DT Swiss XM 1700 Spline 29 Wheelset
The DT Swiss XM 1700 Spline 29 wheelset is positioned as a durable, cost-effective center lock rotor complete assembly that pairs a proven Spline hub platform and robust aluminum rims, making it an excellent choice for aggressive trail and enduro riders. It holds its place by marrying low long‑term service costs and modular ratchet hub technology — a technical and financial edge over pricier carbon options like the Race Face Next R31 while offering more hub reliability than some OEM-branded wheels.
Stiff spline hub — chatter-free
Tubeless-ready rims — seals quick
Stiff spline hub — chatter-free
Tubeless-ready rims — seals quick
Review Summary
"Well-regarded as durable, reliable trail wheels with stiff rims and smooth DT Swiss hubs; praised for value and build quality though not the lightest for long climbs."
Trail-tough construction — eats rock
Lightweight aluminum rims optimized for aggressive trail use on 29-inch bikes.
Trail-tough construction — eats rock
Lightweight aluminum rims optimized for aggressive trail use on 29-inch bikes.
Recreational Enjoyment
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Skill Development & Mastery
The DT Swiss XM 1700 Spline 29 wheelset is positioned as a durable, cost-effective center lock rotor complete assembly that pairs a proven Spline hub platform and robust aluminum rims, making it an excellent choice for aggressive trail and enduro riders. It holds its place by marrying low long‑term service costs and modular ratchet hub technology — a technical and financial edge over pricier carbon options like the Race Face Next R31 while offering more hub reliability than some OEM-branded wheels.
Stiff spline hub — chatter-free
Tubeless-ready rims — seals quick
Trail-tough construction — eats rock
Lightweight aluminum rims optimized for aggressive trail use on 29-inch bikes.
Center‑lock hub system with DT Swiss‑style straight‑pull spoke build and robust hub engagement.
Stiff spline hub — chatter-free
Tubeless-ready rims — seals quick
Trail-tough construction — eats rock
Lightweight aluminum rims optimized for aggressive trail use on 29-inch bikes.
Center‑lock hub system with DT Swiss‑style straight‑pull spoke build and robust hub engagement.
$700-900 CAD
Shimano XT WH-M8120 29 Wheelset
The Shimano XT WH-M8120 29 wheelset is a market leader for riders seeking integrated center lock rotor compatibility and Shimano's well‑tested hub and freehub systems, delivering dependable performance and straightforward rotor interchangeability. It stands out for system-level integration and competitive pricing versus boutique carbon wheelsets, while offering easier part availability and predictable serviceability compared with some competitors on this list.
Smooth hub engagement — buttery feel
Lightweight rims — climbs cheer
Smooth hub engagement — buttery feel
Lightweight rims — climbs cheer
Review Summary
"Highly praised for dependable Shimano hub engagement, solid build and tubeless-ready rims; riders value the durability and performance despite a modest weight penalty."
Reliable seals — mud-smile
Shimano's proven center‑lock hub platform with smooth bearings and Micro Spline compatibility for modern cassettes.
Reliable seals — mud-smile
Shimano's proven center‑lock hub platform with smooth bearings and Micro Spline compatibility for modern cassettes.
Recreational Enjoyment
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Time-Saving Convenience
The Shimano XT WH-M8120 29 wheelset is a market leader for riders seeking integrated center lock rotor compatibility and Shimano's well‑tested hub and freehub systems, delivering dependable performance and straightforward rotor interchangeability. It stands out for system-level integration and competitive pricing versus boutique carbon wheelsets, while offering easier part availability and predictable serviceability compared with some competitors on this list.
Smooth hub engagement — buttery feel
Lightweight rims — climbs cheer
Reliable seals — mud-smile
Shimano's proven center‑lock hub platform with smooth bearings and Micro Spline compatibility for modern cassettes.
Durable alloy rims with a wide internal width suited to modern 29‑inch tire profiles.
Smooth hub engagement — buttery feel
Lightweight rims — climbs cheer
Reliable seals — mud-smile
Shimano's proven center‑lock hub platform with smooth bearings and Micro Spline compatibility for modern cassettes.
Durable alloy rims with a wide internal width suited to modern 29‑inch tire profiles.
$900-1,200 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
Stan's NoTubes Flow MK4 29 Wheelset
The Stan's NoTubes Flow MK4 29 wheelset is a tubeless-focused aluminum center lock assembly prized for its wide rim profile, exceptional bead retention and out-of-the-box tubeless reliability at a competitive price. It provides better tubeless performance and value compared with many OEM wheelsets and undercuts high-end carbon options (like the Race Face R31) on cost while still delivering trail-capable strength and easy maintenance relative to some proprietary systems.
Wide rim profile — tire hugs
Stan's tubeless tech — seal champ
Wide rim profile — tire hugs
Stan's tubeless tech — seal champ
Review Summary
"Extremely popular for being bombproof, very tubeless-friendly and forgiving on rough trails; reviewers praise rim strength and reliability though they are heavier than race-focused options."
Impact resistant alloy — survives punchy landings
Wide alloy Flow MK4 rims built for aggressive trail and enduro use on 29‑inch wheels.
Impact resistant alloy — survives punchy landings
Wide alloy Flow MK4 rims built for aggressive trail and enduro use on 29‑inch wheels.
Recreational Enjoyment
Time-Saving Convenience
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
The Stan's NoTubes Flow MK4 29 wheelset is a tubeless-focused aluminum center lock assembly prized for its wide rim profile, exceptional bead retention and out-of-the-box tubeless reliability at a competitive price. It provides better tubeless performance and value compared with many OEM wheelsets and undercuts high-end carbon options (like the Race Face R31) on cost while still delivering trail-capable strength and easy maintenance relative to some proprietary systems.
Wide rim profile — tire hugs
Stan's tubeless tech — seal champ
Impact resistant alloy — survives punchy landings
Wide alloy Flow MK4 rims built for aggressive trail and enduro use on 29‑inch wheels.
Center‑lock hub assemblies with sealed bearings and a proven NoTubes tubeless rim profile.
Wide rim profile — tire hugs
Stan's tubeless tech — seal champ
Impact resistant alloy — survives punchy landings
Wide alloy Flow MK4 rims built for aggressive trail and enduro use on 29‑inch wheels.
Center‑lock hub assemblies with sealed bearings and a proven NoTubes tubeless rim profile.
$900-1,200 CAD
Mavic Crossmax XL 29 Wheelset
The Mavic Crossmax XL 29 wheelset represents a legacy European trail/enduro option with durable rim finishes and a build aimed at longevity and predictable handling under load, supplied as a center lock rotor-ready complete assembly. It competes on durability and brand-level support — often commanding a premium price in some markets — and serves riders who prefer a proven, serviceable platform over the lighter but more expensive carbon alternatives in this list.
Proven hub tech — roll smooth
Durable alloy rims — long-haul grit
Proven hub tech — roll smooth
Durable alloy rims — long-haul grit
Review Summary
"Solid, durable alloy trail wheels with strong rims and decent hubs; generally liked for reliability but seen as somewhat dated and heavier compared with more modern wheelsets."
Confident braking face — bitey stops
Robust alloy rims tuned for all‑mountain and cross‑country 29‑inch riding.
Confident braking face — bitey stops
Robust alloy rims tuned for all‑mountain and cross‑country 29‑inch riding.
Recreational Enjoyment
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Time-Saving Convenience
The Mavic Crossmax XL 29 wheelset represents a legacy European trail/enduro option with durable rim finishes and a build aimed at longevity and predictable handling under load, supplied as a center lock rotor-ready complete assembly. It competes on durability and brand-level support — often commanding a premium price in some markets — and serves riders who prefer a proven, serviceable platform over the lighter but more expensive carbon alternatives in this list.
Proven hub tech — roll smooth
Durable alloy rims — long-haul grit
Confident braking face — bitey stops
Robust alloy rims tuned for all‑mountain and cross‑country 29‑inch riding.
Mavic center‑lock hub system offering durable bearings and secure freehub compatibility.
Proven hub tech — roll smooth
Durable alloy rims — long-haul grit
Confident braking face — bitey stops
Robust alloy rims tuned for all‑mountain and cross‑country 29‑inch riding.
Mavic center‑lock hub system offering durable bearings and secure freehub compatibility.
$800-1,200 CAD