There’s No Difference Between Carbon and Aluminum Wheels

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[@PaulThePunter]

What do you think? Is there a big difference for your own riding? And one more time for fun, get to Competitive Cyclist and use code 'PUNTER15' so I can make more videos of this quality (exclusions apply) 👉bit.ly/320WoCt

[@nl3712]

Paul, sorry to bring this up but this looks like a paid-for advertisement. Good luck with the new approach.

[@josemorenoporras7506]

Best VS I have ever seen. Very good advice to put DH tires (real one´s IMO,trail one´s are smoking paper thin) and lighter rim.

[@evanhctp]

@@josemorenoporras7506 )

[@YukiKawaiUltimatum]

So There’s Not "So Much" Difference Between Carbon and Aluminum Wheels?

[@ardor4247]

Dude. Everything you mention on the carbon wheels in terms of feel can be attributed to the tire change. Run control tires to really single out the difference in the rim material. 👍🏼

[@PaulThePunter]

This was just on the shoot! Lol I've had both, you think I ran dh tires at the BC Bike Race? 😂There is a XC bike video I did where I comment that the wheels pop out of the turns better than alu wheels too. But this is kind of the point I'm making, for me at my level I don't think there's enough of a difference to go all nuts over :)

[@ardor4247]

@@PaulThePunter Ahhh. Sounds like you need to be clearer then. I'm not the only one who thought that's how you were applying the thoughts. :)

[@bigbo1764]

the only thing I would say was because of tire change was the "it stays on line better" comment

[@akiracornell]

@@PaulThePunter your video should have been oh I like carbon rims so I can run heavier tires and have the same rotating mass. A lot of the things that you're saying are attributed to tires not just wheel. Heavier casings are going to have that more thuddy solid feel like you said about carbon. Maybe it's more amplified by switching both Without using the same tires on both Wheels you really didn't give an objective comparison. you skewed your results.

[@JamesStoup]

Hard to do a comparison when you're changing the tires and the wheels. You've got a completely different setup, and air pressure makes a huge difference between traction and holding a line. Too many changed factors to get much useful information out of this. :(

[@PaulThePunter]

I WASN'T DOING THE WHOLE TEST ON ONE DAY haha. This is a general over view of my experience over this year.

[@High_Octane]

@@PaulThePunter then why do the test?

[@williamr3151]

High Octane he’s just showing his personal opinion over the year stop crying u nerd 🤓

[@JamesStoup]

@@PaulThePunter bringing up the casing differences made it seem like you changed the casing the entire time. I get it, but all the benefits you gave for carbon you would have felt the same with the stronger casing. I really appreciate the work you put into it, I guess I was just hoping for something a little more concrete.

[@High_Octane]

@@williamr3151fuck that, this is youtube, i'll cry all i want. so quit being a social justice warrior.

[@PickledShark]

You undercut the legitimacy of your test entirely by using different tires. 🤦‍♂️ Also, while the total wheel mass might be the same between the two setups, you need to keep in mind that you have both unsprung mass there, as well as rotational mass. In the later, the farther the mass is from the center of rotation, the worse the effect will be. So a heavier rim with a lighter tire has less rotational mass than the lighter rim with the heavier tire, despite the overall unsprung mass being identical. This is because the heavier item is farther from the axle and is imparting greater leverage on it, and by extension, your drivetrain, legs, and brakes.

[@lunam7249]

you sound all scientifical and junk...😅

[@noelbonnici191]

Great review Paul! I've ridden quite a lot on both alu and carbon sets on my 29er and I would boil it down to the feel: I'll use carbon for 80% of the time because it feels more nimble, agile, poppy and fun. However carbon will feel a little too harsh for long bike park days, especially when there are braking bumps (think Whistler after Crankworks). So that's when I'll switch to aluminium for a more planted feel.

[@BlindstuffMTB]

Great video Paul, super interesting. I've been running e13 stuff as well for a couple of years, not only has the wheelset been amazing, the customer service is top notch.

[@PaulThePunter]

Nice 👌

[@albullit]

I've been running carbon front, aluminium rear for a while on both my hardtail and full sus. Best of both worlds.

[@PaulThePunter]

Oh interesting!

[@albullit]

@@PaulThePunter It came about 'cos originally I had carbon front and back on a new hardtail and I found the back to skittish in corners over roots (like we get a lot of round Bath as you'll know). Switching to an alloy rim was night and day (same hub/spokes/tension/tyre/pressure) so I've just run like that on all my bikes now. I tend to be harder on rear rims (dents!) so its also peace of mind there. The stiffness of the carbon wheel up front on a 29er is just so much better for me I'd not ever go back up front (I'm a big lad). Ride what works for you at the end of the day.

[@Cinnabuns2009]

@@albullit Odd considering the rear wheel takes the most abuse and rider weight where carbon would seem to have advantages. Just...odd. Also Paul, you mentioned you can have a lighter rim (carbon) with a heavier tire (DH casing) and its the same. Its not in reality though. The weight of a carbon rim vs an aluminium rim is very slight, where as the difference between a normal tire vs DH casing is as much as a half pound which the wheels won't compensate for. This video is unfortunately all placebo and not based on any facts or science. Thats a bummer from such an astute mtb'er but then I guess we've over estimated the riders astuteness.

[@h82fail]

This is interesting. The biggest difference I felt going to carbon was the responsiveness of the stiffer rim when accelerating, and second how it felt stiffer against the ground (less compliant/traction). You say you like the stiffness of the carbon up front, care to go into more detail? Does it just track/turn really good? Sorry having trouble imagining what it would be like and I don't have a way to swap one on without buying.

[@blakebeyett6471]

After having two rear carbon rims crack on my hardtail I switched to aluminum with carbon still in the front like you. Interesting to see other people with the same setup.

[@bryanmurphy26]

Coming from a race car background, I think rotating and unsprung mass is the most important area to save weight on a build. The lighter your wheels, the easier it is for you're suspension to control them. When they bounce off the ground a heavier wheel will have more inertia, making it harder for your suspension to plant the wheel back down quickly and give you the traction you need. Also, since the wheels rotate, there will be more gyroscopic resistance to turn-in, and more energy cost to rotate them up to speed. When I build cars I always use the lightest most ridged wheels I can. So now that I've just built a mountain bike, I've decided to do the same. Especially since we're all moving toward larger, and therefore heavier, 29" wheel and tire sizes.

[@mann_idonotreadreplies]

cool story bro

[@GoodTrails]

Boltz! I used to ride with Matt back when he lived in Ontario. Good on you for helping him out Paul

[@PaulThePunter]

It was my pleasure :)

[@trilltron2885]

I swear, every-time I make a big purchase (ie a bike with carbon rims) the youtube/google algorithm LOVES to show me things basically saying "10 reasons the purchase you just made was hella dumb" XD Edit: after watching the video, still glad I got what I got! Thanks for the thoughtful analysis Paul!

[@davidmithen9223]

Dented my aluminium rims many times and never broken the tubeless seal. Easy to straighten carefully with the tyre off using an adjustable spanner and something to protect the rim from scuffs. Maybe it is more dependent on the type of tyre I am using, Chupacabras. Nice video, thanks.

[@chrzzzzz]

I have the same e13 wheels as paul. Dented the back wheel enough that my tubeless tires wouldn't hold any air. Carefully bent the rim back with a spanner. Worked well enough, am still running tubeless.

[@MillerRL96]

I’ve dealt with competitive cyclist and so has my girlfriend trying to order a Christmas present for me and we both had GREAT experiences. She had all sorts of questions about what she was getting me and said they were super helpful

[@PaulThePunter]

Yeah definitely a great bunch of people working there.

[@michael48742]

I just put carbon rims (roval 29 carbon) on my ibis ripley af and did my first ride in the Rockies today. We live in Colorado. The difference in acceleration and ride feel was mind blowing. I’ve always wondered if it’s worth the money and in my opinion it’s close.

[@mann_idonotreadreplies]

cool story bro

[@danwillmann9193]

How would you rate the square rock compliance?

[@electrifyofficialchannel2305]

When you watch this but you cant afford any carbon rims😂😂😢😢

[@PaulThePunter]

Did you watch my final thoughts?

[@electrifyofficialchannel2305]

Ye good video btw 👍👌😄

[@electrifyofficialchannel2305]

Edit: omg paul replied🤯🤯🤯😮

[@davidsuzukiispolpot]

Carbon wheels would cost more than half my bike. Unless I wreck my wheels, not even considering it.

[@electrifyofficialchannel2305]

Jack Feder same

[@romanengelbrecht6717]

i love how you professional and not robotic. There so many channels that just suck the life out of you when all you wanted were simple questions answered. I can sit comfortably, watch your videos and drink a cup of tea cuz your videos are so entertaining

[@robinrai4973]

There is two differences, actually! 1. Dat price 2. One of em goes "ding", the other one explodes in a fireball of death

[@xylerkajiyama7544]

Shards of carbon actually

[@jimborainbird2311]

love the support of a local ripper. Go on'ya. If I comment on how you pronounce aluminium, then we would need to also discuss scones or "scoanes" with cream or jam first (we all know its jam). Its a minefield out there!! Great vid which had just the right level of tech for me. Good job

[@trailreviewcrew6116]

i have a crap load of dents in my rim and my tubless setup is absolutely fine and i lose no air

[@mihalydenes2716]

"This is what I am assuming you, the person watching this has as well" Cries with 2013 base spec Fuji Nevada

[@Sheddymiata]

I already ran dh casing on ally wheels so the weight reduction is fairly big for me :) I'm able to run vittoria air liner rear and nukeproof ard front Inserts and still have a considerable lower total weight than the ally without inserts

[@mikesuarez9780]

Great video! One of your best, if not the best! Your doing your sponsors proud!! Very informative!!

[@PaulThePunter]

Ahh thanks Mike

[@crysis369]

Dude, you're British. It's Aluminium for crying out loud.

[@PaulThePunter]

I said aluminium as well in the video! Did you know we used to call it Allum first, then we called it Aluminum and then around the early 1900's we started calling it Aluminium. The guy that discovered it just decided to change the name every so often!

[@crysis369]

@@PaulThePunter I did but, my counterpoint is simple. The international periodic table of elements! (I am being sarcastic of course, I get you live in Canada and they also say it wrong.... I mean differently).

[@boeufalexandre631]

Aluminium was discover by a French mineralogist. In France we have always called it Aluminium.

[@Adventures_with_Sog]

@@boeufalexandre631 Actually, aluminium was first discovered/produced by Danish physicist Hans Christian Oersted.

[@thinkdrinks384]

Actually English chemist Sir Humphry Davy derived the name Aluminia which he took from the French Alum and originally spelled it Aluminum in 1807. His scientific colleagues in England preferred an alternative name Aluminium as it sounded like other elements ending in -ium. He then later changed the name to aluminium in 1812. By then it was already too late as Noah Webster's Dictionary only has the spelling Aluminum and is predominately used in the U.S. So in actuality it is perfectly acceptable to use either spelling or pronunciation. I just pronounce it the way the locals do when I'm in there country (when in Rome) :-)

[@BrianVaughn]

So I run carbon wheels in the warm weather and aluminum in the cold. After running aluminum for the past month, I feel like the difference is minimal. I do feel the carbon wheels track a line better in the chunky stuff. I tend to make my aluminum wheels wabble so I am happy with how less maintenance I'm doing with the carbon wheels.

[@spooky8172]

Carbon rims (33mm internal) are one of the best upgrades I've made on my bikes recently, has made them feel much livlier! And running ProCore in the back, have had zero issues since... had many ongoing issues with various alloy rims before (punctures, dents, tubeless not holding)... Highly rate carbon over alloy if you have the extra coin to spend. Just don't go cheap carbon, go one with a good crash replacement program or or decent warranty.

[@mrjagriff]

Funny thing is being an older rider my coordination isn’t what it used to be and since I started using carbon I find they seem to change direction more precisely , which means I can ride quicker without exiting the trail ! Something I’m sure the over 60s can appreciate

[@PaulThePunter]

Yeah I can see that for sure! Great story to share.

[@SpencerRides]

I once demo rode an E-bike with carbon wheels. Guy set the tire pressure to 23 PSI and told me I would be fine. One third of the way down the trail I smashed the wheel on a rock and slightly dented the rim. I was able to ride some of the way but had to walk back once I lost too much air. (luckily some guys had a pump I could use before I returned the bike) I have absolutely smashed my aluminium wheel on my bike putting the worst dent I've seen in it, and was still able to shred back to my car... Still a great video and I can agree with most of the things you said.

[@PaulThePunter]

Sounds like bad like! At least the eeb could have pulled you back with it's motor ;)

[@bigbo1764]

I've spent more money on aluminum rims than it would've costed me to buy any carbon wheelset on the market, it's not only that aluminum rims need more maintenance, they also have a shorter lifespan which is shortened exponentially for every single time you bend or dent a rim, I've has 3 aluminum wheels fail on me now (these wheels were not of the same brand so that isn't the problem), I'm a decently rough rider, but I live in Texas so it isn't like i'm riding DH on them or anything, one time one of my wheels literally bent and snapped in half when I went of a 2 foot drop. Carbon rims don't really lose lifespan as they don't flex as easily as aluminum, and yes the break instead of bending, but the amount of force required to break a carbon rim is much more than that required to bend an aluminum rim, and if you theoretically break a carbon rim you will generally get a new one free of charge, but for every single one of my aluminum rims that fails I have to shell out 600-800 dollars every single time.

[@colinwatt00]

I feel the need to chime-in here.... @ ~5min20sec Paul made the claim that aluminum is ‘softer’ than carbon. This is not accurate and carbon is often ‘softer’ / more compliant than aluminum. It depends entirely on the lay-up of the carbon (consider flexible / non-pivot seatstays). It’s typically not until you get into ‘SL’ frames and components when you see the stiffness of carbon match aluminum. In fact, this has long been an advantage of carbon over aluminum (ability to increase compliance and vibration dampening).

[@PaulThePunter]

Ahh well there ya go! Thanks for the info. I think I was trying to get across that if you bang an alloy rim on something it will dent, but the carbon behave in the same way. I should have chosen different language. Thanks for letting me know!

[@Adventures_with_Sog]

I've a friend who's worked in the carbon fibre industry for years and has made it for many large companies including McLaren and F1 cars. He told me unless you're doing XC and weigh 7 stone when wet, for proper rough Offord riding etc; he'd choose aluminium for both wheels and frame.

[@dukeofmtb]

@@Adventures_with_Sog I'm with you on that one.

[@raivkka4313]

@@Adventures_with_Sog I would like to try carbon wheels. After cracking my carbon frame I went to Aluminum.

[@Adventures_with_Sog]

@@raivkka4313 If you ride anything even remotely extreme or rocky I really wouldn't bother with carbon fibre my friend. Seriously, it's so overrated.

[@jasonbailey3583]

I have to disagree with the “can’t run tubeless after dinking and alu rim” I put a massive dent in a rear rim, which was running tubes at the time, set it up tubeless without an issue and ran for another 6 months at trail centres and bike parks around the U.K. Nice video though, would be interested to try a set of carbon wheels and compare them back to back myself.

[@PaulThePunter]

Well there ya go! Try them out for yourself and see if there's any difference. However more times than not a dented rim cannot be made tubeless after the shape has been displaced.

[@dukeofmtb]

I have 2 big dents on my rear wheel. It's still round and straight. Still runs fine.

[@CallMeJackWagon]

I stopped when I found you werent running the same tires. Sorry, but thats hugely important in a "wheel" test :) It'd be like doing a tire test but using aluminum wheels for one and carbon for the other. Or two different bikes ;)

[@mtbboy1993]

yea that's definitely a must for a test like this. same goes for bikes.

[@PaulThePunter]

This was really just for shooting......I'm not doing a whole test based on one ride, I'm pointing out that you can run heavier tires on a lighter rim. Maybe watch it again with this in mind :)

[@lokmtb8503]

@@PaulThePunter You can also run heavier tires on an aluminum rim and get a performance boost. Your carbon wheels and DH tires were heavier than your aluminum wheels and trail tires. Maybe the majority of your performance gains came from having heavier wheels/tire combo? Maybe the performance gain was from the DH tires?

[@jamiemk5234]

If you want a true test, I believe syd and Macky have one, but otherwise I nice offering from Paul giving his opinion 👍🏻

[@zxtenn]

I have a 2018 Spectral 6.0 AL and it came with M-1900 wheels and I got a great deal on 2019 Mavic XA carbon wheels, I saved 250 grams but the 1st thing I noticed was how SMOOTH they are, however the DT alloys are rated category 4 and carbon category 3 so I assume the alloys would be safer and more durable when riding in rough rocks, etccc

[@ImthatPete]

I'm fat. I won't beat around that bush. Carbon wheels are better for me personally due to how often I get my aluminum wheels out of tune. I retune my aluminum wheels _before every ride_ out of _necessity_. I can't stress enough how much the switch to carbon has made my life a little bit easier. (And helps me get out more, since I don't have to mess with the bike as much.)

[@PaulThePunter]

There ya go! Probably made getting the bike out of the garage a bit easier :).

[@utawelker-hub3526]

I got eight dents on my aloy rim just in the back, but tubeles works just fine

[@emeraldmtb]

I've ridden both. And I've picked carbon again for my newest bike. Lifetime warranty, yes, just for peace of mind. But riding I find I can point my carbon rims with pin-point precision down the trail. Aluminium rims feel much sloppier to me. But each to their own

[@alexthemtbr]

The concern for me at 22-24 psi is that I will rip the tire of the rim and it feels squirmy. If I go below 28 in the rear, it will literally just rip off the rim in a corner, even on Dh casings

[@PaulThePunter]

Yeah because you are a different weight to me and actually know how to corner a bike lol.

[@alexthemtbr]

Hahaha the weight is definitely worth mentioning! I’m just surprised how people can run that low, like Kate Courtney runs 17psi!!!! How the hell does that work

[@PaulThePunter]

Alex Chamberlin she’s not trying to roost every turn...and she weighs a lot less. Come one Alex! 😂

[@CoasterBrosINC]

I'm a BMX racer, and I just wanted to know one thing. If I swap over to carbon rims, will it be fine if I case jumps? I hear that casing jumps after a while is extremely bad for them. From more than 1 person, I've heard carbon rims are strong enough to ride them without the tires (meant as a joke.) I plan to case quite a few jumps in the future, and it shouldn't be too hard cases. Will I be fine?

[@marmorslott16]

Nice video! i'm still using Aluminum wheels because i can't afford carbon ones, but if i had the money i'd try the Spengle three spoke carbon wheels, they look super dope.

[@PaulThePunter]

Hmmm the issue there is that there's no way of truing them after they go wrong...but who knows! Thanks for stopping by 👌

[@marmorslott16]

@@PaulThePunter i won't have to worry about that any time soon since i'm only 16 and don't have much money lying around XD. Thx for the answer tho!

[@ditramesp3827]

Paul The Punter It wouldn’t bend like that cause the spokes are thicc it would probably outright fail

[@keirfarnum6811]

@@marmorslott16 If you’re that young, you should really get some good spoked wheels. The full carbon wheels really are not something that would work well for most people. They won’t have the kind of ride compliance that regular wheels have and will be extremely stiff. Don’t let the flashy looks suck you in. There’s a reason the top pros all use spoked wheels.

[@danielrene658]

Hi, I just did it last spring and bought a pair of Falcon XI carbon wheels (From Falcon Composite in Montréal). I put that on my Devinci Django which is a beast in terms of climbing. To be honest , that's where I feel the diffrence, when climbing! Will I do ti again considering the price? I think I'll buy only a rear wheel, because it's where it count the most. An other thing I can say is that they are reallly strongs. Because, in searching for the best and lightest (light doesn't mean strong) XC tires pair, I got my worst season regarding to flats! And these rims got tested, and believe me, they got a medal!

[@charlesnichols7682]

Any idea what a 27.5 + (plus) wheel would weigh? (carbon). Thanks in advance.

[@Drogos79]

I am thinking carbon wheels with lightweight tires for my local flow trails to beat them strava PRs and alu OEMs with proper gravity tire for mountain adventures. Thoughts ?

[@evfisher44]

It would be awesome if you could run a real test (same tires, change out the brake disc) and do a comparative run on a climb and down the same trail. I don't think I've seen anyone do that comparison for rims yet.

[@PaulThePunter]

Remember these are my general thoughts and observations over a whole year. This one video is not the 'test' to determine the differences. I'm sure that video would be great, but as I say at the end the actual real life, 'in the moment' differences are marginal for my skill level.

[@jamiemk5234]

Syd and Macky have a day of testing switching out wheels, Ali for carbon, same tires and same trails, think they reach similar conclusions as Paul

[@Graptos]

I ❤️ my carbon rims, but I paid a 33% premium over the price for like alu rims and hubs. I only got them because I wanted a wider internal rim , and I was offered (effectively) ambassador-pricing. Pro: Not needing to true all the time (trued once after two years [kept thinking they must need truing at some point, year three and last year’s truing has held] and that took about 5 minutes, a little less for the front and little more on the rear); I still have all the spokes; I have not had to rebuild or toss out a tacoed wheel (a yearly occurrence normally), so money saved there already. Cons: Not any lighter, and I feel married to them, I will probably stay on 27.5 just because I could never afford the retail price of the same wheels for a 29er. Keep thinking I should put in one of those foamy inserts. They feel different but, not in the same category as carbon bars. In the scale of things carbon bars > carbon frame > carbon wheels > carbon cranks (these scare me the most in terms of failure and warranty). Would I buy again, probably, but just for the convenience and durability over alu, and if I needed to only pay ambassador or EP pricing.

[@headoverbars8750]

excellent video Paul 👍. I'm somewhat of a beginner mountain biker but I've spent my life on two wheels... I've never run across the situation where I could lighten up the rotational mass of my bike. I'm a very light Rider and would consider my ideal bike down country / extreme light trail lol. I'm 5 foot 8 in weigh 140 lb I like the idea of going with a better too though

[@azdirtlife4280]

Great job Paul 👍👍. I have yet to ride carbon wheels but I am looking forward to trying them. I haven't broken or significantly dented my aluminum wheels but I a pretty good at breaking carbon frames 🤣🤣

[@PaulThePunter]

Haha yeah Ken that is weird now I think about it! Strange how you break the frame (and yourself) before the wheels...

[@Silverripples]

I have only ridden Alu, My wheels are 1600 grams wheelset on my DH bike and no issues whatsover. Tunes hubs on my Enduro bike and Hope hubs on my DH bike. 6 years now and have never truied any of them.

[@jaredromero9549]

I’ve blown six carbon e13 wheels. WITH CUSH CORE!!!!!! Luckily they were all warrantied. I have switched bikes. Now have the aluminum e13 wheels (29er). Ive switched from yt tues to a commencal supreme 29er. No problems yet with then aluminum and I feel no difference between the two.Then again I can’t tell the difference between tires 😂 I run 35 rear 30 front Blew five Northstar in California and one at whistler.

[@dukeofmtb]

DH and Enduro racers ride aluminum wheels most of the time. Nuff said.

[@MangoJim90]

Tried tubeless in the past for maybe a year or so, returned to tubes cause love change wheelsets and tires a lot BUT have some hard impacting from time to time even with ~33 psi both front and rear when even a 2ply wall tire has a holes near the bead with big dented rim walls (which I can repair after)....Let it be aluminum rims for me 8)

[@PaulThePunter]

Sounds like you need to try a foam insert!

[@sundayblack]

Tannus armour.

[@MangoJim90]

@@sundayblack yep!

[@TrailFeatures]

Will this bottom bracket fit my bike?

[@PaulThePunter]

Probably not.

[@TrailFeatures]

Then I want a refund.

[@userbosco]

I'm big and heavy, 6 ft & 225 lbs and really enjoy riding aggressively. In ~20 years in riding MTB, I have never "bent" an aluminum wheel. I have "misshapened" one or two, requiring truing and relacing, but never flat out bent one. Carbon would be awesome, for sure, but so far - impossible to justify the $$.

[@PaulThePunter]

Well there ya go, if it works for you then keep on 👌. Just enjoy riding your bike!

[@PaulThePunter]

Well if that works for you, then keep on! Great that you are out there riding 👌

[@skardi1]

Spot on Paul, not convinced that carbon would make a hack with no talent like me faster when setting the suspension properly probably does. Nice vid 👍

[@PaulThePunter]

There ya go, wise words :).

[@dmytrocrawford7860]

At the end of the day, rolling inertia is the key difference for me. The ability to turn the whole bike using less effort builds confidence and improves trail times. At the end of the day they are very similar, but those small key differences go a long way. The rigidity and reduced inertia allow a whole world of possibilities. In saying this though, aluminum wheels are not out of the question. the Industry nine aluminum wheelsets are actually close in weight to most carbon setups (like e13) and I absolutely love them. At the end of the day, find a wheelset you love, it's different from person to person.

[@parkerlovell1675]

Its funny i just noticed a masive crack in my alloy rim today... 3 weeks after i tacod the wheel on my dj bike. 🤦‍♂️

[@jimmybagby]

The weight difference is neglible.

[@evilrides2298]

when you make a test of 2 wheels you have to use the same tyre to feel difference

[@chameleonpogono]

Those tire pressures should be fine. On my stock alloy wheels on my 2016 Genius, I have gone down to 18psi on fairly rocky trails. Haven't had a problem. Would like to try carbon wheels, but they are above my pay grade, even with the discount.

[@markstephenson5867]

Lifetime warranty on carbon is well worth the extra money. At least three people damaged rims on our annual trip to Morzine last year, but the person running Santa Cruz Reserve rims was the only one with a replacement within an hour. Awesome service.

[@powskier]

How often do you bend or break rims? I haven’t broke one in 15 years. Put some damn air in your wheels when riding rocky terrain.

[@jamestanton9004]

What psi did you pump your down country’s bike suspension up too? Love the vids keep up the good work

[@ben_pedelty]

25/35 % sag for suspension

[@PaulThePunter]

Not sure on the sag setting but look at the notes on my phone I had 70 in the fork and 160 in the rear. I must have been extra skinny then! But I also had it set up pretty soft to take into account that I wasn't going fast and needed comfort for the bike race.

[@jamestanton9004]

Oh ok thanks

[@KingerUTube]

Good on ya Paul, for using your brand to give back to local shredders in your community. Nice gesture. As for wheels, I'm 3 months in on a set of WeAreOne Carbon wheels. (Movement - Agent - 29") I have nothing but good things to say about them. I like to relate the feeling between Alu/Carbon wheels to when a person preforms a strength or agility movement. When bracing your core, it's a very noticeable benefit, as opposed to not having a braced core. The aluminum wheel just does it's job (well) but the carbon wheel transfers into more power / stability / trackability / confidence. … until it breaks one day. Also, any chance to support a local company. Kamloops, BC - (like you do with OneUp Components) I go for it. - Check em' out!

[@PaulThePunter]

Thanks! And stoked you are having fun on your bike.

[@brucemacneil]

Very nice explanation. Increasingly jealous of your demonstrably improved riding skills.

[@PaulThePunter]

Ahhh thanks Bruce, you are too kind.

[@gur262]

Wonder where magnesium and metals with magnesium are at? Bont inline skates (super expensive stylish speeds Kate's) have magnesium rails. Magnesium has been used in motorcycles, not sure if that was sorta pure, anyways it was dangerous there

[@Poltergits-Lampost]

Great vid, lovely gesture 👍

[@PaulThePunter]

Thanks!

[@Stopadoodledoo]

Not sure I would agree that dented aluminium rims won’t hold air tubeless any more. I used Stans ZTR Flows for years, battered the gel out of them and always managed to bend them back to shape with adjustable pliers, always held air perfectly again afterwards. I also wouldn’t trust carbon rims; most of the riding I do is in the English Lake District, which smashes carbon for fun. I may just be a Luddite though.....

[@PaulThePunter]

Well remember you have had one type of incident, whereas general if you dent a rim and it's shape has been displaced you will lose this seal. That's awesome that you didn't have this though and were able to ride!

[@Losman0007]

Going from Aluminum to Carbon I could definitely feel a difference using carbon, much more responsive and stiffer for me.

[@mtbboy1993]

There can be a huge difference in how wheels feel from different types of rims, how many cavities it has, how wide they are, how thick they are, the material, the spoke tention, the spoke count.

[@PaulThePunter]

yes

[@rosshannigan663]

I think this is your best video Paul!

[@fillfreakin2245]

You should do a 29'er vs 27.5 wheel comparison video.

[@jk702]

I have never run flat after denting, flat spotting, curling the edge of ethirteens trs rims. I run tubeless with orange seal and heavy tires i.e. maxxis DD casing or michelin wild enduro. I have run several tires to their lives end over the course of a year on already dented, flat spotted, curled edge rims without issue. The only wheels that have ever left me walking were carbon.

[@ernestocazares4065]

Have you done a review video on the e13 wheels?

[@mtbtrails6665]

besides that, I think you should get your camera guy a gimbal for all the shaking while walking

[@jevgeniardassov]

My YT Jeffsy came with DT Swiss high end aluminium wheels, 4 years of riding, zero truing, no dents, 2 tyre dismounts, fixed on the trail with a CO2 cartridge. So aluminum can also be "trouble free" problem is these cost separately almost a thousand euros when new, so the are not far from carbon ones, Weight difference with DT swiss carbons in same measurements was like 265 g a pair, not worth 350 euros in my oppinion.

[@jevgeniardassov]

Easier to lose 265 g from my belly for much less.

[@PaulThePunter]

Remember any rotational weight is different from static mass - but I hear what you're saying. It really is situation dependent. As I say in the video, I haven't had any problems with the aluminium wheels that I've used for so long - so I'm certainly not disagreeing with your point of view :).

[@adamdavis354]

I wonder how much the difference in tires changed your feelings on this test! Would be interesting to see what you thought.

[@PaulThePunter]

.................this was an overview of the year, not this day.

[@adamdavis354]

Thanks, good point!

[@THOELL2737]

I have both the Caron wheel seem so much faster on climbs and just go where I point then no flex . The 1st day was night and day difference and feal

[@PaulThePunter]

Sweet!

[@mtxbraking]

I always feel like when you ask someone, you will always be told “carbon”, but that person rarely can tell you a firm (and more importantly, drastic) reason why to go with carbon. Which seems to be your conclusion as well. I enjoyed the input. By the way Paul, we can fix your squeaky brakes.

[@nathangaffran]

I have dented and then pulled the dents out.

[@iliyadavoodipour6366]

alloy and carbon rimms are both nice. which one you choose simply depends on your weight, riding style, budget, taste and the kind of trails you ride most. for example im currently running alloy rimms, because i have no money AT ALL, but when i get older i will run carbon because im a weight weinie and i only weigh 65kg.

[@ruskracing]

Competitive cyclist is own by same company as Backcountry.com. Let your conscience be your guide..

[@txhookey5608]

I don't understand your point. Can you explain the problem with backcountry.com?

[@luisseidl2671]

Love the video! When is the next van video coming out?

[@PaulThePunter]

Sunday all going well!

[@walkeronegaming]

nobody talks about hubs. engagement feels so much better than slightly lighter rims. i don't notice any difference in feel but once you have i9 engagement it's really hard to go back. i can't say i feel my carbon rims but i absolutely feel the hubs.

[@shaunschneeberger6301]

With every upgrade ive done on my bike the carbon rims were the most expensive but made the biggest difference i wont go back to alu. And at 100kg hitting that back so hard everytime its amazing how strong carbon is

[@Chops00]

I’ve had some pretty gnarly looking dents and wheel still held tubeless

[@janvanrookhuijzen8309]

What an awesome place where you live. Looks like mtb heaven. Thx for sharing your experience.

[@carlstanton2550]

I run aluminium rims. Tried running carbon but I hate how stiff they are, I like to have wheels with a bit of give in them. I find the bike more comfortable, and I can read the terrain better in terms of grip /traction. Carbon rims just seem to make everything feel the same. That's my personal opinion though, and by no means am I saying ALL carbon rims feel like that, or that they're all bad.

[@PaulThePunter]

Glad you like riding your bike :)

[@EmilyHorridge]

It's a shame you didn't do the same type of tyres on each wheel. I get it that it's not a "test" as such, but I was interested to hear your opinions on the two all the same. I stopped watching once it was clear that you had DH tyres on the carbon wheels cos it could just as easily be down to that that they made the bike feel exactly as you described, regardless of rim material.

[@johndavis3938]

Good video Paul. Here's the question we all want answered - If you could only ride one material the rest of your life, what would it be?

[@PaulThePunter]

I'd choose carbon for sure, having a thicker tire on is what I prefer for sure. So there ya go!

[@nedfinnegan240]

Do the lifetime warranties on carbon wheels actually mean anything? If you damage a wheel hitting something on the trail is it covered? Wouldn’t Most manufacturing defects will become obvious in a year or two of riding?

[@FatGuyBiking]

My wife dictates my MTB Budget so therefore Carbon is a pipe dream and its one of those things I dont know what im missing cause I never rode it but I do see the advantages thats for sure. Just like I see the advantages of Carbon bikes but for a big boy like me I prefer aluminum or steel on that front the wheels however I would be all over some carbon wheels if I could. Great comparison though!!!

[@PaulThePunter]

Thanks and I’m sure you’ll still have fun riding :)

[@mtbboy1993]

4:21 that's not completely true, in worst scenario it is, it depends how much they dent. but if its a big bend then your are screwed.

[@LuisManuelHdez]

Dented too many aluminum wheels. I've been a strictly carbon wheel rider for years. Have not cracked one yet! That alone makes it worth my while, not to mention stiffness and other qualities. Amazing trail. Would love to ride there.

[@mattdeso1672]

For my own riding, there is a difference feel wise, but performance wise I'm not good enough to see any gains there

[@aaronwaterman6982]

I went carbon on all my bikes simply cause I was sick of re-truing rear wheels every month...ive never yet in 3 yrs had to touch or re-true a carbon wheel

[@JackyLegs]

CARBON WHEELS ARE WORTH IT!! I’ve gone through 2 pairs of aluminum rims in one year with cushcore. I’ve written Carbon with no inserts and mashed those things so hard and not a single dent has ever appeared

[@steven7650]

To your sluggish comment, you discovered centripetal acceleration. It is much harder to change the moment of a rotating mass. As the mass is multiplied by the square of the radius small changes in weight have a greater effect.

[@PaulThePunter]

There ya go!

[@Twisted_Biscuit]

Should have used same tires on both rims. I immediately disregard anything said after that is mentioned. You can’t compare a soft rim with soft tires to a stiff rim with stiff tires. Although your points of being able to run heavier tires and keep the same weight are true, the feel of the rim is lost. You say alu rims track better but that could also be your stiff tire choice not allowing for as much tracking.

[@PaulThePunter]

This was just for the purpose of the video.....I didn’t base my whole thoughts on this one day of riding 😂. I have dh tires on Alu rims on my dh bike. The video would have been like 30 minutes long if I talked about every single combination.

[@Twisted_Biscuit]

@@PaulThePunter I would be interested in a video if you did compare the rims when using the same tires though, to see maybe if carbon rims track any better with a softer side casing. I'd be willing to sit through a 30 min video lol

[@heliocoelhosilva1]

how can you tell the diference between carbon and alluminium , whe you change tyres? completely out of focus.

[@shustypl]

You said carbon rims are lighter 🤔, but I made a comparison for 27.5 wheels from e13: LG1 RACE ENDURO CARBON RIM 450$ (480g) vs alu LG1 ENDURO RIM 55$ (470g), alu LG1 PLUS ENDURO RIM 85$ (450g) Hmmm...

[@alexasvideos271]

Love it!

[@PaulThePunter]

Thanks Alexa

[@rafemaxwell4143]

Best part of carbon is scoffing at other people's heavy, affordable bikes.

[@anthonywalters7434]

Rafe Maxwell my bike was affordable and is only 25lbs. The trick is to own a hardtail.

[@PaulThePunter]

Haha oh no.

[@bikelifewill6483]

Do a shush

[@Sheddymiata]

If you have carbon and have bought it then its affordable. If wasnt affordable then nobody would own one.

[@TheCrashingDad]

I cheated and watched it early 😜 This was SO GUUD!!! Great job Paul 👍🏼

[@PaulThePunter]

Thanks Sheyn my dude!

[@roilev]

It is not the aluminium wheels that track better, it is the enduro casing. It is not the carbon wheels that are stiffer and poppier, it is the DH casing.

[@alexlamy1271]

I only ride aluminum wheels because im poor 😢