The Best Mountain Bike Wheels

Specialized Roval Controle SL

Specialized's Roval Controle SL wheels are a solid blend of efficiency and sturdiness. At about 1,400 g per pair, the Roval Controle's won't weigh you down when you work your way up a trail, but its E5 alloy and carbon fiber components won't break on downhill sections. On a BikerRadar.com review, Justin Lorenz called the Roval Controle a "great value and the lightest production mountain bike wheel set yet," hailing its "ability to shrug off the rigors of regular rides in rough conditions."

Easton Havoc

Designed for all-mountain use, Easton's Havoc mountain bike wheels are light enough for cross-country riding but tough enough to handle downhill riding. With its oversized three-pawl freehub, the Havoc runs smoothly, and its 28 mm rims are said to be 39 percent stiffer than similar competing rims. In a Gear of the Day review, Bicycling.com's Chris Cassidy called the Havocs "stiff, strong and light," crediting the wheels' spoke design and that the "hubs spin nice and smoothly," and commented on their strength, noting "I know a couple of clydesdales who have been using them for a year with no problems."

Halo SAS Pro

Toughness is a priority for hardcore downhill riders, and Halo's SAS Pro wheels are built to withstand anything. Utilizing double eyelets and a double system joint paired with Halo's Combat Evolved SAS rim, the SAS Pro rims is designed to withstand just about anything. Calling the SAS Pros the "strongest around," Mountain Biking U.K.'s Guy Kesteven said the wheels were "close to indestructible," citing the wheel's tough SAS rim and sturdy Pro rear hub.