First Look: Easton Heist Wheels

May 1, 2015
by Mike Levy  




Easton debuted their ARC rim a few weeks back, and with the $99 USD hoop being available in 24, 27 and 30mm inner widths, as well as both 27.5'' and 29'' diameters (but no 26''), there's a good chance that one of the six different options will suit how many of us ride our mountain bikes. But while the rim's reasonable sticker price makes a lot of sense, just how many of us will be looking at building up a custom wheelset? The answer is not many, which is why it doesn't really come as a surprise to see Easton offering their pre-built Heist wheelset using the very same rim. Complete wheelsets will be available in both 27.5'' and 29'' sizes, as well as with all three rim widths, and all six of the choices will go for $700 USD.

Weights start as low as 1,650 grams for the 27.5'' size built with 24mm wide rims, and the new X5 hubs can be configured to QR or 15mm up front, and QR or 12 x 142mm out back (Easton ships the wheels with everything you'll need). They even come with five spare single-length spokes that can be used on either side of the front or rear wheel, as well as being pre-taped and with valves installed at the factory to be run tubeless.

Heist



Three Rim Width Options

The Heist wheels are laced up with the company's new ARC rims that don't feature the sealed rim bed employed on some of Easton's other offerings. This means that a wrap of tubeless tape is required around the rim, unlike on their Haven or Havoc wheels, but it does save on manufacturing costs - a set of Heist wheels retails for $300 less than the aluminum Havens, feature a wider rim, and weigh marginally more in each respective size. Sounds like a good tradeoff to me. Easton's other concern with the sealed rim bed is that the threaded eyelet and nipple system that it necessitates makes service trickier: ''While we feel the threaded eyelet on our Haven UST wheels is very easy to work on, some shops and consumers are hesitant because it’s not the typical system,'' Easton's Adam Marriott explained when questioned about the more traditional rim design of the ARC rim. ''The Heist wheels are very durable but we wanted something that if people did have an issue, they could easily service it with a traditional spoke/nipple interface.

Easton Heist
The Heist wheels can be had with 24, 27 or 30mm wide ARC rims.

They've gone with brass nipples rather than faintly lighter aluminum nipples, and include a pack of five spokes that can be used on either side of the front or rear wheel due to Easton designing them to accept a single spoke length all around. That's not a new approach by any means, but it is one that I'm always happy to see.

With a number of mega-wide rim options out there, some of which I've been very impressed by, I had to ask why Easton didn't make their widest option even larger than the 30mm inner width that they went with. After all, riders could choose either the 24 or 27mm wide rim if they wanted something more modest. ''Rim design takes a long time and the ARC has been in the works for a while. While we have ridden the 35mm wheels that are out in the market, all the current [35mm] rims are carbon, so changing to aluminum we feel is more than a 'small' weight penalty,'' Marriott said. Tire compatibility also played a role in Easton's decision, though: ''We wanted the wheels to be light, but at the same time take advantage of the benefits of a wider rim. Right now, we feel like 30mm is the tipping point where you can still use most tires on the market, and hopefully those are the tires that come on peoples bikes. With over 30mm, we feel there are only a few tire choices at this point that perform well.''

Heist review test
Unlike some of Easton's other wheels, the ARC rim sports traditional drilled spoke holes. This means that rim tape is required, which they come from the factory with.




Easton Heist
The front hub can be run with a quick release or 15 x 100mm thru-axle...
Easton Heist
While the rear hub can accept 135 QR or a 12 x 142mm thru-axle, although you'll need a 12mm hex key and a 17mm wrench to make the swap.


New X5 Hubs

It's been a handful of years since Easton faced some troubling reliability issues with their hubs, but riders who experienced those problems firsthand likely haven't forgotten. Easton hasn't, either, and they say that their new X5 hubs address those problems. ''The architecture is similar to our previous hubs on the surface, but small and important details have changed,'' which is something that's especially important for the rear hub. One of those points is that it uses larger hub shell load bearings than in the older design, which should add up to longer bearing life, along with a reinforced drivering. The drive mechanism itself is a three-pawl system that engages on a twenty one tooth drivering, making for a seventeen degree engagement time. It can be made to fit either 135mm QR or 12 x 142mm dropouts, although you'll need a 17mm wrench and pesky 12mm hex key do make the swap due to the threaded drive-side cap. The front hub is optimized for a 15 x 100mm thru-axle by using larger bearings than the previous version, and endcaps can be swapped without tools.


Easton Heist
Easton has built the Heist wheels with straight pull spokes, and there's a single length used all around.
Easton Heist
The wheels will ship to customers with five spare spokes.


Taking the rear hub apart is a cinch - it took me about three minutes - but first I spent five hours tracking down a 12mm hex key. Neither the front or rear hubs sport bearing preload adjusters, which is probably a good thing as we all know that guy who thinks he's doing meaningful maintenance but actually just overtightened his hub bearings to the point where they're only going to last five minutes his the next ride. Bearing preload is set at the factory, so no tinkering allowed, thank you very much.


Easton Heist
  My swear jar saw no deposits, with a number of different tires seating up onto the ARC rims instantly and without any hassle.


Pinkbike's Take

bigquotesWhile limited time on the new Heist wheelset has me being a bit hesitant to call this a review, initial setup and a handful of rides is enough for me to offer some early feedback. First things first, I feel like those riders who are new to the sport should have to spend at least a few weeks trying to tubeless an older wheelset from four or five years ago. Only then, after you've cleaned the Stan's fluid out of your hair and patched the holes in your walls will you be allowed to move onto an easy-to-tubeless wheelset like the Heists. The ARC rims used on the Heist wheelset had the tires popping into place without complaint, and they seated straight at about 40 PSI. It doesn't get any easier unless you pay someone else to do it, which you shouldn't do. Taking apart the rear hub for maintenance or an axle conversion is pretty simple, although having to use a 12mm hex key is a pain in the ass due to none of the supply stores in my town having a standalone 12mm hex for sale. I would have been better off tracking down a left handed hammer, and I ended up buying a set of hex keys solely to get that big sucker needed to hold the axle from spinning while I loosened off the endcap.

The Heist wheels feel a lot like wheels on the trail, but I'm not trying to sound snide with that remark. It's just that they feel like solid, reliable wheels that won't likely cause you any headaches down the road, which may not sound that exciting but is really what we all should be looking for, isn't it? Of course it is. They don't cost more than a used hatchback with low miles on it, and they're stout enough to take a good beating. Also, a replacement rim costs $99 USD when you come up three feet short on that massive double. The 30mm wide rims of my test wheelset worked well the Specialized tires that I've ridden them with, but they're also not so wide as to rule out me using tires with a bit more square or a profile. There hasn't been any burping, either, even at 20 PSI, and I'm confident that there's next to no chance I'd be peeling a tire off in a corner.

While not the most exciting wheels out there, the Heists are a smart choice for someone who wants to go wider without spending a ton of coin.
- Mike Levy


www.eastoncycling.com

Author Info:
mikelevy avatar

Member since Oct 18, 2005
2,032 articles

176 Comments
  • 292 42
 I refuse to being forced to conform to a new wheelsize. This whole 650b and 29er only product lines drive me nuts!
I've got a perfectly capable Knolly Chili that rides just as well, if not better, than its 27.5 and 29 counterparts.

*promptly puts flame retardant suit on*

Go ahead guys, you are welcome to downvote or bash my comment for keeping the 26" dream alive.
  • 84 6
 I'm with you. Where are the countless 650b supporters who would yell 'what's wrong with having choice' at the top of their lungs any time someone even mentions that 26inch is still rideable. Well here's your bloody choice - we're not being given it!
  • 23 10
 I've got a question. So.... If you put a standard 650b tire on a wide 650b rim.... The tire would have a shallower profile and would therefore be pretty close in diameter to that of a 26 inch wheel on a rim of narrower width (like everyone was riding a few years back). So effectively the same diameter (correct me if I'm wrong). Would this mean that it would be fine to run 650b rims on your 26 inch frame as long as you used a wheel set with wide rims and lowish profile tires.
  • 5 2
 I'm well aware of a few people who do this actually. I'm sure there are deeper effects aside from just tires rubbing on the frame or fork if anything. Like changing geometry when adding larger diameter wheels and what not, but hey, I know a guy who does it on Transition's new Surpresser and he still rips.
  • 18 13
 I have a 29er because it was on sale. And it doesn't really matter as long as you're having fun. At least there will be a ton of 26" tires for cheap.
  • 6 0
 I stand to be corrected but I'm pretty sure it does not decrease the diameter. This has been discussed in other threads about rims with 35mm internal, specifically Derby and Ibis.
  • 43 3
 I don't care about bigger wheels being faster or climbing better, all I want is a bike that is playful and fun to ride and 26'' offers me exactly that.
  • 38 8
 the amusing thing is peoples 650b bikes can ride faster than ours but the people who often ride them cant.
  • 52 1
 I'm with you. I am not against other sizes, I am against forcing riders to use it.
  • 26 1
 They have also stolen the option of a 20mm hub.
  • 8 6
 I think the majority of people spending money are the people that are constantly blowing cash on bike parts. Like the guys who buy a 27.5 frame. Like me.
  • 14 4
 @ridethree, Clementz, Graves and Bryceland have gained in recent years with 26-inch wheels. They are not slower.
  • 6 3
 I wholeheartedly agree. SO frustrated.
  • 35 2
 Agree. Companies not offering a 26" option are effectively freezing out a (still quite) sizeable section of the market.

I'm still not convinced that 650b will make my life complete, so I'll be sticking with companies who are still producing 26" wheels. Like Hope, fr'instance.
  • 20 6
 650B, boost 148, , three different seat post sizes, press fit BB ect..ect... ect.., is all the bike industry's conspiracy to separate you from your $$$.
  • 23 23
 Talk about beating a dead horse...
  • 16 1
 Get the Industry 9 Torch wheels in 26". They're a little bit more than these, but better in every way.
  • 30 3
 You thought you'd get flamed for venting frustrations about a product with a lack of a 26" option? On Pinkbike? You must be new here.
  • 9 0
 I'm on dt Swiss hoops with 2.4 continental trail kings. An inch and a half on this Easton set up spun like a negligible difference. I never bash anyone's preferences, but I balk at the industry insisting that that we hold funeral services for 26ers....
  • 12 0
 f*ckin right! Go snag a set of 26" Outlaws for like 300 bucks.
  • 8 0
 Ohhh the Knolly Chilly. Had 4 runs on it and I am in love.. Even with a 170mm fork its so agile and fun.
  • 18 1
 Them leaving out 26" from their product line is like saying, "We don't want a stake in the 80% global market share of people that own 26'ers!"
  • 17 1
 Vote with your wallet. If Easton wants to abandon 26" wheels than I say abandon Easton. I know that personally, I won't be buying anything from these guys anymore.
  • 15 16
 A shitty 26" bike isn't going to be playful...

What's really sad about these discussions is everyone thinks that wheelsize relates to everything! It doesn't. It's all about a bikes geometry! There are 29rs that are more playful than 26" bikes and their are 26" bikes that climb faster and have more traction than 29rs...
End of story!!!
  • 26 8
 Sigh you kids today, you have it easy on standards compared to us old folks and older bike shops... I remember times when

- mountain bikes and road bikes came with over THIRTY different seatpost diameters (from 25.0 thru 31.Cool depending on brand, model year, model... now the bike industry has pretty much settled down to three main sizes (27.2, 30.9 and 31.6).

- every fork maker with a thru-axle dropout interface used a specific proprietary axle assembly unique to that fork and usually only accepted hubs from one maker to go with it. Same went with the handful of frame makers that employed rear thru-axles.

- people complained about suspension forks at all because being most often longer than rigid forks, they were not really backwards compatible to existing bikes (especially as wheel travel increased) without compromising the frame geometry and integrity.

- fork steerer tubes came in more sizes and headset interfaces on premium mountain and road bikes than they do today. 1", 1.125" and 1.25" diameters, plus unique diameters for Klein and Cannondale, and threaded or threadless varieties of each. Not to mention the ones that had weird double-interfaces... steerer tubes which were for example 1 1/4" threaded to interface to a threaded headset, but because they used an internal mechanism for the shock (Cannondale Headshock, Action-Tec ProShock) they had a short 1 1/8 threadless section at the top for the stem. Action Tec did that for a few years.
  • 17 35
flag deeeight (May 1, 2015 at 9:11) (Below Threshold)
 As to the "existing" 26er market... that's a lame argument to try and make since the actual consumers spending real dollars with bicycle dealers had already shown they were abandoning 26ers for 29ers for several years, and that was before 650Bs exploded onto the scene. I made the decision FOUR years ago that I would not buy another 26er for myself except for a fat bike, and that I wasn't going to buy another 29er either (and I haven't, though my gf gave me a 29er frameset for christmas 2011), Millions of other consumers made similar decisions. Why would large component brands want to invest the production costs to produce an inventory of 26er wheels/rims for a market segment of owners that is dwindling? Just to lose millions to appease some people who hate change who complain on internet forums ? Aside from my Fat bike, my only 26ers are two vintage mountain bikes from the early 90s and I can still support those with spares I still own and when the frames finally fail from fatigue they'll become wall art, and the parts many of the parts will sell for a mint on ebay.
  • 17 14
 I totally agree with MickMart!!!! It chaps my hide when the bike industry force Mick and I to buy new wheel and tire sizes. My 1878 Columbia Penny Farthing bike with 53" front wheel and 18" rear wheel were the standard in 1878 and I can't see why things had to evolve!!!

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Penny-farthing#/media/File:Velocipedist.JPG
  • 8 1
 What a disastrous time to be trying to sell aftermarket wheels. No way would I drop money on a set of wheels knowing I won't be able to use them on my next bike. Thank you Boost, the industry is eating itself.
  • 4 0
 The pic above also features the Specialized Slaughter tire that doesn't come in 26", which is why I have a Schwalbe Rock Razor on my Enduro, the first non-Specialized tire I've purchased in 5 years.
  • 6 9
 Really? So you're somehow limited to only buying a bike with boost spacing? That won't come with wheels already ?
  • 6 1
 Not at all. After you buy an about-to-obsolete wheelset in 2015, you could double down with an obsolete bike in 2016, too. Not me, though.
  • 1 0
 I have checked before and after mesurments. And yes it does affect diameter. But a very very small amount. On a 26 inch rim with 21 internal, then putting the same tire on a 30 mill internal. The tires diameter only got smaller by 3 mill. But it did get wider by 6 mill. I'm sure IT will be the same even with 650 b and 29 inch.
  • 3 5
 15x100/12x142 is not going to be obsolete for many many years. Companies still produce frames/forks with QR hubs, and you're worried about thru-axle compatibility for some future purchase you may or may not actually make ?!
  • 4 5
 Surly has a table for comparing tire/rim combinations they offer that shows height/width changes but its mainly for fat and mid-fat options. There are folks on mtbr who've done similar charts for 650B, 29er and 26er non-fats though.
  • 3 0
 Yeah, you're right, how could I have been so dumb? Now is an awesome time to be selling aftermarket wheels that can't be converted to boost. Everyone's going to want to pay full price for these this year, while they still can. I'm sure Easton is totally stoked.
  • 6 6
 You DO realize that product development usually runs a couple years from the first idea to production ? Very rarely will a company shelve the R&D costs incurred in bringing a product to market just because a competitor announces a new open standard to the industry during the course of the development. Rocky Mountain KNEW about boost hubs when designing the new Sherpa, but announced they were going to use 12x142 for the foreseable future specifically because there isn't a good available of Boost hubs yet for people who buy the bikes and use them as intended (for back-country touring, in locations where unique spare parts might be a hard thing to source).
  • 9 0
 Norco has nailed it with there fluid line. Full suspension XC-Trail bike available in 24", 26", 27.5" and 29"
Woohoo for Canadian brands
  • 3 0
 When I said it is a disastrous time to be selling aftermarket wheels, did you think I said that Easton should have shelved these?
  • 5 8
 It sure reads that way. Perhaps you should have enabled the sarcastica font instead before you began your typing. Converting to boost isn't simply a matter of changing the end caps. Boost hubs have different flange spacing/offsets to take advantage of the wider dropout spacing. Simply slapping some 15x110 end caps into a 20x110 hub will let it fit into forks meant for that standard but it doesn't make the hub "boosted".
  • 6 1
 Yeah. At some point you'll realize that the inability to convert supports my point, not yours. Until then, keep telling us all why there's never been a better time to buy a fancy new wheelset.
  • 2 0
 @Phillyenduro just because there isn't a boost hub right now doesn't mean that it will always be that way. Are you super eager to put these on the boost frame/fork that I'm sure you don't have?
  • 8 5
 No 26"? Easton, another bike manufacture on my list of never buying from again!
  • 7 9
 You're quickly going to run out of manufacturers then.
  • 2 0
 26in its been there,throw all the hard times and i think its the magic number just like 17in from center of crank to wheel axle,these # make it happen for me,size does matter,so find your fit and be happy,manufactures just want you to take it cause they got us by the balls,,,,,.
  • 7 8
 I personally won't even ride with someone unless they're on 650b or a 29er. I don't have all day to wait around for your slower wheel.
  • 11 0
 @nimmo that's it! We're no longer friends. You just lost yourself free Pho!

Please don't mistakenly blame my bike's wheelsize for my level of poor fitness. They are two independent matters and one of them, I'm currently working on :p
  • 1 0
 Nor will I they won't fit my bike lol
  • 2 0
 @mickmart So you're buying a new wheelset then? Wink WHAKKA WHAKKA WHAKKA
  • 7 2
 This has been said many times already... But that doesn't make it any less true.

Give it 6-7 years, and the industry will be trumpeting the light weight, extreme maneuverability, and sheer playfulness of 26" wheels. It's only a matter of time.
  • 1 0
 @groghinter Touché buddy. Lol
  • 1 0
 TRUTH
  • 2 0
 I purchased a set of these Easton Heist 30 wheels from my local shop about a month ago for my Devinci Spartan build. I've put about 25 miles on them (its hot).
Not more than 2 hours ago I was riding to the trailhead from my house, rolled off a curb to cross the street and the rear wheel creased and collapsed in on me.

Yes a curb, like a sidewalk, on the side of the street, roughly 8 to 10 inches vertical.

I had a nice, long 30 minute walk back uphill to my house, with plenty of time to think about the avenue I was going to use to approach this situation. Every conclusion I came to ended with me feeling like I am screwed and have no chance of getting any help from Easton's Customer Service department. I cant really blame them, I could be completely full of shit, how can I prove this is what happened and I didn't actually huck my bike to flat off a 10 foot ledge? I cant.
So I am here to give you guys a little insight on this new wheelset, and just so you know the ARC 30 is the same rim, just sold as an individual rim, the name HEIST 30 is proprietary to the wheelset.

If Easton would help me out I would consider buying another rim (maybe even another product in the future) from them. I want to believe this was just a fluke or a lemon wheel, nothing is perfect, not even metal. So I will send them an email with a picture of my giant crease from my giant 10 inch drop that put the wheel to its grave and we'll see where it goes. Maybe Easton will help me out and I'll continue to do business with them in the future. I own a business myself so I understand how crucial word of mouth is in sales, especially in a niche market, hopefully they understand that as well.

P.S. The worst part about it is, I love the way these wheels look. I had custom decals made to match my bike.
www.pinkbike.com/photo/12663010
  • 62 4
 I'm still sad about no 26..
  • 38 1
 No 26"? Fail
  • 15 21
flag jaydawg69 FL (May 1, 2015 at 10:34) (Below Threshold)
 go to a bike shop and ask how 26" parts are selling? A lot of lack of 26" hate here but no one is buying 26" stuff. I used to be a 650b hater until I got a new Enduro... 650b is faster.
  • 5 12
flag t-rick FL (May 1, 2015 at 16:59) (Below Threshold)
 I was searching for tires from local bike shops in 26". One amateur store clerk told me "Yeah 26 is getting pushed to the wayside now, we just don't carry XXX tire for 26 much anymore..."

I literally laughed and hung up.... douchebag
  • 15 2
 You laughed and hung up on the amateur store clerk that likely makes none of the decisions at the shop regarding tire buying? Real nice.
  • 3 1
 You can't buy what isn't on the shelf.
  • 49 1
 Heist wheels...Not even trying to deny the level of criminality in the cycling industry, anymore.
  • 26 5
 I owned a set of 26" Havoc Mk2. Great rolling, light stiff rim, took a beating.

The rear hub was the worst I have ever experienced in 20 years of MTB. Replaced twice under warranty and the problem was never solved. Since replaced with custom DT/Stans build.

I will reserve judgment until some real reviews come out.

No 26 is pretty sad.
  • 9 1
 Mate had the same issues and the Easton back up was shit too !
  • 7 1
 Agree. The internals on my Easton Havens might as well have been made of cheese. New set of bearings lasted 2 months and Easton DID NOT want to support me with Warranty. Terrible for a £600 wheelset. Gone DT Swiss now - Awesome
  • 18 1
 I don't know about you, but I feel that wheelsets are priced too high compared to a rim. 100 for a rim, 700 for a wheelset just doesn't add up. 500 for mediocre hubs and a few spokes... how do they calculate it? Hope Hoops give you a discount over the individual prices. I feel with these and a lot of others you're paying 200 bucks for them to lace up your wheels!
  • 4 0
 @jaame, you've got to factor in the time to build full wheels. Obviously it's far more labor intensive than producing a stand alone hoop. But your point still stands, in my opinion.
  • 2 2
 Lets not forget that hope hubs also convert between sizes, including that boost crap. I dont see any mention of this on the easton wheels. So although the eastons tick a lot of boxes, i think youd be insane to buy wheels that dont already offer boost compatibility.
  • 2 1
 I'm not specifically talking about these. Complete wheelsets which have become the norm over the past ten years are all guilty. My last set of wheels I built myself were like, 80 quid for rims, 200 for hubs and 40 for spokes. That's hope hubs and spank spike race 28 rims. Total was just over 320. Even the spank wheels with inferior hubs are close to 400, and they are pretty much the best value you can get. Honestly I believe these Easton rims are technically inferior to Spank rims, I mean in quality of materials and manufacture. I also believe the hope hubs are better than these Easton hubs. A bit of a rant, sorry. Just build your own wheels! Save a packet and feel the great sense of satisfaction from making something with your own hands!
  • 1 0
 Believe me, I'm with ya man. I'm just saying the cost of building the wheels adds into the equation, as does shipping. Doesn't mean it all adds up the way it should (clearly they make more money on completes), just a few factors to consider.
  • 19 3
 We designed the Heist wheels for cross-country to aggressive all-mountain riding, not dirt jumping or downhill. We still manufacture 26" wheels - they're called Havoc eastoncycling.com/en-us/dirt/wheels/gravity/>;.

In general, OEM has some influence on after-market product offerings (read: the industry is simply not producing as many 26" XC/trail/all-mountain bikes like they used to). Not only that, but we just weren't getting the same demand for 26" (as seen on PB forums) from even bike shops. We have decided to stick with the growing 650b/27.5" and 29" offerings at this time.

Out of the wide-rim wheel offerings out there, the Heist is lighter and wider than majority of wheels in its class (e.g. Stan's ZTR Flow Ex). The X5 is an entirely new hub, designed for its durability and affordability. For those wanting to go wide (and have better traction through corners), the Heist is one of the most affordable options on the market.
  • 4 1
 Maybe the reason that you havn't seem much demand for your 26" havocs EASTONcycling, is that the inside width is 23mm. Personally I like 29mm and up, and I think many others do too.
  • 5 2
 I really don't see why Easton haven't done a 26" option. As of now, the market for 26 may not be as big, but it's still there with people looking for a cheap and wide wheel set. The havoc isn't really comparable to the heist wheels because of its cost it seems. The 26" crowd is still out there and also wants to go with wide rims, so making 26, even with less production runs would be pretty nice. The cost of different spokes and changing or adjusting the rim bending machine isn't that costly, is it? I really think that putting a 26" option out there would make lots out there happy and maybe raise profits?

Just Sayin'....
  • 2 1
 @EASTONcycling I just wrote about my experience with the new HEIST30 wheel set up above. I was riding down the street, rolled off of a curb on my way down to the trailhead and this happened. Not sure how to go about this, and I don't want to down talk to the product yet, but I spent nearly $700 on a product that failed when put up to a task that shouldn't even make a K-Mart wheel flinch. If you have any advice on what my next move should be, I would greatly appreciate it.
www.pinkbike.com/photo/12672064
  • 19 5
 Lovely, yet another option that I won't be buying... all because the industry has decided that the STANDARD for the past THIRTY years is suddenly obsolete.
I am SO disgusted with this trend.
I just bought a very nice carbon, 26" bike 15 months ago, and if this current trend continues, I may as well toss it into a chipper because I can't buy ANYTHING new for it. Fox has basically discontinued support for the 26" wheel on their 2016 product line, and every new wheelset I see is 27.5 and 29'r specific.... I give up.
  • 3 3
 27.5" forks work great with 26" wheels. And give your money to the guys who do keep supporting 26. Products follow the money, not the other way around.
  • 4 0
 26er rims and tires are going for amazing prices right now. Load up and you'll be good for years to come.
  • 2 0
 Where do you get your info that "Fox discontinued support for 26" in 2016"? Wrong info dude. Fox is selling 26" in 32s, 36s and 40s.
  • 12 0
 Its funny to me that the right up mentions the rim only.... Then says not many of "us" will be building up a custom wheel set....I could build these up with Hope hubs for quite a bit less than 700 and have a much better wheel set....17 degrees of engagement in todays world ain't gonna cut it....
  • 6 2
 21 points of engagement is kinda lulz. The main points of this article seems to lie on 1) not as many people building custom wheels 2) same length spoke making life easier 3) our bearings aren't shit this time, we swear 4) our hubs "just work" at $700...

I mean the irony of releasing a line of rims while not offering 26" is completely missing out on the 4X, DH, DJ markets. But that's their decision. Using the same length spoke usually means that you're gonna have SHIT bracing angles on your rear hub (and perhaps the front as well). And like you said, at $700 these days, people expect a lot more, especially when these seemingly rising retail prices seem to offer less every year.. forcing the average joes to go the custom route to save $200 or 300 bucks and getting a better wheel!
  • 3 2
 The 4X,DH,DJ markets combined are an anthill in comparison to the XC/AM markets. There are more people buying JUST 29er XC bikes than all the "gravity" bike market segments combined.
  • 1 0
 That is true. Chase the money
  • 3 2
 If bike companies didn't the money then we wouldn't be riding mountain bikes in the first place.
  • 14 3
 NO I haven't forgotten how bad Easton hubs were.... And I sure as hell wouldn't chance my hard earned dollars that the new ones will be any better!!!!
  • 3 2
 agree, and as I've said before... easton front hubs, not that big of a problem, but lets be honest, you have arc rims at this price point, wouldn't you go for Flow ex or DTs EX471 or FR570 ?
  • 3 0
 My Easton hubs/wheels have been flawless and I'm 6'3 225LBS. Lucky?
  • 6 2
 The Arc rims are wider and lighter than Flow Ex and DT. Easton had its issues with hubs in the past, but the rim technology has always been proven. Why would you go for Stans or DT if they're heavier and more narrow?
  • 3 1
 well,.... yeah ...., that's like...your opinion man......; ).... seriously though, I might be one of those who dont see the need of more than 25mm ID o a trail/enduro bike.. the weight.. c'mon, take a dump
  • 4 2
 @Lagr1980 have you ridden anything wider than a 25mm ID? I also used to think the wide rim revolution was marketing bullshit until I spent time on a 30mm ID wheel. After my first slap shot corner and the tire didn't roll like it typically does, I was convinced.

Hell, even if you're not into anything wider than 25mm, the Arc 24mm rim is 105g lighter than Stans Flow EX and that's a pretty massive weight savings in rotational weight. 105g weight savings is a fact, so not just my opinion, man Wink
  • 4 3
 ^Its worth noting that Clapforcanadaa works for Fox/Easton/Raceface^
  • 1 1
 @clapforcanadaa II went to 25mm ID from 21mm ID, tested some some wider stuff ON A TRAIL/ENDURO bike with true 2.35 tires, being an average rider, I cannot say I felt any noticeable difference after 25mm ID on singletrack and DH tracks. By the way, one of the 21mm ID I have is a 27.5 VICE XLT FRONT rim I picked up on a bargain. These have been very nice, reliable, survived some abuse. I'll probably focus on destroying my rims and tires riding and may be I'll try some wider stuff again later on, but i have a feeling that that will happen with the DH rig I have in mind... NOT on my trail bike....there's my wide rim revolution take by the way
  • 1 1
 Great injection! Bravo
  • 11 1
 Is it just me or does the inner profile shot look like woodgrain to anyone else? No 26, seems like an abrupt exit.
  • 10 1
 Ha-ha! Ignores 26 for new standards...obsolete next year because boost is here. Seems fair.
  • 10 2
 21 engagements? Instant write-off for me then. I haven't ridden a hub with that few engagement points in the last decade.
  • 6 1
 They're literally using the simplest, basest, most basic drive mechanism, and this is what they offer at $700: 21 points of engagements. There isn't a single redeeming point about this wheelset, other than it's insignificant in every category... while being priced as Easton's "budget" wheel, it is absolute shit when compared to everything else. Anyone looking at these wheels will simply jump up to the Haven line, or simply build a better wheel themselves...
  • 4 0
 I'm pretty happy with my Haven carbon 29er wheels. Remain true. Spin is if they were perpetual motion machines. Light and stiff. No hub problems aside from engagement seems to have deteriorated from the default (21???) now taking about a quarter rotation (or so it seems) to engage. Not a big issue if you don't stop pedaling Smile Maybe some of the teeth are busted? But I can't afford to go bike-less and wait for Easton to asses and fix the problem.
  • 3 0
 My alu Havens have also been great. I can't imagine what could cause degrees of engagement to increase without also causing other catastrophic problems, but it's super easy to pop it open and look.
  • 6 1
 no 20mm option for the front?? then no go for me.. also not offering a 26 size is absurd... also 700 is pretty steep for a non ust wheelset... go home easton you are drunk...
  • 5 2
 Why spend $700 on Eastons when you can get Hadley/flow ex for a couple hundred more? If you want straight pull go with I9's, there are way better custom wheelset for a little more money especially at 17 degree engagement and you can get them in 26"
  • 4 0
 They do a rim only option since complete wheelsets aren't for everyone. Their Arc rim is wider and lighter than a Stans flow Ex.
  • 1 0
 Yup, lighter, and wider. Flows are the "old wide"' 30mm internal is the new medium wide.
  • 4 0
 @bustitup There is nothing better about a Stan's Flow EX. These are 4.5mm wider between the bead hooks, weigh 10g less (or 30g for the 27mm) and are deeper in section (meaning these are likely stiffer and will build into stiffer wheel). I'm all for skepticism, but don't say something is better when there is not a single credible piece of evidence to support your claim.
  • 1 2
 @SJ29er Wider, lighter and deeper sounds like thinner material to me, but only time will tell. Will you buy these rims? Or something that has a proven track record? I'm not pissing away my hard earned dollars on something that might be better. As long as Eastons been in the aluminum business they should've been ahead of all other manufacturers on rims and maybe a lot more of us would be riding them. It's funny how you don't mention the hub. I'll stick with companies that build rims and you can stick with companies that build baseball equipment, Take care.
  • 2 1
 @bustitup The hub is a totally different conversation. Maybe it's no good, I don't know I've never ridden it. Since you specifically brought up Stan's Flows as if they are somehow superior that's what my comment pertained to. I'm not saying that these are great rims, but I'm not making a judgment on something just because I heard from some dude at the local bike shop that the Stan's Flows we're "sick". Now you're saying that these rims that you've never ridden are going to be shitty because they're lighter and therefore not as strong? With no evidence at all? WOW. Isn't that the whole goal of this bicycle thing? Lighter, stronger, cheaper?

Please explain it to me, I clearly don't understand. Maybe it's because I can read. They've made an easy chart with pictures for people like you, it can be found here:

cdn.mos.bikeradar.imdserve.com/images/news/2015/04/15/1429077827885-irupqlcyhs7i-700-80.jpg

I'll reserve judgement until I've ridden the rims, something that seems impossible for many of the commentators on here.
  • 1 0
 @SJ29er I'm not saying these rims are shitty, again only time will tell. I commented on the complete wheelset @ $700 with a 17 degree engagement, that's a lot of money for something that when you can have better that's right BETTER wheels for a little more money. That's why I made that comparison, But I guess with wheelsets going for $2k these days $700 is cheap. I don't go by what my LBS says I go by what I think will work for me and my budget. If my 1st set of original flows were shitty I wouldn't have had a set of EX's built, but since the originals are still going strong after 6 yrs that's what I went with. What do you have against flows? Bad experience? Please explain. Lighter, stronger damn straight that's for me, cheaper not so much...you get what you pay for.
  • 7 1
 I like Easton wheels. They're light, strong and stay true. I personally never had a problem with the hubs.
  • 3 1
 @SlodownU Honestly, so much hatred for Easton hubs due to bearing durability and you suggest I9s. I haven't talked to a single person who hasn't had bearings wear out on I9s, and even had one set come with shit bearings right out of the box.
  • 8 2
 YES no Boost! Well Done Easton
  • 5 1
 "McCosh said. Tire compatibility also played a role in Easton's decision, though"

But wheel size compatibility didn't? Wait, what?!
  • 1 0
 I'm sure wheel size did play a role. Who wants to design and manufacture something to an old standard. 26 market is shrinking fast. How many forks are made with a straight 1 1/8 steerer?
  • 3 0
 I had the same issue with a 12mm hex for a different set of wheels. Bought a 12mm for a 1/2 inch drive ratchet at Lordco (auto supply) for something like $9.
  • 1 0
 I was gonna say lordco or kms tools for his "so hard to.find.it's frustrating " tool. Both have locations in Chilliwack I believe ;-)
  • 1 0
 Ryde (formerly Rigida) is offering new rims with width options just like Easton but they ARE offering 26" and I will be buying multiple sets as soon as they are available. The widest option is 29mm inner width which is close enough for me.

www.ryde.nl/en

Thanks to Dirtrag for showing them from Sea Otter as seemingly every other publication glossed over the brand.
  • 1 0
 These rims have been out for a while. I've read that they will soon have US distribution.
  • 1 0
 Can anybody say how the Purgatory compares to a High Roller II without 3C?
I was thinking about getting the Purgatory because of its 60a/50a compound, but have no idea if it is as capable as the High Roller II I currently ride.
  • 1 0
 Why are people so worked up about no 26" prebuilt wheel offerings,there are plenty of 26" rims being made.Build your own wheels,or employ a good wheelbuilder,generally they last longer because they are easily maintained and parts are readily available.26" is not going away.
  • 1 0
 Picked up a pair of 30s while my other wheels are off in the shop. First impressions are quite good in terms of the ease of tubeless mounting (actually had my Minion EXOs on without any sealant and they held pressure for 3 days), build quality, etc. Not as super-stiff laterally as my Enve M70s but seem nice and sturdy. Bonus points for the pre-installed XD driver. We'll see what my fat *** will do to them in the long run, but so far, so good.
  • 1 0
 I have ARC 27's on Hope Pro 2 Evos and they are great, feel nice and stiff, the rim design is like a Flow EX but with an inner lip UST style so secures they tyre better. Shame they don't do 26" or I'd have got them rather than the Hope Tech Enduro's i've ended up with for my 26" bike which are slightly narrower than i'd have liked at 23mm internal, still the are wider than the EX721's which were a fine DH rim back in the day.
  • 3 1
 Shove your NOT 26" rims up your arse Easton. Theres millions of 26" rims out there for me too murder before. Ill buy 27.shite
  • 1 0
 I just bought this set. Looking forward to get them fitted. Need to get myself a 12mm hex meanwhile. I guess a adjustable wrench works fine, so I don't meed a 17mm wrench too?
  • 4 0
 these rims built onto DT Swiss 240 hubs would be perfect Smile
  • 2 0
 useless for the majority of bikes out there though Wink
  • 2 0
 CRC will have that wish granted shortly.
  • 1 0
 Any more info on that?
  • 4 0
 They'll be getting the rims in stock in a few weeks, and should have them as an option for custom build wheels shortly after.
  • 3 0
 Now that's getting interesting. Hope hubs. These rims. And decent price (plus free shipping).
  • 1 0
 @poah?

why useless? DT 240s are one of the most adaptable hubs on the market - with axle and adapter kits to fit pretty much anything

www.dtswiss.com/Accessories/Conversion-kits
  • 1 0
 @hampsteadbandit most MTB's are 26, so even though DT swiss 240's are great hubs they are useless for 26 inch bikes when laced to 27.5/29 rims.
  • 1 0
 Poah, can't tell if serious
  • 1 0
 totally serious
  • 2 0
 Even if that's true, that's only because there are so many 26ers sitting around in people garages. This doesn't mean most new wheel builds are 26"
  • 1 0
 yeah really, not everyone is going to be able to spunk out 4-5k on a bike every couple of years. The vast majority of people at th emoment are riding 26". Sure over time this will change but to me its a silly thing not to make rims or tyres in 26. I personally don't know anyone with a 27.5 bike
  • 1 0
 You must be spending too much time on pink bike, the people that ride on 26 are a minority. Outside of the park, everyone around me rides 29 and 27.5
  • 1 0
 @poah

what do DT 240 hubs have to do with size of rims? Easton don't supply their factory wheels with DT hubs, but their own hubs.

Their new rim and many other rims are available aftermarket for custom wheel builds, in 26", 27.5" and 29'er

I have DT 240 hubs on my road bike, and mountain bike, I like the look of these Easton rims for my next wheel build

Hand built wheels allow you to choose your own rims Wink
  • 1 0
 no one is talking about DT Swiss hubs???????
  • 3 3
 The real issue here is that Easton is a nightmare to deal with if you need customer service, warranty service, or parts. Although my Havoc wheels served me well for 4 years, when it came time to replace spokes, it took 3 months to get them. And last year when I needed a new freehub body, I waited out the entire summer riding on my spare wheelset and I still don't have the parts I need. I've since moved on to SRAM Rail 50 wheels, and I doubt I'll ever buy another Easton product.
  • 1 1
 Sometimes I feeling like I am in some strange alternate consumer reality dream. A fair chunk of bikers like 26, 26 works better is many situations, is more durable and riders have more fun. Yet the bike industry is telling us 'thou must ride 27.5'. Can somebody wake me up when this is over.
  • 2 0
 proud owner of a 2015 Kona Process 167 , you want more 26" stuff invest in companys that still produce 26" bikes , frames , rims and tires
  • 1 0
 @mikelevy, you could have saved yourself 4 hours and 59 minutes of tool searching if you went to McMaster.com and ordered the 12mm hex from there. Their shipping is always ridiculously fast, and not expensive.
  • 1 0
 they don,t deliver to Canada or accept out of country orders . tried to order from them in the past .
  • 1 0
 They do now.
  • 1 0
 they may do certain products only , my last place of employment we had a grandfathered account that was only active as we purchased almost weekly from them , i have a couple of customers who had their accounts closed as they where not used on a monthly basis . i tried to get a account and was told due to trade tariffs they would not open any out of country accounts , so much for free trade between the two country's.
  • 2 0
 a pinkbike take on a 'first look'??? anyways thanks for the preview of the new wheels
  • 5 1
 Wheelset looks sick
  • 1 0
 I didn't realise how much heavier 29 and 27.5 tyres are compared to good old 26ers,I'm trying to keep the weight down not drive it up.
  • 2 0
 "My swear jar saw no deposits" this is the best thing I've heard since "No fuc&s were given"
  • 1 0
 What!!??....a new wheel set being previewed that's not made of plastic and not priced at £10000. What is pinkbike coming too?? ;-)
  • 4 1
 You lost me at (but no 26").
  • 1 0
 @mikelevy I was having trouble finding a 12mm hex socket as well until someone suggested an auto parts store. NAPA had one and it was not expensive.
  • 2 1
 aaaaand another set of wheels that i'll look past in favor of a set of stans...
  • 1 0
 Question..What is the best tire choice for a 30mm inner width? Looking for an aggressive NW coastal tire...anyone?
  • 2 1
 Something with a round profile is nice. I'm really liking the new Nobby Nics, but Hans Dampfs also work well for me.
  • 1 0
 I would think a Maxxis Minion as well.
  • 1 0
 the new nobby nic does work well but i find it does not like wet roots as well as other tires like the HR2 from Maxxis
  • 1 0
 Thanks for the response...i guess the rounder tire creates less rolling resistance. Im running minions and hr2's at the moment but was wondering if the schwalbe's run a little wider than the maxxis(2.35) which can help reduce the flattening and reduce the nobby grip contact due to the wider rim? Happy trails!
  • 1 0
 i run them on the OOZY Trail260 rim they are 26mm wide they have a 29.5mm wide version of the OOZY that i may try on my 167 Process
  • 2 0
 @mikelevy How much do spokes cost?
  • 2 1
 How dare a company in the bicycle industry release something that works for a reasonable price.... It's an outrage..!!
  • 2 1
 You can always count on Pinkbike comments for entertainment whenever wheels are mentioned. Thanks for the amusement.
  • 1 0
 30mm wide option looks the goods...
  • 1 0
 Well they just lost a sale.....ill stick with mavic or stans.
  • 1 0
 When/ where can I buy some Arcs in the UK or Europe pls?
  • 4 0
 Check with Silverfish, they are the distributor
  • 1 0
 Nice one dude!
  • 1 2
 "left handed hammer" haha, I can't even believe that's a thing. What makes a hammer specific to a hand? They seem pretty damn symmetrical to me.
  • 9 0
 It is, but they're rare. Ask for one at your local hardware store.
  • 2 0
 Right, but I mean what is the difference? When I pick my hammer up in either hand, I don't notice any bit of difference. You learn something every day!!
  • 2 0
 Rare like left hand darts!
  • 2 0
 other classics at the the hardware store are the, metric adjustable wrench, stripped paint, metric philips screwdriver, etc.
  • 1 0
 $700? No thanks. Ozzy trail295 $413 work just fine!
  • 2 2
 So many tears in the comments.
  • 2 1
 26
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