Cole’s entry-level wheels are reliable, but at just under 2kg, ‘XC Lite’ doesn’t describe their weight – not for the price anyway. The mid-depth rims don’t have eyelets but they’ve have taken some serious rock slaps without complaint. While they’re not as outrageously rigid as Cole’s more expensive straight-pull wheelsets, the bladed J-bend spokes keep tension well and track okay.
Other Cole wheels we’ve used long-term are still going strong, the axles are switchable via different end caps and the wheels also come with a padded wheelbag, which is fancy for the price. The 19mm internal rim limits wider tyre choice though. They’re not tubeless-compatible unless you add an aftermarket seal strip and valve kit either.
This article was originally published in Mountain Biking UK magazine, available on Apple Newsstand and Zinio.
