e*thirteen Components Announces New Line of MTB Wheels for 2024

Jan 25, 2024
by e*thirteen  


PRESS RELEASE: e*thirteen Components,

With a strong commitment to continuous improvement, we have meticulously crafted and refined rim profiles, hub designs, and wheel build
specifications to offer riders a diverse portfolio of high-performance wheels tailored to specific riding
demands.

The new line of wheels represents a culmination of over ten years of expertise and feedback from top
athletes like Aaron Gwin, ensuring that e*thirteen's wheels stand up to the most demanding riders and
terrain, season after season.

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Key Highlights:
● Diverse Portfolio: The new line of MTB wheels includes the Optimus Trail, Sylvan All Mountain, and
Grappler Gravity lines, each designed to cater to specific riding demands, ensuring that every rider
finds the perfect match.
● Enhanced Features: Every element of the new wheels has been carefully considered and improved.
● Proprietary Technology: All wheels are built with e*thirteen's proprietary rim and hub technologies,
and include our exceptional tubeless valves and tape offering unique benefits to the end user.

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GRAPPLER RACE Downhill
GRAPPLER RACE Enduro &
GRAPPLER E*SPEC Enduro Wheels


The Grappler Race Wheels, refined through multiple World Cup DH Racing seasons, are purpose-built for gravity racing and bike park seasons. Known for durability and performance under the most demanding conditions, e*thirteen's wheels have earned a reputation among World Cup and amateur racers alike. The Grappler Race Carbon and Race Alloy Wheels are available in Downhill, Enduro, and e*spec Enduro configurations, each tailored for specific riding demands.

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Grappler Race Rims
- 30mm Inner Width: Provides ample lateral stability and precision.
- Optimized Layups and Extrusions: Specifically designed for DH and EN rims to balance durability with optimal weight.
- Hookless Flanges: Offer set-and-forget tubeless security and resistance to impact damage.

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Grappler Race Carbon Rims
Constructed with high-modulus carbon fiber and refined layups. Backed by a lifetime warranty, these rims have been enhanced for improved impact strength. Weights range from 515g (29”) for Enduro rims to 575g (29”) for Downhill & e*spec Enduro. Grappler Race Carbon DH and e*spec Enduro rims absorb 322% more energy than the previous version LG1 Race DH rims in impact testing.

Grappler Race Alloy Rims
Made with 6069 aluminum, featuring welded joints and angle-drilled spoke holes. Both Enduro and Downhill/e*spec models have a 19mm sectional height. Race Alloy e*spec and Downhill rims show up to 450% impact strength compared to earlier LG1 Plus DH models. Race Alloy Enduro rims show an impact strength improvement of 228% over previous LG1 Plus EN rims. Weights are 576g (29”) for Enduro models and 626g (29”) for DH and e*spec Enduro.

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Hubs
- Grappler Race Hubs: Designed for low drag, incredible reliability, and excellent sealing from the elements.
- "Just Right Engagement": Robust 3-pawl, 6-degree ensure flawless engagement with 3 contact points at all times.
- Compatibility and Customization: Alloy and steel axle kits, 3-pawl/6° or 4-pawl/3° engagement Driver bodies in XD, HG, and Microspline standards for service simplicity and rider preference tuning.
- Service kits: The new Race SL hub service kits are backward compatible with previous generation UL hub service kits.
- 28-Spoke Rear Hubs: Feature an alloy axle system and lightweight 2-bearing Driver.
-Floating Thread Axle: Enduro wheels (Steel Axle DH & e*spec Enduro wheels)
- Updated Flange Angles and Spoke Hole Design
- Alloy Seal-Shields
- 5-Year Warranty

Build Specs
- Unified Build Quality: Whether Carbon or Alloy, all Optimus wheels are hand-built to exacting standards, with updated “Race-Level” wheel builds across the line.
- Quality Components: Sapim D-light 2.0-1.65-2.0mm spokes, 12mm 7075 Alloy Nipples, oiled Nipple Washers, and Spoke Freeze applied after final tension.
- Tubeless Ready: Wheels come tubeless taped with e*thirteen’s proprietary Quick Fill Tubeless Valves installed.

TECH SPEC / MSRP

Grappler Race Alloy/Carbon Downhill
- Weight Carbon (29”): 1032g/1356g F/R (incl. 7-speed cassette)
- Weight Alloy (29”): 1040g/1396g F/R (incl. 7-speed cassette)
- Spokes: Sapim Race 32H/32H - F/R
- Rear Config: 150/157x12 - Steel Axle
- Front Config: 110x20 Boost
- Driver: 7-Speed Integrated Cassette
- Valves: Quick Fill Presta Tubeless Valves
- Sizes: 27.5”/29”
- MSRP Carbon Downhill: Front 789.95 $/€ - Rear 999.95 $/€
- MSRP Alloy Downhill: Front 319.95 $/€ - Rear 509.95 $/€
Grappler Race Alloy/Carbon Enduro
- Weight Carbon (29”): 912g/1032g F/R (Boost, XD driver)
- Weight Alloy (29”): 1036g/1156g F/R (Boost, XD driver)
- Spokes: Sapim Race 28H/28H - F/R
- Rear Config: 148x12 Boost or 157x12 Super Boost - Alloy Axle
- Front Config: 110x15 Boost
- Driver: XD 3-Pawl / 6° Driver (HG, Microspline Avail. / 3° Avail.)
- Valves: Quick Fill Presta Tubeless Valves
- Sizes: 27.5”/29”
- MSRP Carbon Enduro: Front 679.95 $/€ - Rear 799.95 $/€
- MSRP Alloy Enduro: Front 319.95 $/€ - Rear 399.95 $/€
Grappler Race Alloy/Carbon e*spec Enduro
- Weight Carbon (29”): 996g/1276g F/R (Boost, incl. XD driver)
- Weight Alloy (29”): 1056g/1336g F/R (Boost, incl. XD driver)
- Spokes: Sapim Race 28H/32H - F/R
- Rear Config: 148x12 Boost - Steel Axle
- Front Config: 110x15 Boost
- Driver: XD 3-Pawl / 6° Driver (HG, Microspline Avail.)
- Valves: Quick Fill Presta Tubeless Valves
- Sizes: 27.5”/29”
- MSRP Carbon e*spec Enduro: Front 719.95 $/€ - Rear 869.95 $/€
- MSRP Alloy e*spec Enduro: Front 309.95 $/€ - Rear 445.95 $/€

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SYLVAN ALL MOUNTAIN &
SYLVAN E*SPEC ALL MOUNTAIN Wheels


The Sylvan Race Carbon and Alloy Wheels are designed for All Mountain use, skillfully blending a light and dynamic feel with the robustness required for aggressive trail riding. Available in All Mountain and e*spec configurations, these wheels are the perfect match for aggressive trail bikes, All Mountain machines, or light E-bikes, catering to both daily trail rides and the occasional adrenaline-fueled descent.

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Sylvan All Mountain Rims
- 4mm Offset Asymmetric Rim Profile: Enhances wheel build by equalizing spoke angles and tensions.
- 30mm Inner Width: Provides ample lateral tire stability.
- Low Profile Height: Increases compliance, absorbs impacts, reduces fatigue, and improves traction.
- Hookless Flanges: Offer high tubeless security and resistance to impact damage.

Sylvan Race Carbon Rims
Constructed from high-modulus carbon fiber with a 23mm profile height and a decade-honed custom layup. Includes a clever valve dock for improved tubeless sealing on asymmetric rims. Weighing just 450g (29”), the impact strength was tested at 709% over previous TRS race carbon rims.

Sylvan Race Alloy Rims
Made with 6069 aluminum, featuring welded joints and angle-drilled spoke holes. Low profile 20mm sectional height. Weighing in at 567g (29”), they show a 366% improvement in impact strength over former TRS Plus rims.

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Hubs
- Race SL Hubs: Thoroughly weight-optimized, retaining key features, durability, and ease of service from Enduro models.
- "Just Right Engagement": All Mountain Hubs: 4-pawl, 3° engagement Driver for quick accelerations.
- e*spec Hubs: 3-pawl, 6° engagement Driver, designed for higher torque of e-bikes.
- Compatibility and Customization: Cross-compatible with alloy and steel axle kits, and 3-pawl/6° or 4-pawl/3° engagement Driver bodies in XD, HG, and Microspline standards for service simplicity and rider preference tuning.
- Floating Thread Alloy Axle: All Mountain wheels (Steel Axle e*spec rear wheels)
- Improved Flange Angles and Spoke Hole Design
- Alloy Seal-Shields on Driver
- 5-Year Warranty

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Build Specs
- Uniform Build Quality: Hand-built to exacting standards, with “Race-Level” builds across both Carbon and Alloy variants.
- Quality Components: Sapim D-light 2.0-1.65-2.0mm spokes, 12mm 7075 Alloy Nipples, oiled Nipple Washers, and Spoke Freeze after final tension.
- Tubeless Ready: Pre-taped wheels with e*thirteen’s legendary tubeless tape and proprietary Quick Fill Tubeless Valves installed.

TECH SPEC / MSRP

Sylvan Race Alloy/Carbon All Mountain
- Weight Carbon (29”): 760g/920g (Boost, XD Driver)
- Weight Alloy (29”): 896g/1032g F/R (Boost, XD Driver)
- Spokes: Sapim D-Light 28H/28H - F/R
- Rear Config: 148x12 Boost or 157x12 Super Boost - Alloy Axle
- Front Config: 110x15 Boost
- Driver: XD 4-Pawl / 3° Driver (HG, Microspline Avail. / 6° Avail.)
- Valves: Quick Fill Presta Tubeless Valves
- Sizes: 27.5”/29” Rear - 29” Front
- MSRP Carbon All Mountain: Front 699.95 $/€ - Rear 859.95 $/€ (869.95 Super Boost)
- MSRP Alloy All Mountain: Front 299.95 $/€ - Rear 409.95 $/€ (419.95 Super Boost)
Sylvan Race Alloy/Carbon e*spec All Mountain
- Weight Carbon (29”): 772g/1022g F/R (Boost, XD Driver incl.)
- Weight Alloy (29”): 916g/1123g F/R (Boost, XD Driver incl.)
- Spokes: Sapim D-Light 28H/32H - F/R
- Rear Config: 148x12 Boost or 157x12 Super Boost - Steel Axle
- Front Config: 110x15 Boost
- Driver: XD 3-Pawl / 6° Driver (HG, Microspline Avail.)
- Valves: Quick Fill Presta Tubeless Valves
- Sizes: 27.5”/29” Rear - 29” Front
- MSRP Carbon e*spec All Mountain: Front 699.95 $/€ - Rear 869.95 $/€
- MSRP Alloy e*spec All Mountain: Front 299.95 $/€ - Rear 419.95 $/€ (429.95 Super Boost)

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OPTIMUS RACE Trail Wheels
The Optimus Race Carbon and Race Alloy Trail Wheels are meticulously designed for lightweight trail bikes. They deliver a nimble and dynamic feel, perfect for epic full-day adventures, and boast exceptional durability for aggressive trail riding.

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Optimus Race Rims
- 28mm Inner Width: Optimizes trail tire profiles for reduced rolling resistance and ensures ample lateral stability and precision.
- A Balanced Rim Design: Combined with double-butted spokes, this design provides outstanding frontal compliance, reduces rider fatigue, and increases grip, resulting in a super-responsive and dynamic ride.
- Hookless Flanges: Provide rock-solid tubeless security and resistance to damage from impacts.
- Rim well: Both the Race Carbon and Alloy rims have a raised rim well to make seating lightweight trail tubeless tires much easier.

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Optimus Race Carbon Rims
Constructed from high-modulus carbon fiber, these rims feature a 22.8mm profile height and a custom layup. Weighing in at just 380g (29”), they are backed by a lifetime warranty and have undergone rigorous testing and development.

Optimus Race Alloy Rims
Made from 6069 aluminum with welded joints and a 19mm profile height, these rims weigh a respectable 477g (29”). They exhibit up to 166% higher impact resistance than previous generations of XCX Alloy rims.

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Hubs
- Race SL Hubs: Highly weight-optimized yet retain the durability and ease of service of their Enduro counterparts.
- "Just Right Engagement": The 4-pawl, 3° engagement Driver ensures flawless engagement, essential for quick accelerations on steep climbs.
- Compatibility and Customization: Cross compatibility of alloy and steel axle kits and a choice between 3-pawl/6° or 4-pawl/3° engagement Driver bodies in XD, HG, and Microspline standards for service simplicity and rider preference tuning.
- Service kits: The new Race SL hub service kits are backward compatible with previous generation UL hub service kits.
- 28-Spoke Rear Hubs: Feature an alloy axle system and lightweight 2-bearing Driver.
- Floating Thread Axle
- Improved Flange Angles and Spoke Hole Design
- Alloy Seal-Shields
- 5-Year Warranty

Build Specs
- Unified Build Quality: Whether Carbon or Alloy, all Optimus wheels are hand-built to exacting standards, with updated “Race-Level” wheel builds across the line.
- Quality Components: Sapim D-light 2.0-1.65-2.0mm spokes, 12mm 7075 Alloy Nipples, oiled Nipple Washers, and Spoke Freeze applied after final tension.
- Tubeless Ready: Wheels come tubeless taped with e*thirteen’s proprietary Quick Fill Tubeless Valves installed.

TECH SPEC / MSRP

Optimus Race Alloy/Carbon Trail
- Weights Carbon (29”): 756g/876g F/R (Boost, XD)
- Weight Alloy (29”): 796g/956g F/R (Boost, XD Driver)
- Spokes: Sapim D-Light 28H/28H - F/R
- Rear Config: 148x12 Boost - Alloy Axle
- Front Config: 110x15 Boost
- Driver: XD 4-Pawl / 3° Driver (HG, Microspline Avail. / 6° Avail.)
- Valves: Quick Fill Presta Tubeless Valves
- Sizes: 29” Front/Rear
- Optimus Race Carbon: Front 709.95 $/€ - Rear 869.95 $/€
- Optimus Race Alloy: Front 289.95 $/€ - Rear 409.95 $/€


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E-Optimize
Two e-MTB-specific wheels are new to the line. Sylvan Race e*spec Wheels are optimized for Light Trail e-bikes such as TQ, Fazua, or Bosch SX motor systems and combine a light and playful ride feel with true e-MTB wheel build spec. Grappler Race e*spec Enduro Wheels are reinforced for heavier full-power e-bikes.

These wheels utilize e*spec rear hubs, oversized hub shells, larger bearings, steel axles, and 32-spoke rear wheels to withstand higher drive torque and bike weight. In the case of the Grappler e*spec Enduro, rims also weigh in at 50-60g more than Grappler Enduro models.
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Radial Compliance
We prioritize strength-to-weight ratio in our rim and wheel designs. However, we have also dedicated significant effort to improving low-profile radial compliance.

Our alloy rims have a sectional height of 18.7-20mm, while carbon rims measure approximately 23mm. Paired with wide 28-30mm inner widths, this enhances tracking, traction, and comfort, without compromising lateral stiffness and precise handling.



Our dedication to delivering the best possible rider experience is evident in the meticulous design and
engineering of these new MTB wheels. The brand's commitment to innovation and performance is further
exemplified by the introduction of two e-MTB-specific wheels, optimized for light trail e-bikes and heavier
full-power e-bikes.

Launching the new line of MTB wheels reaffirms e*thirteen Components' position as a leader in wheel
technology, offering riders a range of high-quality, performance-driven options to elevate their riding
experience.

bigquotesWe at e*thirteen are thrilled to introduce our latest line of MTB wheels for the 2024 season -- our team has put exceptional effort into these wheels, and it shows in the quality and detail. These wheels set a new standard in performance and engineering integration — we're excited for riders around the globe to experience the difference these wheels make, every time they hit the trails.Joel Peters, CEO of e*thirteen


Author Info:
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Member since Apr 9, 2015
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1 Comment
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 You had me at "Gwin." Then you made me smile, "Barelli." Pay those men!







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