First look: Great value wheelsets from Superstar

Superstar Superleggera XCR Pro Scandium wheelset (James Costley-White/BikeRadar)

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We mentioned back in May that Superstar Components were bringing out some tasty looking wheelsets, and now we've got the full lowdown on their new superlight scandium race wheels, versatile mid-range hoops and bargain budget offerings. Check out the thumbnail gallery on the right for more pictures.

Superleggera XCR Pro Scandium

Topping the range is the Superleggera XCR Pro Scandium, featuring Superstar's own top-end hubs laced to Alex's superlight XCR Pro scandium rims.

These beauties weigh in at just 1,350g a pair. Pretty incredible for an off-the-shelf hand-built wheelset costing just £449.99.

The rear wheel comes with the latest version of Superstar's Superleggera 120-point engagement hub, while the front is specced with their Superfast unit. Spokes are DT Swiss's double-butted Revolution models, topped off with DT's gold-coloured alloy nipples.

Superleggera XC Pro

Coming in £200 cheaper is the machine-built (but checked by hand) XC Pro, which boasts the same Superleggera rear hub but this time on a more affordable Mavic X717 rim.

The new Superleggera boasts titanium pawls, a narrower body and angled flanges. Tool-less bearing removal means it can be stripped down in 10 minutes using 10mm and 5mm Allen keys.

Claimed weights for the quick-release wheels are 770g (front) and 910g (rear). They're each laced with 32 DT Swiss Comp double-butted spokes.

Tech2

For those on more of a budget, Superstar offer their Tech2 range. With prices ranging from £129.99-£169.99 a pair, and coloured hubs (red or gold) and rims (white or red) soon to be available, they look like a bargain.

Five variants are available – XC (V-brake), XC (disc brake), XC Switch, Enduro Switch and DH Switch. Switch wheels can be swapped between quick-release and 9/15/20mm (front) or 10/12mm axles (rear).

All of the wheelsets feature forged and CNC-machined hubs with full cartridge bearings plus DT spokes and Superstar's own-brand rims (except the V-brake model which comes with Mavic 317s). The three-pawl hubs have steel axles, a steel freehub body and large bearings for added reliability, at the expense of some extra weight.

Weights range from 2,505g (DH, 150mm rear, 21mm internal width) to 2,069g (XC Switch, 19mm) a pair. Pictured are the £129.99 Tech2 XCs which boast Superstar's Vapour rims – made by French company Mach 1 – and weigh in at around 2,130g.

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