While most cost-conscious wheels betray their budget on the scales, the externally butted rims of the Red Power XLs are bang on the grams for their category. Quick pickup from the silent freehub and taut asymmetric spoking give them a responsive feel on the trail and they track well and corner confidently too.
They’re not shy of clattering through rocks or fair sized drops either. The steel freehub resists cassette scarring and Fulcrum bearings have a reputation for suberb long-term smoothness. They’re not tubeless as standard and won’t handle the biggest rubber but will take mid-sized tyres fine. They come in quick-release or through-axle rear wheel versions too.
This article was originally published in Mountain Biking UK magazine, available on Apple Newsstand and Zinio.
