Home >> Articles >> All Mountain Wheelset Buyers Guide
Like with frames and forks, the wheelset you choose for your all mountain bike is something to consider very carefully.
Quick Picks:
Easton AM Havoc
Shimano XT M776
Mavic Crossmax ST (Cross Mountain)
Mavic Crossmax SX (Enduro FR)
Here are some things to consider when shopping for a new all mountain wheelset…
To Build Or Not To Build?
You can go the custom route and have a custom wheelset built, or you can even buy the rims, hubs, and spokes to build them yourself. Either of those two options is fine, but will usually end up costing you more money. I prefer going with a quality pre-built wheelset from a company like Mavic, Shimano, or Easton. To me, it’s the most cost-effective way to go, and you still get a damn good pair of wheels.
Durability
With an all mountain wheelset, durability should be one of your top concerns. If you are more of an XC-type rider, you can probably get away with a set of XC wheels, but just keep in mind that those types of wheels might not hold up if you start jumping and riding real knarly terrain. Now that the all mountain category has gotten so popular, there are plenty of lightweight wheels aimed at the more serious all mountain rider.
Quick Release Or Thru Axle?
When buying a wheelset, the front hub attachment type must match that of your front fork. If you have a fork with a standard quick release, make sure you get a wheelset with front hub that will work with that. Likewise, if you have a Fox fork with their new QR15, make sure your front hub will work with that (or that the appropriate adapters are available). Some wheels, like the Easton AM Havoc, can easily convert between regular QR and 20mm thru axle, plus an adapter is available thru Easton so they'll work with QR15 forks.
Recommended All Mountain Wheelsets:
Easton AM Havoc
- Front converts between regular QR and 20mm thru axle (QR15 adapter available from Easton)
- Standard QR Rear
- Disc Brake Only
Shimano XT M776
- 20mm Thru Axle Front/Standard QR Rear
- Disc Brake Only
- UST Tubeless
Mavic Crossmax ST
- Light All Mountain
- Standard QR or 20mm Thru Axle Front
- Standard QR Rear
- Disc Brake Only
- UST Tubeless
Mavic Crossmax SX
- Heavy Duty All Mountain
- Standard QR or 20mm Thru Axle Front
- Standard QR Rear
- Disc Brake Only
- UST Tubeless
Related Reading...
All Mountain Frame Buyers Guide
All Mountain Suspension Fork Buyers Guide
