The Race Face Next R31 offers a balanced midweight carbon design that prioritizes impact resistance and lateral stiffness, giving aggressive XC riders confidence on rougher terrain without the cost of ultra-light race wheels. It sits between the ultra-light DT Swiss and the budget-friendly Stan’s in both price and performance, delivering strong day-to-day durability and value for riders who want a performance edge on mixed courses.
Carbon punch - power pop
Trail-grip width - hugs ground
Carbon punch - power pop
Trail-grip width - hugs ground
Review Summary
"Very light and responsive carbon wheelset that accelerates and climbs exceptionally well; many users enjoy the ride but some report durability concerns under heavy use and high replacement costs."
Crash-tolerant strength - bounce back
Full-carbon rim layup focused on high lateral stiffness for powerful sprints and technical climbs.
Crash-tolerant strength - bounce back
Full-carbon rim layup focused on high lateral stiffness for powerful sprints and technical climbs.
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Recreational Enjoyment
Skill Development & Mastery
The Race Face Next R31 offers a balanced midweight carbon design that prioritizes impact resistance and lateral stiffness, giving aggressive XC riders confidence on rougher terrain without the cost of ultra-light race wheels. It sits between the ultra-light DT Swiss and the budget-friendly Stan’s in both price and performance, delivering strong day-to-day durability and value for riders who want a performance edge on mixed courses.
Carbon punch - power pop
Trail-grip width - hugs ground
Crash-tolerant strength - bounce back
Full-carbon rim layup focused on high lateral stiffness for powerful sprints and technical climbs.
Generous internal width (R31) supports modern XC and aggressive tire profiles for better traction.
Carbon punch - power pop
Trail-grip width - hugs ground
Crash-tolerant strength - bounce back
Full-carbon rim layup focused on high lateral stiffness for powerful sprints and technical climbs.
Generous internal width (R31) supports modern XC and aggressive tire profiles for better traction.
$1,300-1,800 CAD
DT Swiss M 1900 Spline 27.5+ Wheelset is positioned as the market leader for riders who want robust spline hub technology and proven long-term serviceability in a 27.5+ wheel package, trading a bit more weight for bulletproof engagement and global parts support. In the Plus Tire Complete Wheel Assemblies comparison it commands a premium over Race Face and WTB, but its technical advantage—high-quality hubs and reliable spare-part availability—represents a sensible financial tradeoff for riders who value low maintenance and longevity.
Rock-solid durability
Swiss-precision hubs
Rock-solid durability
Swiss-precision hubs
Review Summary
"The DT Swiss M 1900 Spline is consistently lauded for its robust build and excellent hub engagement, making it a favorite for aggressive trail and enduro use; users note it’s heavier than carbon alternatives but extremely durable and serviceable."
Tubeless-friendly grin
Strong alloy rim profile engineered to withstand aggressive trail and plus-tire impacts.
Tubeless-friendly grin
Strong alloy rim profile engineered to withstand aggressive trail and plus-tire impacts.
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Recreational Enjoyment
DT Swiss M 1900 Spline 27.5+ Wheelset is positioned as the market leader for riders who want robust spline hub technology and proven long-term serviceability in a 27.5+ wheel package, trading a bit more weight for bulletproof engagement and global parts support. In the Plus Tire Complete Wheel Assemblies comparison it commands a premium over Race Face and WTB, but its technical advantage—high-quality hubs and reliable spare-part availability—represents a sensible financial tradeoff for riders who value low maintenance and longevity.
Rock-solid durability
Swiss-precision hubs
Tubeless-friendly grin
Strong alloy rim profile engineered to withstand aggressive trail and plus-tire impacts.
Reliable DT Swiss hub platform with serviceable bearings and proven durability.
Rock-solid durability
Swiss-precision hubs
Tubeless-friendly grin
Strong alloy rim profile engineered to withstand aggressive trail and plus-tire impacts.
Reliable DT Swiss hub platform with serviceable bearings and proven durability.
The Race Face Turbine R is a rider-focused alloy enduro wheelset known for its stout rim profile and practical reliability on long, rough days in the mountains. It delivers a strong price-to-performance ratio versus premium hub-driven sets here and undercuts many carbon options while offering a wider internal rim that better supports modern enduro tires for improved traction and sidewall support.
Lightweight punch
Impact-tamed rim
Lightweight punch
Impact-tamed rim
Review Summary
"The Race Face Turbine R is lauded for its stout, durable build and predictable performance on rough trails, making it a favorite for aggressive riders. Users note it’s a bit on the heavy side but delivers strong value and reliability for enduro riding."
Turbine roar
Cost-effective alloy wheelset with reinforced bead walls designed for hard landings and trail abuse.
Turbine roar
Cost-effective alloy wheelset with reinforced bead walls designed for hard landings and trail abuse.
Recreational Enjoyment
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
The Race Face Turbine R is a rider-focused alloy enduro wheelset known for its stout rim profile and practical reliability on long, rough days in the mountains. It delivers a strong price-to-performance ratio versus premium hub-driven sets here and undercuts many carbon options while offering a wider internal rim that better supports modern enduro tires for improved traction and sidewall support.
Lightweight punch
Impact-tamed rim
Turbine roar
Cost-effective alloy wheelset with reinforced bead walls designed for hard landings and trail abuse.
Tubeless-ready design and modern rim width suited to wide enduro tires for improved stability.
Lightweight punch
Impact-tamed rim
Turbine roar
Cost-effective alloy wheelset with reinforced bead walls designed for hard landings and trail abuse.
Tubeless-ready design and modern rim width suited to wide enduro tires for improved stability.
Chromag Phase30 DH Wheelset
The Chromag Phase30 DH wheelset is the boutique, rider-focused choice, prized for its hand-built attention, reinforced DH-oriented construction and premium finish—making it ideal for riders who want a specialized, bombproof setup. While typically pricier than mass-market alternatives, its bespoke build quality and stoutness deliver a technical advantage for aggressive downhill use compared with broader-market offerings like the Atlas 30 or Spike Race 33.
Heritage alloy muscle
Wide DH footprint
Heritage alloy muscle
Wide DH footprint
Review Summary
"Purpose-built DH wheelset noted for exceptional stiffness and reliability under hard use; buyers appreciate the ride feel and toughness but mention the added weight and premium price."
Retro swagger
Phase30 rims engineered for downhill use with thick walls and a tubeless-ready bead.
Retro swagger
Phase30 rims engineered for downhill use with thick walls and a tubeless-ready bead.
Recreational Enjoyment
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
The Chromag Phase30 DH wheelset is the boutique, rider-focused choice, prized for its hand-built attention, reinforced DH-oriented construction and premium finish—making it ideal for riders who want a specialized, bombproof setup. While typically pricier than mass-market alternatives, its bespoke build quality and stoutness deliver a technical advantage for aggressive downhill use compared with broader-market offerings like the Atlas 30 or Spike Race 33.
Heritage alloy muscle
Wide DH footprint
Retro swagger
Phase30 rims engineered for downhill use with thick walls and a tubeless-ready bead.
30mm internal width supports high-volume tires for traction and stability at speed.
Heritage alloy muscle
Wide DH footprint
Retro swagger
Phase30 rims engineered for downhill use with thick walls and a tubeless-ready bead.
30mm internal width supports high-volume tires for traction and stability at speed.
$850-1200 CAD
Race Face Aeffect R30 29er Wheelset
The Race Face Aeffect R30 29er wheelset is an aluminum, tubeless-ready Boost assembly built for aggressive trail riders who want a durable, value-oriented package. It earns its spot by balancing a stout alloy rim and dependable hubs at a price point below many premium options, offering a better cost-to-performance ratio than the DT Swiss and Stan's alternatives while being lighter and more race-focused than Shimano's more utility-oriented WH-MT501. For riders who want a rugged, serviceable Boost 29er wheelset without paying for high-end hub tech, the Aeffect R30 is a smart financial and technical compromise.
Bombproof rim
Light-climb pop
Bombproof rim
Light-climb pop
Review Summary
"Users say the Race Face Aeffect R30 29er wheelset offers excellent value with a wide, durable 30mm internal rim that sets up tubeless easily; it's a bit heavier than premium wheels but praised for strength and consistent performance over time."
Grin-inducing stiffness
30 mm internal-width aluminum rim built for modern 29er trail tires and Boost spacing.
Grin-inducing stiffness
30 mm internal-width aluminum rim built for modern 29er trail tires and Boost spacing.
Recreational Enjoyment
Skill Development & Mastery
The Race Face Aeffect R30 29er wheelset is an aluminum, tubeless-ready Boost assembly built for aggressive trail riders who want a durable, value-oriented package. It earns its spot by balancing a stout alloy rim and dependable hubs at a price point below many premium options, offering a better cost-to-performance ratio than the DT Swiss and Stan's alternatives while being lighter and more race-focused than Shimano's more utility-oriented WH-MT501. For riders who want a rugged, serviceable Boost 29er wheelset without paying for high-end hub tech, the Aeffect R30 is a smart financial and technical compromise.
Bombproof rim
Light-climb pop
Grin-inducing stiffness
30 mm internal-width aluminum rim built for modern 29er trail tires and Boost spacing.
Tubeless-ready bead design with durable 6061 alloy construction for daily riding.
Bombproof rim
Light-climb pop
Grin-inducing stiffness
30 mm internal-width aluminum rim built for modern 29er trail tires and Boost spacing.
Tubeless-ready bead design with durable 6061 alloy construction for daily riding.
$500-700 CAD
Race Face Aeffect R 29 Wheelset
The Race Face Aeffect R 29 is a value-oriented, heavy-duty aluminum wheelset built for aggressive trail and enduro-style riding on non-boost spacing bikes; its focus is on durability and reliability rather than marginal weight savings. Compared with the lighter, tubeless-optimized Stan's or the premium Mavic Crossmax, the Aeffect R usually offers a lower upfront cost and more impact-resistant construction, making it an appealing choice for riders prioritizing toughness and lower replacement expense over podium-level performance.
Wide bed hugs tires — cozy grip
Stiff alloy feel — sprint-happy
Wide bed hugs tires — cozy grip
Stiff alloy feel — sprint-happy
Review Summary
"The Race Face Aeffect R is commonly recommended as a robust, affordable alloy wheelset offering good stiffness and value for trail and enduro riders, but reviewers mention it’s relatively heavy and may need truing after heavy use. Buyers appreciate the price-to-performance ratio despite occasional spoke or alignment tweaks."
Race-ready durability — knocks with pride
Sturdy double-wall aluminum rims built for aggressive trail and enduro-style riding and tubeless-ready.
Race-ready durability — knocks with pride
Sturdy double-wall aluminum rims built for aggressive trail and enduro-style riding and tubeless-ready.
Recreational Enjoyment
Skill Development & Mastery
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
The Race Face Aeffect R 29 is a value-oriented, heavy-duty aluminum wheelset built for aggressive trail and enduro-style riding on non-boost spacing bikes; its focus is on durability and reliability rather than marginal weight savings. Compared with the lighter, tubeless-optimized Stan's or the premium Mavic Crossmax, the Aeffect R usually offers a lower upfront cost and more impact-resistant construction, making it an appealing choice for riders prioritizing toughness and lower replacement expense over podium-level performance.
Wide bed hugs tires — cozy grip
Stiff alloy feel — sprint-happy
Race-ready durability — knocks with pride
Sturdy double-wall aluminum rims built for aggressive trail and enduro-style riding and tubeless-ready.
Sealed-bearing hubs compatible with non-Boost axle standards and common Shimano/SRAM freehub bodies.
Wide bed hugs tires — cozy grip
Stiff alloy feel — sprint-happy
Race-ready durability — knocks with pride
Sturdy double-wall aluminum rims built for aggressive trail and enduro-style riding and tubeless-ready.
Sealed-bearing hubs compatible with non-Boost axle standards and common Shimano/SRAM freehub bodies.
$350-500 CAD
The Stan's NoTubes Flow MK4 29 is a market-leading aluminum wheel assembly for aggressive 29-inch trail use, optimized around tubeless performance with a wide rim profile that supports supple tire casing and low pressures. It typically undercuts premium hubbed offerings on price while delivering superior tubeless reliability and punchy ride compliance compared with narrower rims like the Race Face Aeffect R and WTB KOM, making it a strong pick for riders prioritizing traction and comfort. Technically, Stan's TLR/NoTubes expertise gives it a tubeless advantage that reduces the need for sealant top-ups and lowers field maintenance costs versus less tubeless-focused builds.
Tubeless champion
Wide-grip traction
Tubeless champion
Wide-grip traction
Review Summary
"The Stan's NoTubes Flow MK4 29 is widely praised for its strong, tubeless-ready rim profile and excellent ride quality, favored by riders who want a durable all-mountain wheel. Long-term users note it's a bit heavier than carbon but offers outstanding puncture resistance and rim strength."
Sealant-friendly magic
Wide Flow MK4 alloy rim shape optimized for modern 29" tyres and improved tire support.
Sealant-friendly magic
Wide Flow MK4 alloy rim shape optimized for modern 29" tyres and improved tire support.
Recreational Enjoyment
Time-Saving Convenience
Skill Development & Mastery
The Stan's NoTubes Flow MK4 29 is a market-leading aluminum wheel assembly for aggressive 29-inch trail use, optimized around tubeless performance with a wide rim profile that supports supple tire casing and low pressures. It typically undercuts premium hubbed offerings on price while delivering superior tubeless reliability and punchy ride compliance compared with narrower rims like the Race Face Aeffect R and WTB KOM, making it a strong pick for riders prioritizing traction and comfort. Technically, Stan's TLR/NoTubes expertise gives it a tubeless advantage that reduces the need for sealant top-ups and lowers field maintenance costs versus less tubeless-focused builds.
Tubeless champion
Wide-grip traction
Sealant-friendly magic
Wide Flow MK4 alloy rim shape optimized for modern 29" tyres and improved tire support.
Factory-built wheelset with Stan's hubs and proven tubeless bead design for easy sealing and lower pressures.
Tubeless champion
Wide-grip traction
Sealant-friendly magic
Wide Flow MK4 alloy rim shape optimized for modern 29" tyres and improved tire support.
Factory-built wheelset with Stan's hubs and proven tubeless bead design for easy sealing and lower pressures.
The Shimano XT WH-M8120 27.5 pairs Shimano's reliable hub engineering with a durable alloy rim to offer dependable engagement, wide freehub compatibility and industry-leading service support for 27.5-inch disc wheels. Its technical strengths in proven internals and dealer backing make it a practical high-tier choice that is typically less boutique-expensive than Industry Nine yet more performance-focused than basic entry models.
Precision shifting hubs
Durable alloy rims
Precision shifting hubs
Durable alloy rims
Review Summary
"Shimano XT WH-M8120 27.5 wheels are commonly lauded for rock-solid reliability, smooth Shimano hubs and excellent serviceability, with the only frequent downsides being modest weight compared with premium carbon options."
Smooth braking feel
Shimano XT-level hub design offering proven durability and smooth operation
Smooth braking feel
Shimano XT-level hub design offering proven durability and smooth operation
Skill Development & Mastery
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Recreational Enjoyment
The Shimano XT WH-M8120 27.5 pairs Shimano's reliable hub engineering with a durable alloy rim to offer dependable engagement, wide freehub compatibility and industry-leading service support for 27.5-inch disc wheels. Its technical strengths in proven internals and dealer backing make it a practical high-tier choice that is typically less boutique-expensive than Industry Nine yet more performance-focused than basic entry models.
Precision shifting hubs
Durable alloy rims
Smooth braking feel
Shimano XT-level hub design offering proven durability and smooth operation
Tubeless-ready alloy rims balanced for strength and weight for 27.5 use
Precision shifting hubs
Durable alloy rims
Smooth braking feel
Shimano XT-level hub design offering proven durability and smooth operation
Tubeless-ready alloy rims balanced for strength and weight for 27.5 use