Mountain bike brand e*thirteen has overhauled its range of wheels, introducing the new Optimus, Sylvan and Grappler series, with each wheel series featuring Race Carbon and Race Alloy rims.
The XCX, TRS and LG1 wheels, which are long established in e*thirteen's line-up, are making way for this new range, accompanied by new hubs.
The Optimus wheel series offers a lighter and tailored ride for mountain bikers seeking peak performance for shorter-travel trail bikes.
The Sylvan wheels cater to the all-mountain and lightweight electric mountain bike segments, boasting e*thirteen's first asymmetric rim, featuring a 30mm internal width.
Meanwhile, the Grappler series, equipped with symmetrical 30mm internal-width rims, takes the stage for enduro bikes, full-powered eMTBs and downhill bikes.
Designed to take a beating
e*thirteen’s emphasis for its revamped rim range has been on achieving an optimal strength-to-weight ratio, coupled with a dedicated effort to enhance low-profile radial compliance for an improved ride quality compared to previous models.
The alloy rims have a shallow sectional height of 18.7-20mm, while the carbon rims measure approximately 23mm. Paired with 28-30mm internal rim widths, these designs are intended to enhance tracking, traction and comfort, without compromising lateral stiffness and precise handling.
While compliance was key, both the Race Carbon and Race Alloy rims are claimed to offer superior impact resistance to their predecessors. The Sylvan Race Carbon wheels, for instance, have a remarkable claimed 709 per cent impact resistance improvement over the TRS Race Carbon rim, intended to deliver a robust and durable riding experience.
Optimus Race Carbon and Race Alloy rim details
Both the Optimus Race Carbon and Race Alloy wheels use a 28mm internal rim width to balance tyre rolling speeds and stability.
The symmetrical rim profiles feature a 19mm rim depth for the Race Alloy rim and 22.8mm depth for the Race Carbon. These designs are intended to improve frontal compliance, reducing rider fatigue and increasing grip for a responsive ride.
The Optimus Race Carbon rims are constructed from high-modulus carbon fibre with a custom layup. These rims are backed by a lifetime warranty.
The Optimus Race Alloy rims are made from 6069 aluminium with welded joints. These rims exhibit up to a claimed 166 per cent higher impact resistance compared to previous generations of XCX Alloy rims.
Key features across the whole rim range include hookless flanges to ensure tubeless security and resistance to damage from impacts. Both the Race Carbon and Alloy rims feature a raised rim well to make tubeless setup simpler, even on the trailside.
Sylvan Race Carbon and Race Alloy rim details
The standout feature of the Sylvan Race Carbon and Race Alloy rims is the 4mm spoke offset at the rim bed, promoting more balanced spoke lengths and tensions between the driveside and non-driveside to improve lateral stiffness.
The Sylvan Race Carbon rims are crafted from high-modulus carbon fibre with a custom layup. They feature a 23mm profile height and 30mm internal rim width suited to wider trail tyres.
There’s a valve dock moulded into the rim to improve tubeless sealing of their asymmetric design. Lab testing showed a remarkable 709 per cent improvement in impact strength over the previous TRS Race Carbon rims, according to e*thirteen.
e*thirteen’s Sylvan Race Alloy rim is crafted from 6069 aluminium, with welded joints and angle-drilled spoke holes. Its 30mm internal rim width is paired with a low-profile 20mm section depth. Again, e*thirteen boasts some impressive improvements, with a claimed 366 per cent enhancement in impact strength compared to the previous TRS Plus rims.
Grappler Race Carbon and Race Alloy rim details
There are two rims within the Grappler range. A downhill and e*spec enduro-specific rim built for the hardest and heaviest riding, and a dedicated enduro rim, which has a lighter construction.
The Grappler Race Carbon rims are built with a refined carbon layup, with input from downhill royalty Aaron Gwin for e*thirteen's strongest impact resistance yet.
The Race Carbon Downhill and e*spec Enduro rims have a claimed 366 per cent greater impact strength than the outgoing LG1 Race DH rims from their symmetrical profile, with a 30mm internal rim width and 23mm depth.
The Grappler Race Alloy rims are constructed from 6069 aluminium, featuring welded joints and angle-drilled spoke holes. Both the Enduro rim and Downhill/e*spec Enduro models have a slim 19mm sectional height and a 30mm internal width.
The Grappler Race Alloy e*spec Enduro and Race Alloy Downhill rims feature a claimed 450 per cent improvement in impact strength compared to earlier LG1 Plus DH models. Meanwhile, the Grappler Race Alloy Enduro rims sport a claimed impact strength enhancement of 228 per cent over the previous LG1 Plus EN rims.
Smooth operator
e*thiteen has redesigned its hub range that accompanies the new rims. There are two models – the Race and Race SL. The Race is used for the Grappler series and the Race SL for the Optimus and Sylvan wheelsets.
Their new design is intended to minimise drag, heighten reliability and provide protection against the elements. Riders can tailor their hubs with customisable Just Right Engagement, offering adaptability across various disciplines.
The Floating Thread Axle System is implemented on all alloy-axle rear wheels – Optimus, Sylvan (non e*spec) and Grapple Enduro – potentially minimising preload drag and enabling hassle- and tool-free service.
Improved flange angles and spoke-hole designs should help optimise spoke/nipple alignment, reduce stress on spoke holes and extend wheel longevity.
New alloy seal shields on freehubs offer protection against contamination and dirt ingress.
e*thirteen hopes the cross-compatibility with alloy and steel axle kits, along with the flexibility of multiple freehub standards and engagement options, will give riders greater convenience and setup possibilities.
Just Right Engagement
A 60-tooth ratchet and pawl system is employed in both e*thirteen Race and Race SL hubs. According to e*thirteen, the 60T Ratchet Ring demonstrates exceptional strength and durability. The teeth are designed to be sufficiently large to ensure secure engagement and longer wear life.
e*thirteen’s Race-hub speced wheels include the Grappler series and Sylvan e*spec wheels, designed for gravity disciplines or e-MTB use, and are outfitted with three-pawl drivers (or freehubs), where all three pawls engage simultaneously.
This results in 60 points of engagement (POE) or a relatively low six-degree engagement, ensuring high levels of reliability in demanding riding situations with high torque and heavy impacts.
The Optimus Trail and Sylvan All Mountain make use of e*thirteen’s Race SL hub. This features an offset four-pawl driver system, where the pawls engage in pairs. This configuration effectively doubles the points of engagement (POE) to 120 when using the same 60T ratchet ring, resulting in a three-degree engagement.
For more modest trail riding, this design is intended to ensure long-term reliability and efficiency, making it well-suited for extended days of both climbing and descending.
Floating Thread Axle System
The Floating Thread Axle System is used on all aluminium axle hubs (Optimus, Sylvan All Mountain, Grappler Enduro).
It has several claimed advantages and addresses issues associated with bike hubs. Axle end-caps thread on and off by hand, eliminating preload on bearings. This is designed to minimise drag in the rear wheel and contributes to an even distribution of the bearing load, increasing longevity, according to e*thirteen.
Additionally, this design allows for a tool-free hub service.
Grappler Downhill integrated cassette
The Grappler Race Carbon and Race Alloy Downhill rear wheels have a downhill-specific hub with an integrated e*thirteen seven-speed, 9-24t cassette. The hub features swappable 12x157mm and 12x150mm hub caps.
This integration is claimed to trim the weight and parts count significantly. Plus, the design has enabled a 12mm outboard expansion of the driveside hub flange and spokes, translating to a broader spoke-bracing angle and almost dishless wheel architecture, improving strength considerably.
e*spec hub features
There are two e-MTB-specific wheels new to the line. The Sylvan Race e*spec wheels are optimised for lightweight trail ebikes such as those with TQ, Fazua, or Bosch SX electric bike motor systems to provide a light and playful ride feel with true e-MTB wheel build spec. The Grappler Race e*spec Enduro wheels are reinforced for heavier full-power ebikes.
These wheels utilise e*spec rear hubs featuring oversized hub shells, 32 spokes, a steel axle and robust 3-bearing Driver, including an oversized 6808 bearing to withstand higher drive torque and bike weights.
Additional details
e*thirteen has specced Sapim spokes across the wheel range. The Optimus and Sylvan wheels use lighter double-butted J-bend Sapim D-Light spokes, whereas the Grappler series is built with stronger double-butted Sapim Race spokes. These are connected to the rim with 12mm or 14mm 7075 alloy nipples.
All the wheels include e*thirteen’s Quick Fill tubeless valves. These showcase a four-part design, enabling riders to remove the valve core by hand, tool-free. With the valve core removed, sealant can be poured into the oversized mouth of the valve stem directly, forgoing the need to break the tyre bead.
e*thirteen states its wheel builds include oiled nipple washers and Spoke Freeze applied after final tension, and come taped ready for tubeless setup.
e*thirteen 2024 MTB wheels Range details
e*thirteen Optimus Race wheels
Replacing the XCX line, the Optimus series come exclusively in a 29in diameter, catering to lightweight trail bikes. e*thirteen states: "Optimus wheels promise a nimble and dynamic feel with exceptional durability for all-day adventures and aggressive trail riding." Bold claims.
They feature a 28-spoke count to keep weight down, and balance strength and fit. Boost-hub widths (12x148mm) only. Wheels are sold individually.
Optimus Race Carbon Trail
- Front: £629.95 / $709.95 / €709.95 – 756g (claimed)
- Rear: £769.95 / $869.95 / €869.95 – 876g (claimed)
Optimus Race Alloy Trail
- Front: £259.95 / $289.95 / €289.95 – 796g (claimed)
- Rear: £369.95 / $409.95 / €409.95 – 956g (claimed)
Sylvan Race wheels
The Sylvan Race Carbon and Race Alloy wheels are crafted for all-mountain duties with a 30mm internal rim width. They're built with the aim of combining a nimble and energetic ride feel with the sturdiness necessary for tackling challenging terrain.
The Sylvan Race e*spec rear wheels get 32 spokes for additional strength. All other wheels have 28 spokes. The front wheel is 29in Boost (15x10mm) only. There are Boost and SuperBoost (12x157mm) hub width options available for the rear wheel, in either 27.5in or 29in options. Prices and claimed weights are below.
Sylvan Race Carbon All Mountain
- Front 29: £629.95 / $699.95 / €699.95 – 760g
- Rear 27.5 Boost XD Driver: £769.95 / $859.95 / €859.95 – 890g (claimed)
- Rear 29 Boost XD Driver: £769.95 / $859.95 / €859.95 – 920g (claimed)
- Rear 27.5 SuperBoost XD Driver: £779.95 / $869.95 / €869.95 – 1,000g (claimed)
- Rear 29 SuperBoost XD Driver: £779.95 / $869.95 / €869.95 – 970g (claimed)
Sylvan Race Carbon e*spec
- Front 29: £629.95 / $699.95 / €699.95 – 772g
- Rear 27.5 Boost XD Driver: £779.95 / $869.95 / €869.95 – 993g (claimed)
- Rear 29 Boost XD Driver: £779.95 / $869.95 / €869.95 – 1,022g (claimed)
Sylvan Race Alloy All Mountain
- Front 29: £296.95 / $299.95 / €299.95 – 896g
- Rear 27.5 Boost XD Driver: £369.95 / $409.95 / €409.95 – 1,024g (claimed)
- Rear 29 Boost XD Driver: £369.95 / $409.95 / €409.95 – 1,032g (claimed)
- Rear 27.5 SuperBoost XD Driver: 379.95 / $419.95 / €419.95 – 1,104g (claimed)
- Rear 29 SuperBoost XD Driver: £379.95 / $419.95 / €419.95 – 1,112g (claimed)
Sylvan Race Alloy e*spec
- Front 29: £269.95 / $299.95 / €299.95 – 916g (claimed)
- Rear 27.5 Boost XD Driver: £379.95 / $419.95 / €419.95 – 1,093g (claimed)
- Rear 29 Boost XD Driver: £379.95 / $419.95 / €419.95 – 1,123g (claimed)
- Rear 27.5 SuperBoost XD Driver: £389.95 / $429.95 / €429.95 – 1,119g (claimed)
- Rear 29 SuperBoost XD Driver: £389.95 / $429.95 / €429.95 – 1,149g (claimed)
Grappler Race wheels
For riders living life in the fast lane tearing up the bike park, downhill venues and wild enduro trails, e*thirteen has released the Grappler Race Carbon and Race Alloy series. These wheels cover enduro, downhill, and e*spec enduro bikes, with six models to choose from.
In the Grappler series, there are 27.5in and 29in wheels available across the board, for both front and rear wheels, for all models. All models use 32 spokes except the Grappler Race Carbon/Alloy Enduro, which uses 28 spokes. Boost and SuperBoost options are available.
Grappler Race Carbon Enduro
- Front 27.5: £609.95 / $679.95 / €679.95 – 876g (claimed)
- Front 29: £609.95 / $679.95 / €679.95 – 912g (claimed)
- Rear 27.5 Boost XD Driver: £709.95 / $799.95 / €799.95 – 996g (claimed)
- Rear 29 Boost XD Driver: £709.95 / $799.95 / €799.95 – 1,032g (claimed)
- Rear 27.5 SuperBoost XD Driver: £709.95 / $799.95 / €799.95 – 1,046g (claimed)
- Rear 29 SuperBoost XD Driver: £709.95 / $799.95 / €799.95 – 1,082g (claimed)
Grappler Race Alloy Enduro
- Front 27.5: £289.95 / $319.95 / €319.95 – 956g (claimed)
- Front 29: £289.95 / $319.95 / €319.95 – 1,036g (claimed)
- Rear 27.5 Boost XD Driver: £359.95 / $399.95 / €399.95 – 1,040g (claimed)
- Rear 29 Boost XD Driver: £359.95 / $399.95 / €399.95 – 1,156g (claimed)
- Rear 27.5 SuperBoost XD Driver: £359.95 / $399.95 / €399.95 – 1,090g (claimed)
- Rear 29 SuperBoost XD Driver: £359.95 / $399.95 / €399.95 – 1,206g (claimed)
Grappler Race Carbon e*spec Enduro
- Front 27.5: £639.95 / $719.95 / €719.95 – 960g (claimed)
- Front 29: £639.95 / $719.95 / €719.95 – 996g (claimed)
- Rear 27.5 Boost XD Driver: £769.95 / $869.95 / €869.95 – 1,200g (claimed)
- Rear 29 Boost XD Driver: £769.95 / $869.95 / €869.95 – 1,276g (claimed)
Grappler Race Alloy e*spec Enduro
- Front 27.5: £279.95 / $309.95 / €309.95 – 996g (claimed)
- Front 29: £279.95 / $309.95 / €309.95 – 1,056g (claimed)
- Rear 27.5 Boost XD Driver: £399.95 / $445.95 / €445.95 – 1,276g (claimed)
- Rear 29 Boost XD Driver: £399.95 / $445.95 / €445.95 – 1,336g (claimed)
Grappler Race Carbon Downhill
- Front 27.5: £699.95 / $789.95 / €789.95 – 996g (claimed)
- Front 29: £699.95 / $789.95 / €789.95 – 1,032g (claimed)
- Rear 27.5: £889.95 / $999.95 / €999.95 – 1,316g inc cassette (claimed)
- Rear 29: £889.95 / $999.95 / €999.95 – 1,356g inc cassette (claimed)
Grappler Race Alloy Downhill
- Front 27.5: £289.95 / $319.95 / €319.95 – 1,016g (claimed)
- Front 29: £289.95 / $319.95 / €319.95 – 1,040g (claimed)
- Rear 27.5: £459.95 / $509.95 / €509.95 – 1,356g inc cassette (claimed)
- Rear 29: £459.95 / $509.95 / €509.95 – 1,369g inc cassette (claimed)
We’ve got a pair of Grappler Race Carbon Enduro wheels in for testing, so look out for a review once we’ve given them a thorough thrashing.
