Carbon mountain bike wheels have come a long way over the years, and they’re becoming a more common choice. Still, only the most high end builds feature carbon wheels today, leaving most riders to consider upgrading at a later date.
If you said no, and that you don’t need carbon wheels, tell us why in the comments below.
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18 Comments
Apr 1, 2024
My carbon set are the Zipps with a single wall. Where I ride there is a lot of roots and off camber sections. I love the wheels for the very compliant and soft feeling ride . They can almost feel like you’re riding with a super low tire and need air. So they smooth the trail for sure . But the traction advantage is real . You still have to make sure not to 100% trust the stick to the ground feeling. You can loose traction and I did .
I have a super stiff aluminum set of Rolf wheels that just rock then the soft feeling Zipp Moto wheels. Love both . Do I want some super lights carbons ? I believe I’d love to try some . My riding these days is a bit slower and it’s more about the enjoyment of the ride than the speed . I say that and then start to realize the speed of certain sections is the enjoyment of the ride . Traction and being able to crush slalom type sections that are root filled and off cambered at break neck speeds has a great fun factor for me. I will be slowing a bit though. I broke my back and pelvis endowing down a super steep section with a drop. It is filled with rain ruts and roots. You have to zig zag trees at the same time . I was launched through the air wrapping a tree. Heard the bones break. Tried to walk but that was impossible. So using my arms had to low crawl out . Luckily I was only a half mile back in . Took 6 hours to crawl out. It started raining so I was mud filled . The rain and mud helped me slide down the trail better .
They had to cut everything off of me . The next day I was in the surgery room getting a couple rods in my
Sacrum . Now the biggest rod goes horizontal across from hip to hip. The sacrum was partially shattered. I’m 60 am still love that rip through the tech sections but realize it’s time to slow down and enjoy the day so there is another.
Oh this was about carbon vs aluminum wheels correct. lol . Ride whatever performs the best . I love the feel of of a great wheel . I believe either types can be great.
I was just thinking of when I shoot a traditional bow. I never liked the feel of an aluminum arrow shot out of a longbow. A cedar shaft always felt better. Then I tried aluminum and carbon . The carbon felt more natural like wood and its advantages for accuracy were much greater than aluminum.
So I say ride what feels the best on your trails . Ride what give you the greatest advantages. I’d probably choose carbon over aluminum most of the time .
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