The brand new tubeless XTR wheelset use the new 24 spoke 2003 XTR hubs. Lightweight titanium freehub body and wheel axles help keep the whole wheelset down to a sprightly 1,650g. The hubs also feature the Center-Lock rotor mounting system so the wheels can use the new XTR hydraulic disc brakes with very little weight penalty. The wheels will be tube / tyre compatible so you can choose any tyre you want.

Engineers at Shimano claim “The rear hub design and this spoke pattern, with radial lacing on the drive side and crossed lacing on the other side, increases the rim-to-hub triangulation. That creates the same effect as increasing the width of the hub shell flanges. Lateral rigidity is consequently increased.”

Our jargon busters think that they're trying to reassure us all that the new wheels will be plenty strong enough for XC use. Not having ridden them we can't pass comment really. We've lined up a full test of the whole XTR group which should include a set of these wheels. More on that when the product turns up.

For details of stockists visit madisonbrandinformation.com
And for all things Shimano click shimano-europe.com