Mountain Bike Wheels

With Mountain Bike Wheels, sizes are very important. The size of your mountain bike wheels, in terms of the diameter of the rim, can be either 26" and 29" wheels.

Generally, the smaller wheel provides a better ride in rugged conditions, while the larger is more comfortable and good in mud and sand.

The weight and strength of the wheels will vary depending the materials from which they are constructed.

At the top end, carbon fiber wheels provide strength with significantly savings in weight; at the low end, heavier steel wheels are durable and less expensive.

Aluminum is a good mid-range choice.

In addition to size and composition, you should also take into account the number of spokes–more is better–and the hubs–cartridge bearings will last longer and be more reliable than loose ball bearings.

If you are ready to buy or are just thinking about it, here are a few of the more popular models of Mountain Bike Wheels:

Mavic CrossMax ST Disc Mountain Bike Wheels

The ST Disc version has a tough tubeless rim profile and accepts up to a 2.3 tire, cutting nicely in between light, racy XC and heavy big-hit wheels. This premium wheel can be spec'd with either 9mm quick-release or 20mm thru-axles, perfect for husky cross-country competitors or lighter all-mountain pilots. Retails for about $749.

Mavic 2009 Crossmax SLR Disc Mountain Bike Wheels

Crossmax SLR 09 features a patented Mavic technology used for the first time: ISM3D. Inter Spoke Milling 3D pushes the concept one step further by machining not only the lower bridge of the rim but also its sidewalls. The result is a lighter rim providing the most dynamic ride ever: instant acceleration, direct steering and reactive braking. The front wheel is also available in a 20x110 version, providing a better bike handling, thanks to a stiffer front end. Also available in lefty version. Available for around $1500.

Mavic Cosmic Elite Mountain Bike Wheels

The Mavic Cosmic Elite Wheel stands out at speeds where every little bit of aerodynamics makes a difference. Not only do the deep 30mm rims and bladed stainless steel spokes decrease wind resistance as you're blazing past the competition, they also make the Cosmic Elite Wheel very stiff for better handing at hair-on-fire speeds. The Mavic Cosmic Elite Wheels also come with skewers, so all you need to do is throw on a tire and go. Available for around $750 retail.