MTB Rims

How to choose your MTB rim

You buy a rim on its own in two cases: to replace a broken rim while keeping the hub, or to build a custom wheel. In both cases, three features determine everything: diameter, internal width, and spoke hole count.

Internal width: the criterion that counts

• 22 to 25 mm : cross-country, with 2.10 to 2.30 tyres.
• 25 to 30 mm : trail and all-mountain, for 2.30 to 2.50 tyres. The most common range today.
• 30 to 35 mm : enduro and downhill, to support wide tyres at low pressures.
• A rim that is too narrow for the tyre allows the sidewall to fold under cornering loads; too wide, and it exposes the shoulders to impacts.

Spoke hole count

28 and 32 holes cover almost all mountain bikes; 36 is found in downhill and on reinforced e-MTB wheels. This number must match your hub exactly: a 28-hole hub cannot be laced to a 32-hole rim. Also check the spoke drilling type, straight or directional/offset.

Aluminium or carbon?

• Aluminium : absorbs impacts by deforming, can often be straightened, and can be replaced without breaking the bank.
• Carbon : significantly stiffer and lighter, which transforms steering precision. On the other hand, a hard impact is generally fatal.
• On an e-MTB or in a bike park, aluminium remains the most sensible choice.

Replacing a single rim

It is possible and common: the new rim is laced to the existing hub, provided they have the same spoke hole count. However, plan on new spokes, as length depends on rim depth and almost always varies from one model to another.

To find out more: How to choose MTB rims

See also: MTB spokes · MTB hubs · Tubeless kits and rim tape