Crankbrothers Synthesis eMTB Alloy 2.0 Wheels

In the NSMB article Behind the Brand with Crankbrothers (CB), we learned that Synthesis Wheels were introduced in 2018. The engineers designed different layups for front and rear rims. Cam wrote a review and a tear down detailing these wheels. The mixed wheelset arrived shortly thereafter. It has been seven years and now Crankbrothers are launching their newest addition to the Synthesis wheel line.

I have reviewed a few alloy wheelsets in recent years including the latest from Chris King, E-Bike beasts from Wtb and the RaceFace Turbine 35s. Of all these reviewed wheels, the new Synthesis Alloy 2.0 wheels look the best and offer the smoothest damped feel for ride comfort.

Crankbrothers Synthesis E-Bike Alloy 2.0 Wheels Features

• Three rim models: Enduro, Downhill, and E-Bike
• Black or silver shot peened finish 6069 alloy rims
• Front internal width - 31 mm, rear 29.5 mm
• Precision sleeved construction
• Pronounced rim bead for sidewall protection
• 32 hole rear for stiffness, 28 hole front for compliance
• Front spokes: Pillar SR TB 2018
• Rear spokes: Pillar SSB 34
• Industry 9 1/1 or Crankbrothers Ratchet hubs 15 x 110 Boost, 148 x 12 XD, MS and HG
• 29”, 27.5” and mixed set configurations
• I weighed the mixed wheelset at 1980 g
• Rims come with a lifetime warranty against defects and a lifetime crash replacement warranty
• Hubs have a lifetime warranty
• 700 or 900 USD depending on hub choice:
  • Wheelset with Ratchet Hub: $700 ($280 front + $420 rear)
  • Wheelset with I9 hub: $900 ($340 front + $560 rear)

Rims

The rims come in boring black and sweet silver; it is a nice change for me to go back in time to the days of silver. Crankbrothers engineered the inner widths at 31 mm on the front and 29.5 mm on the rear. The wider front wheel inner rim width is aimed at "supporting a wider tire profile, increasing volume and contact patch for improved turning performance". The narrower rear inner width was designed "to optimize rolling resistance and sharpen tire edges for improved grip." I mounted the WTB Vigilante and Judge tires I used on the Chris King review without any fuss. The 2.0s have thicker rim walls than their predecessors; this should increase durability.

Durability

According to CB, their shot peening process used in manufacturing the rims is aimed at strengthening the rim by hammering the surface in a controlled way, creating a hardened outer layer that helps prevent cracks and failures. As a result, Synthesis Alloy 2.0 has an improved bending strength, greater crack resistance, and a longer lifespan for better performance over the long term. So far, the rims have stayed true, and they are still shiny for the most part. One rim acquired a small dent between the spokes, but I have zero issues with holding air and have been problem-free over 17 two-hour-plus rides on my Rocky Mountain Powerplay Instinctitude.

The 20 second testing process video that CB produced shows the machine they used hammering an anvil of sorts onto a Synthesis rim with a tire mounted on it.

Hubs

The hubs are Industry 9 1/1 Mountain Boost 6-bolt front and rear. The engagement is quick at 4° using the classic 6-pawl interface with beefy looking splines on the ratchet ring. Other than fast engagement, I like a quiet, actually silent, hub. The 1/1s spin somewhere between loud and silent. The seals did an excellent job keeping spring grime and dusty interior B.C. crud out. I have never run I9 hubs before so I am curious to find out how they perform in the long run. For now they are running as smooth as they were on my first rides.

Spokes and valves

Crankbrothers chose a 28 spoke count on the front for a more compliant feel and 32 spokes in the rear for stiffness and lateral stability aimed at better tracking and cornering. The front spokes are 14 gauge Pillar SR TB 2018s, and the rear spokes are 14 gauge Pillar SSB 34s.

The valve CB sourced is basic which is unfortunate now that brands are offering superior valves that fill with air and sealant more effectively. I know true wrenches dump sealant in the tire but I suck at that. The rear valve is a bit gummed up but it still holds air; measuring the air doesn't work well with a hand held gauge but the floor pump is sufficient for a good read of psi.

Riding the wheels

Over the course of 17 rides, usually lasting over 2 hours, the wheels have rolled on North Shore gnar, DH, loamers, shredded 'used to be' loamers, flow trails, lots of jumps under 5 feet and a whole network of fast dry rocky and flowy Naramata MegaVolt trails. I had no issues with traction or tire support (no folded beads, burps, or dents). The precision, tracking and traction were excellent. On the long cambered cross hills of Naramata, I noticed how well the wheels held an edge. In addition, there was minimal chatter or vibration which I am chalking up to that compliant front wheel absorbing impacts and bad vibes. The rear wheel was stiff enough that I did not notice any lack of pop out of corners; however, I did not notice any extra pop compared to the Chris Kings I recently tested.

Finally, the truth, well the true: The wheels are as true as the day I mounted them with what seems like the same tension, though I did not measure it before and after.

Warranty, pricing, alloy vs carbon ramblings

All three Synthesis 2.0 wheels and rims (DH, Enduro and E-Bike) come with an excellent lifetime warranty to the original owner covering defects in materials and workmanship of the rim, whether purchased at retail or as original equipment on a complete bike.

The warranty covers manufacturing defects, damage caused by crash during normal riding, dents or at spots on rims where the tire no longer holds air, and seam separation and/or cracks at the spoke hole.

Let's get the why would I buy alloy instead of carbon debate out of the way, to ignite the comments. I predict Jerry (our buddy and regular commenter) is gonna say, "buy We Are One carbons, they are a way better deal." It is a valid debate especially when comparing alloy wheel prices to carbon wheel prices from a brand like We Are One who have produced value-priced carbon wheels for several years.

The softer ride of an alloy wheel is definitely a factor in purchasing decisions but the longevity of a carbon wheel may be the most important factor for riders looking for new wheels. Any of the three Synthesis Alloy 2.0 models are priced at either 700 or 900 USD for the pair, depending on hub choice: 700 with the stock Ratchet hubs, and 900 if you upgrade to I9 1/1 hubs. At today's rates (1 USD = 1.37 CAD) that comes out to 960 CAD or 1,235 CAD. A We Are One Strife carbon wheel set (with the same I9 1/1 hub) is listed at 1650 CAD, while a Crankbrothers Synthesis carbon set lists at 3000 CAD. The extra 415 CAD on a We Are One wheel set vs the CB alloys could be rationalized away when the alloy rim dents or breaks (let's face it, they all do, eventually).

Final Thoughts

When comparing the cost of new rims, spokes and builds, that extra $415 gets eaten up quickly. However, with the warranty, the only things you are paying for are the spokes, which you may or may not need depending on their quality, as well as the wheel build fee, unless you build your own wheel. Personally, I prefer the comfort of the softer alloy to the stiffness of most carbon wheels I have ridden, but I do detest the hassle of rim dents not holding air, going out of true and eventually cracking. Like any purchase, the pros and cons of each product will determine which rim material a rider shells out for.

Crankbrothers Synthesis Alloy Wheelset Pricing & Options

With Ratchet Hub: 700 USD ($280 front + $420 rear)
With I9 hub: 900 USD ($340 front + $560 rear)

More info at Crankbrothers' site