Crank Brothers

Synthesis E 11 Hydra Carbon Boost Wheelset - 27.5in

As carbon mountain bike wheels have grown in popularity, riders and manufacturers alike have learned that stiffer is not always better, as overly stiff wheels can negatively impact your bike's handling and even lead to bodily fatigue. Crank Brothers offers a creative solution with the Synthesis wheels, which use an independently tuned front and rear wheel to address the specific performance needs of enduro mountain biking. This consists of a more compliant front wheel that maximizes grip and control in turns, paired with a stiffer rear wheel that enhances stability and tracking at speed. Together they improve comfort and provide a boost of confidence in challenging terrain. This version is the flagship model, being laced up with Industry Nine's Hydra hubs that bring snappy pedal engagement and impressive reliability to your ride.

To start to understand the Synthesis E Wheelset, we need to look at the differences between each rim. The front rim uses a wider profile, with an outer width of 37.5mm, and inner of 31.5mm—this translates to a wider platform to host beefier tires, allowing for soaking up vibrations, meanwhile amping up the traction to keep you locked into your line in loose and wily corners. This rim is laced up with 28 spokes—4 fewer than the rear wheel, allowing just a little more compliance to elevate vibration damping. In the back, Crank Bro's opt for a slightly narrower rim with 29.5mm internal and 36.5 external width, laced up with a whopping 32 spokes for a stiffer feel that offers undeniable control, power, and tracking. But the differences don't stop at the rims—different spokes are employed on each wheel, with the front using Sapim's D-Light that keep weight at a minimum, without sacrificing strength, and the rear dialing in the stiffer, heavy-duty feel you need for tracking with Sapim's Race spoke.

Since nobody wants to waste their efforts on a hub that doesn't react quickly, Crank Brothers uses Industry Nine Hydra hubs that provide near-instantaneous 0.52-degree engagement. This is nearly six-times quicker than their predecessor, and means you'll be able to get on the gas instantly and solidly when you're mashing up punchy climbs and ratcheting through technical terrain. The Synthesis 11 hubs are laced with Sapim CX-Ray spokes for exceptional strength and longevity—another upgrade from the standard Synthesis wheels.