If you want to replace or upgrade your old mountain bike wheels, you might wonder what is the best place to start. Especially, there are plenty of products for you to choose from.
The best mountain bike wheels are the ones that have features matching your requirement.
To help you get the right option, here is a review of 11 best mountain bike wheels in 2021. Keep reading!
Read more:
- Top 12 Best Mountain Bikes Under 500 Reviews In 2021: February Update!
- Top 15 Best Mountain Bike Tires Reviews In 2021
Table of Contents
Best Mountain Bike Wheels Comparison Chart 2021
The comparison table below will offer you some important features of 11 best mountain bike wheels in 2021.
What Are The Best Mountain Bike Wheels To Buy?
There are plenty of products on the market and choosing the best one is not easy. Let’s read the following list which includes the best mountain bike wheels in specific categories.
- Best Overall: Shimano Mavic Continental Mountain Bike Wheels
- Best Budget: CyclingDeal WTB SX19 Mountain Bike Wheels
- Best Size: Shimano MT15 Mountain Bike Wheels
- Best Hubs: CyclingDeal Mountain Bike Wheels
- Best Brand: Sta-Tru Mountain Bike Wheels
- Best Set: Shimano Mavic 27.5 inch Mountain Bike Wheels
- Best Spokes: CyclingDeal WTB STP i25 Mountain Bike Wheels
- Best Bearings: CyclingDeal WTB SX19 Mountain Bike Wheels
- Best Upgrade: Activ Life Mountain Bike Wheels
Top 11 Best Mountain Bike Wheels Reviews In 2021
To provide more information and featu1res of these 11 best mountain bike wheels, I write this thorough review to help you find out the most suitable pick.
Activ Life Mountain Bike Wheels
Active Life mountain bike wheels stand out of other products on the market due to their stylish LED light system.
They come with 21 premium LED lights and three durable AAA Alkaline batteries. Thanks to that, these lights are not only beneficial when you ride in the dark but also trendy and attractive. Moreover, there are ten colors of LED lights to pick so these wheels are suitable for both men and women.
Along with that is the compact design so you can carry it easily.
Pros
- Waterproof
- Come with a wide range of colors
- Batteries included
- Fit more bikes
Cons
- It’s just a LED bike wheel light to decorate for your bike
Product specs:
| Item Dimensions | 4.5 x 3.1 x 2.1 inches |
| Weight | 4 ounces |
| Color | 10 colors available |
| Materials | Not available |
| Size | For 12-29 inches wheels |
| Brand | Activ Life |
Bell Sports 7064327 Mountain Bike Wheels
Bell Sport 7064327 mountain bike tires are designed for 26-inch wheels. They are made of durable and strong materials which are 25% stronger than typical tires on the market.
Furthermore, these essential parts of mountain bike wheels are equipped with effective flat defense technology which is called KEVLAR. Thanks to the KEVLAR layer these tires will be able to make your wheels stronger and avoid flat efficiently.
In short, if you are looking for the best mountain bike wheel upgrade, I will highly recommend these Bell Sport 7064327 mountain bike tires.
Pros
- One year warranty included
- Strong and durable material
- Easy to store and carry
- KEVLAR technology offers great puncture resistance
Cons
- You might receive wrong tread pattern
Product specs:
| Item Dimensions | 7 x 6.4 x 5.9 inches |
| Weight | 2.42 pounds |
| Color | Black |
| Materials | 100% Other Fibers |
| Size | 26” x 1.75 – 2.25” |
| Brand | Bell |
Sta-Tru Mountain Bike Wheels
What sets these Sta-Tru Mountain Bike Wheels apart from other items on the market is their material. These best mountain bike wheels are made of the highest quality materials which make them very light in weight but still strong and durable.
The total weight of these items is just 1.9 pounds so everyone can handle them effortlessly.
With the premium alloy bearing hub and STW ST1 rim, these wheels are ideal for light trails and they can go through rough terrains easily.
Pros
- High-quality material
- Light in weight
- Ideal for trail riding
Cons
- Packaging is not great
Product specs:
| Item Dimensions | 23 x 23 x 5 inches |
| Weight | 1.9 pounds |
| Materials | Alloy |
| Size | 26” x 1.5” |
| Brand | Sta – Tru |
Shimano Mavic Continental Mountain Bike Wheels
These Shimano Mavic Continental Mountain Bike Wheels are considered as one of the best mountain bike wheelsets on the market. When you purchase these wheels, you will receive a pair of premium mountain bike tires from Continental RaceKing.
If you buy these tires separately, it will cost about $80 per pair. Picking this wheelset is only economical but also saves your time.
One of the most attractive points about Shimano Mavic Continental wheels is that they are compatible with the disc brake and 29er wheels. Thus, you can use this MTB wheelset for both mountain bikes and gravel bikes as well.
Pros
- Affordable
- Disc brake compatible
- Come in a complete wheelset
Cons
- It needs better spokes
Product specs:
| Item Dimensions | 27 x 29 x 8 inches |
| Weight | 10 pounds |
| Materials | Alloy |
| Size | 29 inches |
| Brand | Mavic x Shimano |
Wheel Master Mountain Bike Wheels
These mountain bike wheels will be the best replacement for your bike since they use high-grade material and solid construction.
Firstly, the rim is made of high-quality steel and it’s featured with a 5/6 speed hub. The spokes are made of 14G Chrome. Thanks to that, these best affordable mountain bike wheels are very strong and durable.
Secondly, these models are compatible with Disc brake. Thus, they are an ideal option if you want to use Disc brakes rather than V brakes.
Pros
- Freehub design
- Double wall construction for extra durability
- Disc wheels compatible
Cons
- Schrader valve rim
Product specs:
| Item Dimensions | 26 x 26 x 6 inches |
| Weight | 3.15 pounds |
| Materials | Not available |
| Size | 29 inches |
| Brand | Wheel Master |
CyclingDeal WTB STP i25 Mountain Bike Wheels
These products come with the best mountain bike wheel spokes. They are built by hand and tested to ensure the best quality and precise performance. With the spokes made by a pushing machine, you will never have to worry about spokes being extended. Thanks to that, your mountain bike wheels will always be kept in true size.
Along with that is the well-built hub system. Both front hubs and rear hubs of these items are equipped with two sealed bearings so they are truly durable. Also, the rear hub is compatible with 9, 10, and 11 speed.
Pros
- One year warranty
- Tyres included
- Tubeless compatible
- Quick release
Cons
- Presta valve and tape are not included
Product specs:
| Item Dimensions | 26.77 x 12.6 x 25.59 inches |
| Weight | 13.23 pounds |
| Materials | Not available |
| Size | 29 inches |
| Brand | CyclingDeal |
Shimano Mavic 27.5 inch Mountain Bike Wheels
These Shimano Mavic 27.5 inch Mountain Bike Wheels come with Continental RaceKing folding tires which are 27.5-inch x 2.2-inch. That means these products could match a wide range of bikes.
Moreover, this best wheelset for the money comes with disc brake rims that are made of high-quality aluminum and designed with the double-wall clincher. Thanks to this feature, these wheels can work with Shimano 7,8,9, 10 speed. However, with the 7-speed cassette, you have to use a spacer to attach it.
Pros
- Continental RaceKing tires included
- Disc brake compatible
- Affordable pick
- Double wall design for extra strength
Cons
- They need better hubs
Product specs:
| Item Dimensions | 29 x 27 x 8 inches |
| Weight | 10 pounds |
| Materials | Aluminum alloy |
| Size | 27.5 inches |
| Brand | Mavic x Shimano |
CyclingDeal Mountain Bike Wheels
These CyclingDeal Mountain Bike Wheels are equipped with Novatec aluminum alloy hubs in front and rear. Also, these hubs come with two sealed bearings so they are flexible and offer great lubrication.
In addition, when you purchase this product, you will get a complete wheelset including a pair of CyclingDeal mountain bike wheels and two Continental X-King folding tires. This type of tires is not top-notch but it can still work well with your cross country wheel or mountain bike wheel.
Pros
- Come in a complete wheelset
- Pre-extended spokes
- Compatible with Shimano cassettes
Cons
- Tubeless rims are not included
Product specs:
| Item Dimensions | 34.65 x 7.48 x 29.13 inches |
| Weight | 9.39 pounds |
| Materials | Aluminum alloy |
| Size | 29 inches |
| Brand | CyclingDeal |
CyclingDeal WTB SX19 Mountain Bike Wheels
Like other products from CyclingDeal, these WTB SX19 Mountain Bike Wheels come with hand-built quality. The pre-extended spokes will work perfectly in any weather condition and help your mountain bike wheels keep the true size.
With 32 stainless steel spokes on each wheel, these items are very strong and solid, they can handle heavy riders well and come through rough terrains without damage.
Also, this might be one of the best budget picks for you when these wheels come with a pair of X-King mountain bike wire tires. Just purchase them and you can save your time and money as well.
Pros
- One year warranty
- Tires are included
- Disc brake compatible
- Hand-built quality
Cons
- Quite noisy
Product specs:
| Item Dimensions | 36 x 36 x 7 inches |
| Weight | 9.012 pounds |
| Materials | Stainless steel |
| Size | 29 inches |
| Brand | CyclingDeal |
Shimano MT15 Mountain Bike Wheels
These Shimano MT15 wheels are made for 29er mountain bikes. Also, these items are compatible with a wide range of Shimano speed including 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 speed. Thanks to that, even when you want to change or upgrade your Shimano bike, these wheels are still beneficial.
These mountain bike wheels come with free high-quality mountain bike tires and 28 spokes on each wheel. Thanks to that, you will have a complete wheelset which is very convenient and affordable.
Pros
- Come with free high-quality tires
- Aluminum hub is strong and stable
- value pick for the money
- Compatible with Shimano 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 speed
Cons
- Nothing
Product specs:
| Item Dimensions | 29 x 27 x 8 inches |
| Weight | 10 pounds |
| Materials | Aluminum |
| Size | 29” x 2.2” |
| Brand | SHIMANO |
Stars-Circle 27.5″ Mountain Bike Wheels
These Stars-Circle 27.5″ Mountain Bike Wheels are made by hand so they are very durable and strong. Also, they could work well on rough surfaces.
Another impressive point about these best mountain bike wheels is their price. They come at a very cheap price compared to their own quality and performance.
These wheels are compatible with Shimano 8, 9, 10 so if you want to change your old bike into Shimano bike or to upgrade your bike, these wheels are an ideal option.
Pros
- Shimano 8, 9, 10 speed compatible
- Affordable
- Two year warranty included
Cons
- Low-quality material
Product specs:
| Item Dimensions | 30.31 x 7.09 x 25.59 inches |
| Weight | 8.35 pounds |
| Materials | Alloy |
| Size | 27.5 inches |
| Brand | Stars-Circle |
The Ultimate Guide To Choosing Best Mountain Bike Wheels In 2021
Size
The first factor that you have to consider seriously before purchasing one or two mountain bike wheels is the wheel size. If you get the wrong size which doesn’t attach to your bike or simply doesn’t match your riding needs, the wheel cannot do the most effective performance.
The 26-inch wheel is the standard and it can work with most mountain bikes. The smaller size will be more flexible and enhance the speed.
Today, 29-inch wheels are the biggest size of mountain bike wheels and they are options of most professionals.
Rim Material
There are two main rim materials including aluminum alloy and carbon. Both types of materials have their own advantages and disadvantages.
The carbon rim is lighter in weight, more durable but they usually come with a high price tag.
On the other hand, aluminum rims are a more popular and cheaper option. They are also easy to repair and replace. However, they cannot last long.
FAQs
What are the best mountain bike rims?
Personally, I prefer aluminum mountain bike rim as the best option on the market. They are very popular and come with standard quality so you can purchase them easily. Also, if your rims are broken, you can find out the replacement or repair them anywhere.
Is Upgrading MTB wheels worth it?
The answer depends on what you want to be upgraded. For example, better tires or some added patterns like LED lights are highly recommended. These new parts will offer extra safety for you. However, if you try to replace some components on your old bike, they might not attach with your wheels and it’s really a waste of money.
Are carbon mountain bike wheels worth it?
Yes, they are. Carbon mountain bike wheels are lighter and more effective than alloy mountain bike wheels. Moreover, they will last longer and give you smooth riding experience.
How long do mountain bike wheels last?
It might be 2-3 years or longer depending on how you maintain them. If you clean and maintain these wheels frequently, they will perform better and last longer.
Do carbon wheels make a difference MTB?
Yes, they do. They are weight savings but stuffer than alloy wheels. Thanks to that, carbon wheels are ideal for rough terrains and work well with mountain bikes.