What does it take to design and build the best carbon wheels? Knowledge, experience, skills and creative innovation - and high-quality components. A good place to start is with rim design - and manufacturing using Toray T700 and T800 fiber builds. Chinese companies combine these lightweight, strong carbon tires with matching nipples, spokes, spoke patterns, hubs and tires to create many excellent combinations.

A good wheel is a tensegrity structure - it is held together by tension so that the whole has more properties than the sum of its parts. A premium wheelset is made in China for every mountain biking activity under the sun - and for every budget. And the icing on the cake for MTB riders worldwide is the price - thanks to highly competitive marketing and sales strategies. This includes direct sales from the manufacturer to the customer. Customers can be sure that they are getting the best when they choose a product with a guarantee recognized by the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI).

Let's step into a Chinese factory and watch how a MTB carbon wheel is made that meets the strictest quality standards in the world. First comes the layup. The rims can be the Toray T700, the lighter and stiffer T800, or a combination thereof. The fibers impregnated with epoxy resin go into a mold and then into an oven. In the hollow form, an inflated mandrel shapes the inner contours of the rim, e.g. B. the "hooks" that hold clincher tires in position. The mandrel is removed when the mold comes out of the oven. The rim is trimmed and sanded and is then ready to be assembled into a wheel.

A good Chinese carbon wheel is likened to a round harp with 28 strings all tuned to the same note. These strings are the spokes that come in different styles and weights designed for different types of riding. They can be laced in patterns where each spoke crosses two or three others. A high quality, durable hub completes the wheel. It is one half of a light and strong combination - a wheelset that dramatically improves the performance of any MTB. The rider who switches from traditional alloy rim wheels to carbon experiences a quantum leap in performance.

Chinese MTB wheelsets can be ordered as models from a standard range for fast delivery - or on a custom-made basis, where the customer selects every element, from spoke nipples and gauges to internal rim profiles, free hubs and brake discs, designed by professionals be used. The Chinese guarantee gives the customer the peace of mind that manufacturing and assembly are under strict quality control. The wheelset is relieved of stress and probably no longer needs to be re-aligned, even with continued use in the mountains. Now it's time to mention some pillars of the Chinese cycling world - companies that produce some of the best and most reliable MTB wheelsets on planet Earth.

How are the rims of MTB wheels made?

The best carbon mountain bike wheels brand in China

FARSPORTS . Founded in 2007, the company is based on research and focuses on innovation. It ticks all the boxes for a leading Chinese factory and has made interesting advances in dedicated rim brakes and carbon fiber spokes. There is a very exciting line of 29er wheels (with Sapim asymmetrical spokes and DT Swiss 350 hubs) available for $1099.

ICAN. This remarkable company has a wide range of products and sells its products directly from factories on three continents. It offers state-of-the-art frames for every discipline and carbon wheels galore. When it comes to MTB wheelsets, ICAN has something to offer for every season and every type of MTB rider. The online catalog offers dozens of wheelsets, including a tasty range of 29er wheels to suit all budgets, from beginners to hard-core pros.

Light Carbon (Xiamen Light Carbon Composite Technology). If you've fallen in love with a 650b three-spoke carbon wheelset, this is the brand you need. Or if you're considering a carbon wheelset with six carbon spokes for your 29er. These are sexy as hell - and look like chariot wheels from ancient Egypt. They accommodate a thru axle and disc brakes. And Light Carbon also offers a full range of conventional carbon MTB wheelsets.

Elite wheels. This young company based in Zhangzhou is expanding with MTB wheelsets that meet all the criteria for good value for money. Of particular note is the range of PRO 29er wheelsets for $1269, designed for cross-country, trail and enduro. This article is about MTB wheelsets, but it is worth mentioning that China Glory Cycle Team uses Elite wheelsets. In April, the team started its 2022 international professional campaign with the Tour of Turkey.