Race Face Next R 29
The Race Face Next R 29 is built for aggressive trail and enduro-influenced 29-inch setups, offering a wider, impact-resistant rim profile that favors large-volume tires and durability over absolute minimal weight. It typically presents a stronger value proposition than ENVE and Zipp by delivering robust construction and easier aftermarket support at a more accessible price, while being more impact-tolerant than ultralight XC-focused options like the DT Swiss XRC 1200. For riders who regularly push technical descents and want resilient carbon rims that can be serviced or replaced without premium dealer channels, the Next R is a practical, performance-oriented choice.
Bombproof construction
Instant power transfer
Bombproof construction
Instant power transfer
Review Summary
"Race Face Next R 29 wheels are appreciated for their robust construction, lateral stiffness and predictable handling on rough trails, with many users citing durability and impact resistance; some criticize slightly higher weight and premium cost versus the lightest XC options. Overall feedback is positive from trail and enduro riders prioritizing strength."
Aggressive corner grip
Carbon rim engineered for impact resistance and durability on rough singletrack
Aggressive corner grip
Carbon rim engineered for impact resistance and durability on rough singletrack
Recreational Enjoyment
Skill Development & Mastery
Time-Saving Convenience
The Race Face Next R 29 is built for aggressive trail and enduro-influenced 29-inch setups, offering a wider, impact-resistant rim profile that favors large-volume tires and durability over absolute minimal weight. It typically presents a stronger value proposition than ENVE and Zipp by delivering robust construction and easier aftermarket support at a more accessible price, while being more impact-tolerant than ultralight XC-focused options like the DT Swiss XRC 1200. For riders who regularly push technical descents and want resilient carbon rims that can be serviced or replaced without premium dealer channels, the Next R is a practical, performance-oriented choice.
Bombproof construction
Instant power transfer
Aggressive corner grip
Carbon rim engineered for impact resistance and durability on rough singletrack
Compatible with wider rim/tire setups and tubeless systems for versatile trail use
Bombproof construction
Instant power transfer
Aggressive corner grip
Carbon rim engineered for impact resistance and durability on rough singletrack
Compatible with wider rim/tire setups and tubeless systems for versatile trail use
$1,300-1,900 CAD
Stan's NoTubes Flow MK4 29
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.
DT Swiss M1900 Spline 29
The DT Swiss M1900 Spline 29 is positioned as a durable, value-oriented tubeless-ready 29-inch complete wheel assembly that balances long-term reliability with competitive pricing. Its robust alloy construction and proven DT Swiss hub engineering make it a sensible choice for riders who want better durability and serviceability than entry-level options, while costing noticeably less than premium offerings like the Mavic Crossmax. Compared with the wider, tubeless-optimized rims from Stan's and Race Face, the M1900 trades a bit of internal width for proven hub performance and lower lifecycle costs.
Durable alloy (trail tank)
Fast engagement (ratchet roar)
Durable alloy (trail tank)
Fast engagement (ratchet roar)
Review Summary
"Consistently praised for durable hubs and reliable on-trail performance; riders say the M1900 Spline is solid and serviceable though noticeably heavier than premium wheels."
Tubeless-ready (seal quick)
Tubeless-ready alloy rim built specifically for 29-inch mountain bike tires.
Tubeless-ready (seal quick)
Tubeless-ready alloy rim built specifically for 29-inch mountain bike tires.
Recreational Enjoyment
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Skill Development & Mastery
The DT Swiss M1900 Spline 29 is positioned as a durable, value-oriented tubeless-ready 29-inch complete wheel assembly that balances long-term reliability with competitive pricing. Its robust alloy construction and proven DT Swiss hub engineering make it a sensible choice for riders who want better durability and serviceability than entry-level options, while costing noticeably less than premium offerings like the Mavic Crossmax. Compared with the wider, tubeless-optimized rims from Stan's and Race Face, the M1900 trades a bit of internal width for proven hub performance and lower lifecycle costs.
Durable alloy (trail tank)
Fast engagement (ratchet roar)
Tubeless-ready (seal quick)
Tubeless-ready alloy rim built specifically for 29-inch mountain bike tires.
DT Swiss spline-compatible hub offering robust engagement and straightforward servicing.
Durable alloy (trail tank)
Fast engagement (ratchet roar)
Tubeless-ready (seal quick)
Tubeless-ready alloy rim built specifically for 29-inch mountain bike tires.
DT Swiss spline-compatible hub offering robust engagement and straightforward servicing.
Shimano XT WH-M8120 29
The Shimano XT WH-M8120 29 is a well-rounded, OEM-grade thru-axle wheel assembly built around Shimano's proven hub technology and service network, offering dependable engagement, wide rim compatibility, and smooth integration with modern drivetrains. Compared with boutique carbon options and tubeless specialists in this list, the XT wheel balances price, serviceability, and broad compatibility—making it a strong choice for riders who want predictable performance and easy parts sourcing. Its established dealer support and compatibility with Shimano freehubs give it a financial and practical advantage for riders prioritizing long-term maintenance and interchangeability.
Quick engagement
Precision braking
Quick engagement
Precision braking
Review Summary
"Well-rounded, dependable XT-level 29er wheelset with smooth hubs, solid engagement and broad compatibility; reviewers praise build quality and long-term reliability with minimal maintenance."
Bombproof durability
Built to Shimano XT specifications with Center Lock disc interface and Boost thru‑axle compatibility.
Bombproof durability
Built to Shimano XT specifications with Center Lock disc interface and Boost thru‑axle compatibility.
Recreational Enjoyment
Skill Development & Mastery
Time-Saving Convenience
The Shimano XT WH-M8120 29 is a well-rounded, OEM-grade thru-axle wheel assembly built around Shimano's proven hub technology and service network, offering dependable engagement, wide rim compatibility, and smooth integration with modern drivetrains. Compared with boutique carbon options and tubeless specialists in this list, the XT wheel balances price, serviceability, and broad compatibility—making it a strong choice for riders who want predictable performance and easy parts sourcing. Its established dealer support and compatibility with Shimano freehubs give it a financial and practical advantage for riders prioritizing long-term maintenance and interchangeability.
Quick engagement
Precision braking
Bombproof durability
Built to Shimano XT specifications with Center Lock disc interface and Boost thru‑axle compatibility.
Sealed bearings and user-serviceable hubs for low maintenance and long-term reliability.
Quick engagement
Precision braking
Bombproof durability
Built to Shimano XT specifications with Center Lock disc interface and Boost thru‑axle compatibility.
Sealed bearings and user-serviceable hubs for low maintenance and long-term reliability.
$700-900 CAD
Race Face Next R31 29 Wheelset
The Race Face Next R31 29 wheelset is the premium, lightweight carbon option in this lineup, delivering superior stiffness-to-weight for XC and aggressive trail riders who prioritize acceleration and climbing performance. Though the highest‑cost choice here, its carbon construction outperforms aluminum rims like the Stan's Flow MK4 for weight and responsiveness, making it an attractive technical upgrade for riders willing to pay more for reduced rotating mass.
Featherweight carbon — flies uphill
Bombproof layup — loves gnarly
Featherweight carbon — flies uphill
Bombproof layup — loves gnarly
Review Summary
"Light, stiff carbon wheels that many users love for acceleration and handling, but a notable minority report damage under very aggressive/enduro use and high repair or replacement costs."
Tunable stiffness — corner-happy
Full carbon rims that prioritize low weight and high lateral stiffness for 29‑inch XC and trail performance.
Tunable stiffness — corner-happy
Full carbon rims that prioritize low weight and high lateral stiffness for 29‑inch XC and trail performance.
Recreational Enjoyment
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Skill Development & Mastery
The Race Face Next R31 29 wheelset is the premium, lightweight carbon option in this lineup, delivering superior stiffness-to-weight for XC and aggressive trail riders who prioritize acceleration and climbing performance. Though the highest‑cost choice here, its carbon construction outperforms aluminum rims like the Stan's Flow MK4 for weight and responsiveness, making it an attractive technical upgrade for riders willing to pay more for reduced rotating mass.
Featherweight carbon — flies uphill
Bombproof layup — loves gnarly
Tunable stiffness — corner-happy
Full carbon rims that prioritize low weight and high lateral stiffness for 29‑inch XC and trail performance.
Center‑lock hubs paired with lightweight spokes for quick acceleration and responsive feel.
Featherweight carbon — flies uphill
Bombproof layup — loves gnarly
Tunable stiffness — corner-happy
Full carbon rims that prioritize low weight and high lateral stiffness for 29‑inch XC and trail performance.
Center‑lock hubs paired with lightweight spokes for quick acceleration and responsive feel.
$1,500-2,200 CAD
Shimano Deore XT WH-M8120 29er Wheelset
Shimano's Deore XT WH-M8120 29er wheelset stands out as the market leader for bolt-mount rotor complete wheel assemblies thanks to its proven hub durability, crisp engagement and broad dealer/service network; it ships with a center-lock hub that can be run with adapters for 6-bolt rotor compatibility, making it easy to integrate into 29-inch disc setups. Compared with DT Swiss and Mavic it provides a balanced mix of performance and price with exceptional after-sales support, while offering more refined sealing and serviceability than the budget-focused Race Face and comparable tubeless readiness to Stan's NoTubes.
Bulletproof durability
Tubeless-ready confidence
Bulletproof durability
Tubeless-ready confidence
Review Summary
"Users praise the WH-M8120 for its precise hubs, durable rim construction and reliable tubeless performance; many note it balances stiffness and value for aggressive trail and enduro riding."
Silent hub purr
Deore XT-level hub and rim package built for durable trail performance.
Silent hub purr
Deore XT-level hub and rim package built for durable trail performance.
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Time-Saving Convenience
Skill Development & Mastery
Shimano's Deore XT WH-M8120 29er wheelset stands out as the market leader for bolt-mount rotor complete wheel assemblies thanks to its proven hub durability, crisp engagement and broad dealer/service network; it ships with a center-lock hub that can be run with adapters for 6-bolt rotor compatibility, making it easy to integrate into 29-inch disc setups. Compared with DT Swiss and Mavic it provides a balanced mix of performance and price with exceptional after-sales support, while offering more refined sealing and serviceability than the budget-focused Race Face and comparable tubeless readiness to Stan's NoTubes.
Bulletproof durability
Tubeless-ready confidence
Silent hub purr
Deore XT-level hub and rim package built for durable trail performance.
Tubeless-ready 29er rim profile for modern tyre widths and stable sidewalls.
Bulletproof durability
Tubeless-ready confidence
Silent hub purr
Deore XT-level hub and rim package built for durable trail performance.
Tubeless-ready 29er rim profile for modern tyre widths and stable sidewalls.