Revel RW30 Wheelset

Developed and manufactured in the CSS Composites aerospace facility in southern Utah, Revel's new RW30 wheels ditch the brittle epoxy that is commonly used in carbon fiber in the mountain bike space. The raw thermoplastic material blends unidirectional long fiber German and Japanese carbon impregnated with an advanced polymer. This is claimed to make for a more durable, lighter, and better riding wheel. Combined with Industry 9 1/1 or Hydra hubs and Sapim D-light spokes, they're an interesting package that piqued our interest. Perhaps best of all, should you crack one the rims can be recycled and turned into other useful objects. Revel rims are backed by a lifetime warranty and crash replacement policy.

Join Vital MTB tester and Trail Peek ripper, Zach Petersen, in the video above for a closer look at the RW30 wheels and his ride impressions.

Not only is the raw material innovative, the manufacturing process is where things get really crazy. The rims are laid-up and cross-plied robotically, leaving no space for human error or inconsistencies.

Highlights

• Intended for enduro or trail usage
• 27.5 and 29-inch sizes
• Fusion-Fiber technology
• Rim tape and valve stems included
• Rims: $699 each with 28 or 32 spoke holes
• Complete wheels: 28 spokes with I9 1/1 hubs at $1,975 or I9 Hydra hubs at $2,200

RW30 Wheelset Specs & Weights

What's The Bottom Line?

Overall, we think the RW30 wheels are competitive with some of the most premium wheels on the market. These wheels did feel a little harsh vertically, but this is easily overlooked by the superior cornering and handling characteristics. After months of riding, they still look fresh. As an added benefit, they're made in the USA and are a bit easier on the environment than other carbon wheels.

Visit www.revelbikes.com for more details.

Vital MTB Rating: 4 Stars - Excellent

About The Reviewer

Zach Petersen - Age: 23 // Years Riding: 10 // Height: 5'9" (1.75m) // Weight: 145-pounds (65.8kg)

Zach cut his teeth figuring out how to ride on the unforgiving mining trails of Northern California. After watching Earthed 5, he decided to try out enduro racing and continues to seek out the most gravity-oriented events. When not racing he's smashing out big backcountry days in the Sierra Nevada, pushing dirt around the forest with a McLeod, and keeping the stoke high with Trail Peek.

Video by Trail Peek