e*thirteen Unveils New Line of MTB Wheels for 2024

e*thirteen Components’ heritage is deeply rooted in downhill racing. Riding and racing have always been cornerstones of the brand - we ride our products and are committed to improving them every day. For over ten years, e*thirteen has been at the forefront of wheel technology, meticulously crafting and refining rim profiles, hub designs, and wheel build specifications, then testing our work: in the lab, on the trails, and with input from the world’s top athletes.

Feedback from pros like Aaron Gwin, Dakota Norton, Brook MacDonald, and many others is fundamental to our process. e*thirteen has earned a reputation, with both World Cup and amateur racers, for wheels that stand up to the most demanding riders and tracks, season after season—race on Sunday, Engineer on Monday.

For the 2024 season, e*thirteen presents a new line of wheels: complete wheel systems for today’s most compelling bikes. Every element of these wheels was carefully considered and then improved, from spoke spec, quantity, and tension to bearing selection, hub engagement, rim depth, and width to new finishes and graphics for every component. Our new rim designs are weight sensitive, stand up to abuse, and balance the lateral stiffness to push hard in the corners, with the compliance required to take the edge off hits and track through roots and rocks. All our wheels include our proprietary tubeless valves, tubeless tape, and even sealant, all with unique benefits to the end user.

A Diverse Portfolio for Varied Needs

e*thirteen delivers for a broad spectrum of riding styles and preferences by offering three distinct MTB Wheel lines - Sylvan with its asymmetric rims, Optimus Race with symmetrical rims, and Grappler with its proven robust design. Each product line results from dedicated research aimed at delivering the best possible experience for its intended use. Whether it's the agility and balance of the Sylvan, the lightness and dynamic ride of the Optimus Race, or the unyielding strength of the Grappler, our wheels excel in their specific realms, ensuring that every rider finds the perfect match for their journey.

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.

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.

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.

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.
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.

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.
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.
Weight Carbon (29”): 756g/876g F/R (Boost, XD)
Weight Alloy (29”): 796g/956g F/R (Boost, XD Driver)
5-Year Warranty
Optimus Race Carbon: Front 709.95 $/€ - Rear 869.95 $/€
Optimus Race Alloy: Front 289.95 $/€ - Rear 409.95 $/€

Sylvan All Mountain Wheels

The Sylvan Race Carbon and Alloy Wheels are designed for All Mountain use, skillfully blending 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.

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.
Sylvan Race All Mountain: Race SL 28-spoke rear hubs with a lightweight alloy axle system and 2-bearing Drivers. Available in Boost 148x12mm and Super Boost 157x12mm standards.
Sylvan Race e*spec: 32-spoke rear hubs with a steel axle and robust 3-bearing Driver, including an oversized 6808 bearing. Available in Boost 148x12mm and Super Boost 157x12mm standards.

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.
Unified 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.
5-Year Warranty
Sylvan Race Alloy/Carbon All Mountain:
- Weight Carbon (29”): 760g/920g (Boost, XD Driver)
- Weight Alloy (29”): 896g/1032g F/R (Boost, XD Driver)
- 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.)
- MSRP Carbon All Mountain: Front 699.95 $/€ - Rear 869.95 $/€
- MSRP Alloy All Mountain: Front 299.95 $/€ - Front 299.95 $/€ - Rear 419.95 $/€ (429.95 Super Boost)

Grappler Race Downhill // Grappler Race Enduro // Grappler Race 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.

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.
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.

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.
Uniform Build Quality: Whether Carbon or Alloy, all Grappler wheels are hand-built to exacting standards, maintaining “Race-Level” builds across the line.
Quality Components: Sapim Race 2.0-1.8-2.0mm spokes, 14G 7075 Alloy Nipples, stainless nipple washers, and Spoke Freeze applied after final tension.
HUB VARIANTS
- Downhill: Adaptable from 150x12mm to 157x12mm (adapter end caps included). 32-spoke rear hubs with integrated 7-speed 9-24T cassette for optimized spoke angles.
- Enduro: Available in Boost 148x12mm and Super Boost 157x12mm standards. 28-spoke rear hubs are precision machined with a lightweight alloy axle system.
- e*spec Enduro: Boost 148x12mm only. 32-spoke rear hubs with oversized hub shell, a huge 6808 third Driver bearing, and steel axle for high-power e-bikes.

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
- 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
- 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
- MSRP Carbon e*spec Enduro: Front 719.95 $/€ - Rear 869.95 $/€
- MSRP Alloy e*spec Enduro: Front 309.95 $/€ - Rear 445.95 $/€

DH 7-Speed Integrated Cassette

xclusively engineered for e*thirteen's DH rear wheels, the Grappler DH hubs are a marvel of integration, featuring a 7-speed cassette that melds seamlessly with the hub.

A substantial 12mm outboard expansion of the drive-side hub flange and spokes, which translates to a broader spoke bracing angle and an almost dishless wheel architecture, enhancing strength dramatically. Following intensive re-engineering with our elite World Cup DH teams, our second-generation 7-Speed cassettes now boast nickel plating for extended durability. They come in a 9-24T range, up from 9-21T in the first generation, offering a vast 266% gear range. e*thirteen’s signature 9T smallest cog not only broadens this range but also facilitates the use of smaller chainrings, meeting the clearance needs of professional downhill racers. With a swift six-degree engagement, our cassette ensures reliable, quick performance while extending the life of the pawl and ratchet system and reducing pedal kickback on bikes with substantial travel.

New Race and Race SL Hubs

Low drag, high reliability, and excellent sealing from the elements
Customizable "Just Right Engagement" for different disciplines and user adaptability
Unique "Floating Thread Axle System" on all alloy axle rear wheels for minimal preload drag and easy tool-free service
Improved flange angles and spoke hole designs for better spoke/nipple alignment, reduced spoke hole stress, and increased wheel longevity
New alloy seal shields on freehubs for enhanced protection against contamination
Cross-compatibility of alloy and steel axle kits and multiple freehub standards and engagement options for easy service and personalized tuning
5-year warranty, including bearing service kits to keep you rolling smooth and fast no matter how many vertical feet you consume