MTB Wheelsets Under $750 (Our Top Picks!)

We review a ton of mountain bike wheelsets on this channel, everything from high-end carbon to middle-tier alloy. Today we are going to be taking a look at our favorite mtb wheelsets under $750. And while that is definitely not "cheap," the benefits gained from such an upgrade can be substantial. For our comparison, we will be looking at the Stan's Flow EX3, Industry Nine Enduro 1/1, and e*thirteen LG1en Plus. All of these wheels have taken a beating over the last few weeks and withstood each and every test we put them through. If you are thinking of upgrading the wheels on your bike, watch this first!
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[@WorldwideCyclery]

Which wheels would you go with? Let us know!

[@MTBThrumyeyez]

I have stan's Flow mk3 and they have been great. Great carbon is just out of my budget.

[@fynnhansmann8027]

Newmen Evolution Sa 30

[@19redmiata94]

Industry nine. I have their 235 Ultralite CX wheels on my gravel bike and love them.

[@08yeu]

Maybe the stan's

[@aidenthwaits2646]

I’ve personally had a bad experience with e*thirteen. So if I had made this list I would’ve replaced them with hunt privateer trail or enduro.

[@youtubeuser1334]

Jeff expect a huge order of bike parts tonight!!! 😳

[@rockresume]

Been watching your vids for awhile now. Just wanted to say thanks for always providing super helpful and engaging content.

[@drewsenthused6079]

Exactly what I was looking for! Great timing, thanks!

[@scottibass]

Disappointed that the most important question has not been answered, how do the hubs sounds?

[@mrvwbug4423]

zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz. that's what most of em sound like hehe

[@f.b.i.5580]

@@mrvwbug4423 stole my thunder

[@stevent1565]

Running stans flow mk3 since 2017 and its as been reliable and flawless. Back wheel have a few dings and a nice big ol' dent but still seals as when new. Solid and reliable. The ex3 sounds good.

[@hardmtnbiker]

Wheels are so much of what makes a bike ride and feel great! I have many wheel sets but I usually don’t buy completes. Choosing a rim that’s wider for me just makes sense if you’re more concerned about stability and traction and not a racer looking to PR a climb. Also choosing spokes, lacing and nips that fit your riding style and needs plays a huge part.I have used Stan’s and they are actually late to the “wider is better” party but still make a great rim. I just built up the CrestMK3 rims for my gravel rig and I can say, they mount tubeless tires perfectly. If I where to build up a set of wheels for my Trail bike today, I’d choose the Baron MK3 rims for sure. I have also been using Race Face ARC 35 and WTB 35 rims. Both really nice alloy rims but heavy if you’re concerned about weight. Right now I’m going wider for a 27.5 plus wheels on my Mtn sleds and going to try 650b on my gravel rig. Hubs are a subject and story for another time, but I agree I9’s are top of the line but other companies also make great, easily serviced and rebuildable hubs with high engagement.

[@jamlee344]

Been running the Hope Fortus 30 wheelset for over 12 months and absolutely rate them. Great price and have take a beating with no issues. Pro4 hubs are proven and parts are readily available if I ever require any.

[@C_B47]

I went a different route. Found a nice set of wtb i29 rims laced to origin8 boost hubs with xd driver. Looking forward to seeing the difference compared to the stock Giant wheelset.

[@175thStreet]

Absolutely love my industry nine wheels. You speak the truth Jeff!

[@gavinstuart4163]

Loving the info in the video, however, when we getting a bike review & thoughts on the Mondraker that Liam is rocking??!! Asking as I’m a fellow Mondraker rider 🤘🤙

[@SpencerSlaughter426]

You guys need to take a look at the Spank 350 and 359 that use their new Hex hub now that they're a great competitor to the three wheels in this video.

[@sparks701]

I bought the i9 101’s from you guys. Love them! They have been great and super tough on my rocky tight turning trails. Not to mention I had a 20% off coupon code so the price was outstanding.

[@fonzo9405]

Are they loud?

[@sparks701]

Louder than my stock hubs were but not real loud. But definitely hear a difference. Has the i9 sound just not super loud. Guys I run into on the trail know they are i9s by the sound.

[@adamenglander]

So many good wheels to choose from!

[@tommydelgado2594]

Stans Flow Mk3 for two years so far with zero problems.

[@lagwall]

Great video

[@morton2200]

Bontrager Line Elite 30s! $650 set, 108 pt engagement, and light.

[@jackstewart8766]

Matthew Morton I totally agree with u best wheel set around

[@brauljo]

Too bad it doesn't use centerlock.

[@WorldwideCyclery]

Bontrager is a Trek company now and we are not a Trek dealer so I have not tried those wheels.

[@sledshed]

Matthew Morton came here to say this! IMO the Line Elite is an unbeatable value.

[@ianscott1812]

I have went for a custom wheelset. Stans Flow Ex3 rims laced with Sapim Cx-ray spokes running on I9 Hydra hub 👌

[@jaredbowman8828]

Now here’s the question, do any of these wheel sets come In a 26 inch, for the shredders out there keeping them alive? 🤙

[@kennethroth6757]

Look up Hope,Spank they're building new 26 wheels industry nine has a pair and halo wheels

[@brauljo]

Nah, we're trying to make you go extinct by not serving your kind.

[@drivingshow3539]

Exactly why im here

[@ryansara3398]

I'm pretty sure superstar do

[@brunomfduque]

26..... Laugh! Poor guys

[@MaddBaggins]

So what would be your rim choice for a heavier rider, hardtail, rocky desert trails? Sound like the Stans might be the way to go.

[@englok]

I have a set of Halo Vortex, very happy with those.

[@JFTM_]

These all present with great value, but I did just pick up a set of Sunringle Duroc 35s for $215 fully shipped, with 6 degree engagement, so that’s pretty cool

[@mrvwbug4423]

I noticed that only the i9 is available with microspline out of the box, though it looks like the other two can be converted. That conversion cost might factor in if you're planning to run Shimano 12 speed.

[@YavorM-Yash]

Seems I've made the right choice with Stan's Flow EX3 rims for the new bike. Combined with Hope Pro 4 hubs.

[@newttella1043]

Good combo. I've been let down with Stans hubs.

[@dylanldelisi144]

How much did that setup run you?

[@seanwalsh3052]

I didn't want to spend more than 400 but wanted decent wheels so was pretty much just hunting for deals online new or used and found some Stans Flow s1 ZTR's for 325 and couldn't be happier!

[@NDemanuele1]

I'm running the Ibis 938s on my V1 Ripmo. Been riding the bike for about a year now. No issues. Previously, I had 928s Carbon on my V1 Ripley - came with the bike. Again, no issues with these either in my 5 years of riding the bike. I'm curious if Alloy wheels are becoming more popular than Carbon these days? They are at a lower price point and seem to be just as bombproof.

[@christophj3014]

Found e-thirteen trs plus rims on sale..... picked up DT Swiss 350 hubs.....sprinkled Sapim D-light on it.....1750 grams and under AUD500

[@domanater480]

Hey mate how did the trs plus rims hold up? looking at building up a set

[@boganphelps7809]

My question regarding all three wheel sets though is that can you get the rear hub with end caps for Boost 141 QR?

[@mgarcia8540]

Great review, but should probably indicate in the title "enduro". I am looking more for a XC / Trail wheelset in that price point but I still found the review interesting and worth watching. Cheers

[@mathewmorrow3957]

Having run Stan's Flows for some time now I can't honestly say I would recommend them. Between my friend and I, we have blown up 5 freehubs and broken 3 rear axles. On 2 wheelsets in 1 year's time. While Stans is willing to replace them, the turnaround was generally pretty slow. And frankly we got sick of having our hubs blow up. We both swapped to dt swiss 350 and have had zero problems. And from speaking to mechanics from multiple bike shops Stan's hubs have a pretty awful reputation. The hoops themselves have held up excellent though so would recommend them to anybody building a wheelset but I would avoid their hubs at all costs.

[@jvimgs]

I´ve got a problem with Arch MK3 rims - a lot of cracks. Migrated to Hopes + XM481

[@zxtenn]

I agree with your opinion about DT hubs, a simple upgrade from the 18 engagement to either 36 or 54 is a good option for the basic 350 hub--Something like the M-1700 or the XM 1501 wheels which costs more but lighter, probably one of the toughest and lightest alloy wheels available. There is a youtube channel rider who has E-13 I think carbon and he said constantly breaking a spoke every few rides. The 18 engagement on the basic 350 hub is kind of clunky so that's why I feel 36 or 54 being even better, DT 240 hubs didn't get their bulletproof reputation for nothing. I had a 2016 Focus Raven Max SL hardtail with XRC 1200 carbon wheels and 54 upgrade, smooth as glass, light and tough as nails

[@jma64930]

Ive ran 3 sets of hope pro 4s on flow rims on my mtb and 1 set of hope pro III with hed belgiums rims on my roady. At 250lbs thousands of miles I have yet to be let down. I don't care what they're selling..ill only buy hope/flows as long as they make em!

[@shawnhake5096]

funny how in the video they turned all the attention to the Stans rim without even a mention of the hubs. literaly avoided talking about it like the plage

[@CarlosSanchez-cq1lf]

Just got the Flow EX3 with some Onyx Vesper Hubs

[@raupenimmersatt6906]

Bremen SL A30. 29", 1800grams and strong as hell.

[@ryandevine3112]

nice one my guy

[@ryandevine3112]

no problem man

[@MrMegatron85]

Hahaha that Happy Gilmore clip was pretty good

[@grecghenriquez3997]

Would it be ideal to just get the hydra hubs and swap up my sram hubs? I have a 2019 Tallboy C R that I’ve had for a year now.

[@charlesadkins3335]

I can’t wait for my I9 wheels to come in

[@sham8723]

Do you guys have an opinion on Spank Vibrocore wheels over there?

[@spamboi6984]

Hey Jeff! Just ordered an E13 LG1 base downhill. Is this the same rim as the rim in this test?

[@lexusstefan927]

Set of Hope Fortus 30s for me, how much do they cost over in the us?

[@johncast9565]

Stans Flow MK3 non boost with WTB tough high grip tires. 👊

[@Xgecko66]

There are some of us who can build our own wheels....that said I may have to try this Stans rims

[@violetovillacortaiii9209]

Hi. I was just thinking if its ideal to upgrade a shimano deore wheelset's rim to make it sturdier? or just save up and buy new wheelset

[@Hobbiemtbrider]

Hope I have the fortus and hope 4 amazing

[@MTBDan]

Nothing about the different ride characteristics out on the trail?

[@Dark__Thoughts]

Under 500? Currently looking at the Hunt Trail / Enduro Wide, which have a solid 3 degrees of engagement, but heard the rims dent easily (but are around 2Kg) and someone claimed the hub isn't weatherproof? Any other recommendations in that range?

[@yukonpeteneff]

What are the internal widths of these 3 wheel sets?

[@creskuuurt]

Love my Flow rims laced to Hope hubs

[@fferrand]

Hey Kurt, how much does it cost to do that?

[@creskuuurt]

@@fferrand around 450$ more or less, thats with the spoke, nipples, rims and the hubs

[@bike_somm]

I must say I've dented the hell out of my older Stans & they kept working for a good long while.. but it it's not the same as this new rim they now have. I'm going to sound silly saying this because wheels are super expensive, but way I see it now..wheels aren't really worth buying/upgrading unless they come with a lifetime warranty. Plain and simple.. I've spent so much money trying to swap hubs over to a fresh rims and just from replacing rims all together. Save up your money and get something with a guarantee! That way your not paying for new wheels 2.. to 5.. to heck, even 20 years from now.. 😅✌🏼

[@WorldwideCyclery]

You have the right idea but good luck keeping a wheelset for 20 years with the ever changing standards of the industry!

[@bike_somm]

Worldwide Cyclery ~ haha no joke.. tho I do see a “glass ceiling” and the top of the next Plateau approaching.. with 29inch wheels being the new “be all end all” wheel sizes.. 30mm internal rim width being the benchmark of standards for 2.3-2.6 tires.. I will argue only for arguments sake that the bike industry is much like the Golf Club manufacturing industry of say..5 years ago.. now with rules and regulations of golf club manufacturing, technology has indeed hit its peak! When clubs that are 5 years old offer no less performance gain then tomorrow’s 2020 golf clubs, it’s clear that the user overrides the industry. I am a teaching Golf professional and I use the same set of clubs I used from 10 years ago.. not because I’m old and stubborn but because there are no better “2020 modern day clubs” that can make me any better of a golfer. So at some point the technology is obsolete compared to the user, and I now see this happening in the biking industry! Believe me when I say it’s been really wild watching just these past 5-10years of mtbs evolve.. but I now have good reasoning that it’s pretty safe to say we may finally be seeing more of the peak in overall mtb technology & wheel size innovation. So yes I think the Santa Cruz Carbon Reserve 30’s probably may not last me 20 years, but at least they will have my back in 20 years if I need to call upon them for that warranty! 👌🏼 Much respect guys, you are the funnest channel of “bike shop nerds & product testers” I’ve yet to see on KZbin!

[@brysenbright6407]

I can’t find the stans mk3 wheel sets on worldwide cyclery website.

[@mrvwbug4423]

On the golf side, has there really been much improvement in the last 30 years? I remember back in the late 80s and early 90s when exotic materials started showing up in golf clubs, but even then the gains were marginal, and even today I don't think the best drivers are going to hit a ball any further than the best drivers in 1990.

[@bike_somm]

mrvwbug44 One May say that average handicap’s have went up from what it was back in the 60’s but popularity of the game and people playing it has also gone up... all in all it’s a darn near impossible game even for the very best to master & equipment plays a much smaller part to players performance then marketing and club manufacturers lead us to believe.. the next generation golf club will help improve your accuracy distance and speed... same old slogan, only true to the most Minute degree. Don’t get me wrong tho.. because obviously the wrong set of clubs with the wrong golfer DOES make a difference! Just when comparing the best of the best equipment, the differences are not vast over one another ✌🏼

[@meSSican80]

Wondering how the new e13 Enduro wheels hold up. Past reviews on their older wheels is holding me back.

[@alextokmakoff6521]

jacob valenzuela their reliability has gone up significantly in the last few years - they have definitely improved

[@WorldwideCyclery]

Our experiences have all been great.

[@louisianamtb8139]

If you can deal with the weight, Hope's burlier wheels are only $500 and are pretty bombproof. Been abusing the Fortus 30's for about a year without so much as a single ding.

[@jamlee344]

Same here. They're bombproof!

[@mattmahoney7230]

Does anyone know what wheels have the highest weight limit for aggressive trail use?

[@wildairsoft1]

Would it be smart to get an e13 front and a i9 rear? Or at that point is it dumb to miss-match brands?

[@gabrielleute9911]

I have stans arch mk3 do a review on them

[@NoCompM2]

Noob question here. If I wanted to buy these rims, do I have to get front and rear hubs separately?

[@zizzur5]

how would Nukeproof horizon V3 wheels compare to these three? they are about 50 to 100 dollars cheaper than these and they have a great engaging hub at 103T. I would like know your thoughts

[@claytonmarkin7863]

I think Spank wheels should be in contention here. Super great value for money, and super strong rims.

[@ryandevine3112]

i like to spank wheels

[@ryandevine3112]

oh yeah me to

[@rastatrail2511]

How about dt swiss xm 481?

[@zwingler]

I own both the DT swiss and the Flow EX3 wheelsets, The DT Swiss dont actually feel that sturdy but since they offer compliance they feel really nice on the trail. The Flow EX3 are literally bomb proof that sadly equates to a bad maintenance problem, if you want to get a tyre onto these wheels, good, fucking, luck. They broke 2 of my Parktool tire levers and what feels like kilometers of tubeless rim tape, however, they will never break, ever.

[@sebi_palgino8875]

What about halo or spank wheels?

[@shafhamid83]

Stan's make the Crest i23mm, Arch i26mm and Flow i30mm in both aluminium and carbon. Not sure about the Crest or the Flow but the Arch's aluminium rim is lighter than its carbon version, at least the 27.5". I thought carbon rims are supposed to be lighter, what gives?

[@Cj-nd3nv]

Liam rocks! So do you Jeff🤫💜

[@WorldwideCyclery]

Liam is the man!

[@brauljo]

Then there's Chinese wheelsets with DT hubs, plenty of options under 600 USD, and even more under 750 USD. Make sure to get all mountain over cross country rims for maximum durability.

[@petermorgan3702]

Have you ridden these yourself? I'm thinking of buying some.

[@brauljo]

@@petermorgan3702 Yeah I've got them on my hardtail, so far no issues. 28 straight pull spokes on each wheel. They're supposed to be tubeless compatible but I haven't tried setting them up tubeless, I use tannus armor and tubolito tubes.

[@mountainbikerogre]

How strong are the Hubs/Free hub, can they handle 300lbs guy?. Chris King hubs can.

[@tarzanfixjane]

will the I9 be o will the I9 be ok for a freewheel?

[@boblarsen7984]

its 2022 almost 2023. Any new video about wheelsets coming or is your opinion still the same?

[@kentroyo1897]

How about spank race33?

[@Ben1010Ten]

is the ethirteen lg1 en bomb proof?

[@williamdavis9471]

How about DT Swiss ex511 rims?

[@youtubsuck]

How about dt swiss fr560

[@DoubleTap702]

Stans Flow EX3 or DT Swiss ex511?

[@SuperJohnfoster]

Do you have any in the 6 dollar price range

[@ryandevine3112]

i like ur wheels g

[@ryandevine3112]

me to

[@brodyelkin6137]

3:05 What is that?! It looks pretty nice

[@Jeppelelle]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/bpvLnICKf66Nhbc

[@explore-western-colorado970]

Is this front and back ?

[@kernel3x2i]

Spank vibrocore are in the price range, why not comparing them?

[@richardmorris8764]

Keep turning big wheel

[@symmetricon1982]

I know yall dont sell Hunt wheelsets, but their price is very good and buy all reviews they seem an excellent value. Do yall have any experience with them?

[@WorldwideCyclery]

Not enough experience to really give a fair review.

[@symmetricon1982]

@@WorldwideCyclery thanks for the response

[@kennethroth6757]

Yo jeff 🤘

[@timoklap]

Had e13lg1+ EN wheelset as 29. Litle over month rear hubs casset locked up . Seems like the pawl came out of its socket and jammed the freehub, damaged the hubs body and freehub. Took it apart and seems like that the pawl sockets are designed very loose, not like on hope pro 2 or pro4 hubs where they stay in place. Would not recomend e13 wheels

[@alsimons7925]

My 2005 Dee Max still solid 🤣

[@nateblakely4674]

NIce spatula

[@Williamchan87]

I am surpirsed how many times you guys said Whistler, and I was like, im pretty sure the stores are in the states. is it just Whistler is like a standard used in talking about things MTB like USD is for currency?

[@DaBinChe]

could also added how the wheels ride. Stiff, compliant, etc.

[@ROOrtiz-ov8xf]

But how does the hubs sound?

[@ryandevine3112]

however you want

[@trickyrickymtb5622]

DT EX511 on 240/350s 54poe.... Nuff said!

[@jjrh329]

👍

[@markkoziol5742]

Do I get both front and rear for 600- 750?

[@ryandevine3112]

yes if you would like me to

[@Pienimusta]

What are the benefits of these "expensive" wheels? Currently running (stock) Mavic XA trail wheels. 300 €/$ 1940g.

[@cameronsims760]

Pienimusta mostly reliability, hub engagement, and quality. But I would only upgrade if you break your current ones

[@breadunslicer8580]

greater engagement,more durable. lighter weight, stiffer depending on what brand or purpose. and they look more bling on a bike

[@Pienimusta]

Paying 600-700€ to save 100g at best seems a bit stretched and can't see that there being any real durability increase for normal trail riding.

[@dozloveseme]

@@Pienimusta saving 100g of rotating mass is different than just saving 100g of weight

[@AwesomeRedKite]

Can we get an update this year for less than 1k

[@jeremiahjohnson9942]

I run an old i9 torch hub on Flow MK3s longest running wheel I have ever had. In the past I have blown up a Stans hub but it did have 7 years and a lot abuse on it. I don't known how the new hubs hold up compared to the old Ti hubs

[@zbigniewmikolajewski4079]

The bike is solid and my Ebike conversion went great. kzbin.infoUgkxHL1v1R3NE5x4KiYfyt8dnQmyNYz7qi5L Very smooth ride at 30mph with no problems (135 miles ridden so far). The picture is a bit deceiving - there is WAY less space in the center of the frame than it shows. The suspension connection takes up the entire thing. So I needed to attach my battery on the bottom of the frame and my controller on the top. Instructions for assembly were lacking but honestly it wasn't too hard to figure out even though I have very little bike knowledge. Watched some youtube videos on adjusting the disk brakes but that was it. Still, I am loving it and very happy with the purchase.

[@mortadhaabdul565]

First person that comment

[@thelongestnameinthecomment9677]

Enve selling their rims for 950

[@ericjonpo]

OUT OF THE BLOCKS? 6:31

[@simonkubacki9823]

The e13 LG1 plus rims in 29ers are reported to be 470gr. That’s what carbon rims weigh. How durable are they?

[@janneshildebrandt1]

Not durable, broke one within 5 months trail riding...

[@alfredfeuerstein9517]

I am looking for a mountainbike for 750 🤪

[@warbodean1226]

I am here in Dhaka doing God's work and I am very much iin need of parts for my Speciialized MTB. The shops here are just not...ready...if you will. Can I be helped or am I the Red Headed Step child with Buck Teeth as far as getting bike parts delievered? You fine folks do help and take care.

[@dominicabbott991]

I always choose stiff.

[@ryandevine3112]

same when im in the mood

[@asceticscorpio972]

Or . . . You can spend $19 more and get the carbon fiber HUNT Hi-Impact wheels that come with a 3° engagement and lifetime crash replacement warranty on the rims . . . Clearly beats anything else in that price range

[@BMfins]

What a salesman!

[@angelrivera2987]

Stans Neo Speed Sync freehub (grey color) is 72 POE. The stans Neo Dura Sync freehub (red color) is 36 POE.