Q & A - Synthesis Wheels

Q & A - SYNTHESIS WHEELS

Let's talk wheels! What is Synthesis? What does "Tuned" mean? And most importantly, how will they improve your riding experience? We recently answered some of your questions on Instagram - but with limited space, we wanted to dive a bit deeper. Sit back, enjoy, and let us know if there's something we missed!

Q: What makes Synthesis wheels a “tuned” front and rear wheel specific wheelset? 

A: Synthesis wheels are so much more than just the rims. Whilst the front and rear rims are constructed differently, the story goes far deeper. 

The tuned system is a combination of rim and spokes. Whilst the carbon layup of the rims is engineered specifically for the loads and forces each wheel is subject to on a ride, the spoke count, spoke choice, and spoke tension all play a massive part in improving the ride experience. 

Synthesis front wheels are tuned for compliance, which helps to improve handling, grip, and control in turns. Taking our Synthesis Enduro wheels as an example, we use a 28 hole design, matched with a specific Sapim spoke and tension combination specifically chosen to provide a small amount of flex. The front rim also features a 31.5mm inner width, which supports a wider tire profile, increased volume and contact patch. This rounds the shape of the tire more to further enhance handling. 

Our rear wheels are tuned for stiffness. Unlike the front, our Enduro rear wheel uses a 32 hole construction and uses a more robust Sapim spoke and tension combination relative to the front wheel. Whether you are smashing through a rock garden or come up a little short hitting a big jump, tuning the rear wheel for stiffness helps to support the peak loads. It also plays a part in increasing the stability and tracking capability of the wheel at speed. The rear rim also utilizes a 29.5mm inner width to sharpen the tire edge for better grip and also give a narrower tire profile to improve rolling resistance. 

We use this same front and rear specific approach across all of our Synthesis wheel types - Enduro, XCT, DH, and E-MTB. 

Q: Do the alloy rims use the same front and rear specific technology as the carbon?

A: Simply put, yes, they do. It's done in a slightly different way, but the results remain the same. Alloy cannot be tuned like carbon through the layup process. Instead, there is a specific front and rear extrusion in order to gain some of the desired characteristics. Our alloy rear rim extrusions feature thicker walls for extra impact resistance relative to our front rims, just like how our rear carbon rims have extra material - peace of mind for that inevitable case at your local jump trail. In addition, the spoke count, spoke type, and tension all work together to provide the end tuned result. Alloy Synthesis wheels also feature the same internal rim widths as the carbon wheels.

Q: What is the warranty on the rims?

A: All Synthesis carbon wheels come with a lifetime warranty for the original owner, while our Alloy Synthesis wheels carry a two year warranty for the original owner.

Q: Do they Come in 27.5? Mullet?

A: Synthesis Enduro and DH wheels come in both 27.5 and mullet configurations. We offer our Synthesis XCT wheels in 29 exclusively.  

Q: Can I lace my own hubs to the rims?

A: You certainly can. All of the Synthesis models are available as a rim only option. Keep in mind that all Synthesis rear rims are 32H and all Synthesis front rims are 28H, but as long as your hubs match those specs, you are good to go. When building your own Synthesis wheels, we strongly recommend you follow the technical instructions found HERE.

Q: Is there a cross country version?

A: There sure is! And they use exactly the same technology to provide a tuned wheel system. There are a few minor differences between the XCT and other Synthesis carbon rims however. Synthesis XCT use the same Sapim spoke, front and rear, however they feature a different spoke tension on each wheel to provide the optimal ride characteristics needed from a XCT wheelset. They also have a narrow inner rim width of 26.5mm on the front, and 24.5mm on the rear. This helps decrease rolling resistance and edge out every tenth of a second possible.

Q: Are they tubeless?

A: They sure are. All pre-built Synthesis wheel sets come taped, valve installed and ready to ride straight out of the box. Just snap a tire on, squirt some sealant in, tighten the axle and head out for a ride.