News / short test: One year after the presentation of the Synthesis carbon wheel series the Californian manufacturer Crankbrothers presents a cheaper alternative with the Synthesis Alloy wheels. Three model series should cover the areas of Cross Country/Trail, Enduro and E-MTB. We have already tested the version for E-MTB.
In the past, Crankbrothers wheels were instantly recognizable as such. The idiosyncratic spoke design was unmistakable. With the introduction of the Synthesis Carbon wheels, this optical unique selling point was history, but not the function. A rim with 28 spokes on the front wheel is supposed to forgive driving mistakes thanks to its flex, increase grip in curves and guarantee more comfort for the driver. According to Crankbrothers, the rear wheel rim, which is laced with a higher tension and 32 spokes, is deliberately stiffer than the front wheel. As a result, the force should be optimally converted into propulsion and the directional stability should be increased.
With the newly introduced Synthesis Alloy models, the Californians are based on the same philosophy: softer wheels at the front, stiff wheels at the rear. This effect is achieved via the spoke tension, spoke weight, number of spokes, rim width and rim weight. The aluminum wheels are divided into three categories: Synthesis XCT Alloy for Cross Country/Trail, Synthesis E Alloy for Enduro and especially for E-MTBs the Synthesis E-MTB Alloy.
Crankbrothers Synthesis XCT Alloy: For trail riders
For cross country and trail riding, Crankbrothers recommends the XCT Alloy version. Optionally and for an additional charge, the wheels are available with elegant Industry Nine hubs. The inner width of the rims, which are only available in 29 inches, is 26,5 mm on the front wheel and 24,5 mm on the rear wheel.
The data:
- wheel size: 29"
- Rim width front: 26,5 mm
- Rear rim width: 24,5 mm
- Number of spokes: 28 front / 32 rear
- Installation width: Boost (front 15×110 / rear 12×148)
- Available freewheel bodies: XD/HG/Micro Spline
- hubs: Industry Nine or Crankbrothers
- Weight: 831g (front) / 978g (rear) each with Industry Nine hubs
- Price: FW: 299 EUR / 239 EUR, RW: 499 EUR / 359 EUR (Industry Nine / Crankbrothers hubs)
Crankbrothers Synthesis E Alloy: For tough enduro use
With the Synthesis E Alloy wheelset developed for enduro riders, the customer can choose between 27.5″ or 29″. The rim widths are 31,5 mm at the front and 29,5 mm at the rear. As with the XCT Alloy model, the wheels can be ordered with Industry Nine hubs with an extremely low engagement angle of 4 degrees. With all common freewheel bodies (HG, XD and Micro Spline) there should be the right wheelset for everyone.
The data:
- wheel size: 29 ″ / 27.5 ″
- Rim width front: 31,5 mm
- Rear rim width: 29,5 mm
- Number of spokes: 28 front / 32 rear
- Installation width: Boost (front 15×110 / rear 12×148)
- Available freewheel bodies: XD/HG/Micro Spline
- hubs: Industry Nine or Crankbrothers
- Weight: 865g (29″ VR) / 1048g (29″ RW) each with Industry Nine hubs
- Price: FW: 299 EUR / 239 EUR, RW: 499 EUR / 359 EUR (Industry Nine / Crankbrothers hubs)
Crankbrothers Synthesis E-MTB Alloy: A wheelset especially for E-MTBs
There are three versions available for e-mountain bikers. 27.5″ or 29″ with an internal width of 31,5 mm, or a version for Plus tires with a width of 35,5 mm. Contrary to the classic versions, the rim width of the Synthesis E-MTB Alloy wheels is identical at the front and rear. The noble Industry Nine hubs are no longer an option.
The data:
- wheel size: 29" / 27.5" / 27.5+"
- Rim width front: 31,5mm or 35,5mm (27.5+")
- Rear rim width: 31,5mm or 35,5mm (27.5+")
- Number of spokes: 28 front / 32 rear
- Installation width: Boost (front 15×110 / rear 12×148)
- Available freewheel bodies: XD/HG/Micro Spline
- hubs: crankbrothers
- Weight: 980g (29″ front) / 1238g (29″ rear)
- Price: FW: 259 EUR, RW: 389 EUR
First test: Crankbrothers Synthesis E-MTB Alloy
We had the opportunity to test the wheels from the Synthesis E-MTB Alloy series in advance. A current Specialized Turbo Levo served as a test bike. The original Specialized Butcher (29) or Eliminator (31,5) tires were mounted on the 2.6-inch wheels with an inner width of 2.3 mm.
The tubeless assembly of the tires turned out to be absolutely uncomplicated. Fresh out of the box, the Synthesis E-MTB Alloy wheels were already taped with tubeless tape and even the valves were pre-installed. Put on the tires, pour in the sealant and pump it up until it goes satisfyingly bang-bang. Mounting tires has rarely been so easy.
The first few meters showed that the wheels had probably not yet been pushed off. After a little creaking and cracking, the muddy ride could begin. Incidentally, the lack of a push-off has in no way affected the concentricity of the wheels.
With the knowledge of the deliberately higher comfort on the front wheel and the stiffer rear wheel according to Crankbrothers, one naturally tries to pay attention to this on the trail. To get straight to the point: It was extremely difficult to feel the difference to "ordinary" aluminum wheels. On the one hand, this was due to the fact that the muddy weather of the past few weeks made the test conditions more difficult. On the other hand, we still have to cover more test kilometers. However, the greater comfort compared to (often too) stiff carbon wheels was clearly noticeable. After a few punctures, the rims are dent-free so far and reliably keep the air in the tires.
Quiet or loud - tastes differ when it comes to the freewheeling noise of the hub. The in-house Crankbrothers hub is in the middle. The engagement of the pawls is clearly audible during taxiing. However, the noise is by no means disturbing and sounds pleasantly gentle and technical.
We are curious to see how the wheels will fare on further test kilometers!
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