjoyment
Time-Saving Convenience
The DT Swiss BR 2250 Classic is a Swiss-built alloy wheelset known for robust engineering, dependable hubs, and a conservative, long-life design that appeals to riders seeking low total cost of ownership. It sits in the middle of the pack financially—more upmarket than entry alloy options like some Sun Ringle builds yet far less costly than carbon leaders like HED—and offers broad compatibility and easier servicing compared with the higher-engagement, higher-maintenance Industry Nine systems.
Tough alloy rims
Service-friendly hubs
Old-school grit
Rugged alloy rims designed for heavy-duty winter and off-road use
Proven DT Swiss hubs known for smooth engagement and straightforward serviceability
Tough alloy rims
Service-friendly hubs
Old-school grit
Rugged alloy rims designed for heavy-duty winter and off-road use
Proven DT Swiss hubs known for smooth engagement and straightforward serviceability
$700-1,000 CAD
Industry Nine Trail S Hydra Fat Bike Wheelset
Industry Nine's Trail S Hydra wheelset stands out for industry-leading hub technology and ultra-fast engagement thanks to the Hydra driver, delivering immediate power transfer and a premium, customizable aesthetic. Although it is typically more expensive than alloy and most carbon rim options, its technical advantage is in hub performance and on-trail responsiveness rather than in rim weight savings, making it the top pick for riders who value engagement and drivetrain feel over the lightest possible rim like the HED Big Deal.
Lightning engagement
Anodized color-pop
Lightning engagement
Anodized color-pop
Review Summary
"Industry Nine Trail S Hydra wheelset consistently gets rave reviews for ultra-smooth, fast-engaging Hydra hubs and premium build quality, with the only common complaints being the steep price and occasional spoke replacement."
Trail-smash wink
Industry Nine Hydra hubs deliver very fast engagement and high torque capacity for technical riding
Trail-smash wink
Industry Nine Hydra hubs deliver very fast engagement and high torque capacity for technical riding
Recreational Enjoyment
Skill Development & Mastery
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Industry Nine's Trail S Hydra wheelset stands out for industry-leading hub technology and ultra-fast engagement thanks to the Hydra driver, delivering immediate power transfer and a premium, customizable aesthetic. Although it is typically more expensive than alloy and most carbon rim options, its technical advantage is in hub performance and on-trail responsiveness rather than in rim weight savings, making it the top pick for riders who value engagement and drivetrain feel over the lightest possible rim like the HED Big Deal.
Lightning engagement
Anodized color-pop
Trail-smash wink
Industry Nine Hydra hubs deliver very fast engagement and high torque capacity for technical riding
Stiff, trail-ready rims paired with reinforced spoke builds for aggressive fat-bike use
Lightning engagement
Anodized color-pop
Trail-smash wink
Industry Nine Hydra hubs deliver very fast engagement and high torque capacity for technical riding
Stiff, trail-ready rims paired with reinforced spoke builds for aggressive fat-bike use
$1,800-2,800 CAD
Race Face Next R31 Wheelset
The Race Face Next R31 offers a carbon-laminated rim design that balances trail-focused stiffness with a competitive price point for riders who want many of the advantages of carbon without the highest premium. While not as wide or flotation-oriented as dedicated fat rims such as the Mulefut 80 SL or the HED Big Deal carbon fat-specific offerings, it provides a middle-ground carbon option with solid stiffness and impact resistance, making it a sensible alternative for riders who prioritize trail performance and value over the ultra-wide flotation characteristics or boutique hub tech of other models.
Full-carbon strength
Trail-focused stiffness
Full-carbon strength
Trail-focused stiffness
Review Summary
"Race Face Next R31 users report a lively, lightweight carbon wheelset that balances stiffness and durability well for trail and fat use, though a minority experienced issues with tubeless setup and durability under extreme abuse."
Root-muncher grin
Lightweight carbon rims aimed at reducing rotating mass for snappier acceleration
Root-muncher grin
Lightweight carbon rims aimed at reducing rotating mass for snappier acceleration
Recreational Enjoyment
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
The Race Face Next R31 offers a carbon-laminated rim design that balances trail-focused stiffness with a competitive price point for riders who want many of the advantages of carbon without the highest premium. While not as wide or flotation-oriented as dedicated fat rims such as the Mulefut 80 SL or the HED Big Deal carbon fat-specific offerings, it provides a middle-ground carbon option with solid stiffness and impact resistance, making it a sensible alternative for riders who prioritize trail performance and value over the ultra-wide flotation characteristics or boutique hub tech of other models.
Full-carbon strength
Trail-focused stiffness
Root-muncher grin
Lightweight carbon rims aimed at reducing rotating mass for snappier acceleration
Mid-wide internal profile (suitable for plus and some light-fat tire setups when paired appropriately)
Full-carbon strength
Trail-focused stiffness
Root-muncher grin
Lightweight carbon rims aimed at reducing rotating mass for snappier acceleration
Mid-wide internal profile (suitable for plus and some light-fat tire setups when paired appropriately)
$1,200-1,800 CAD