Hope Tech 35W Boost review

Hope’s 35W Boost hoops are brand new, but proving as dutifully tough as its other wheels so far.

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A thin roll of roadies’ retro favourite ‘Velox’ cloth tape is provided as standard but DIY-fit tubeless tape and valve are extra. Tyre fitting can be a fight too, although that’s good for low pressure burp resistance.

While the rims aren’t heavy at 580g each, the package weight and J bend spokes (straight-pull versions are also available) make for steady and smooth rather than sprightly and swift acceleration and direction changes.

The upside of this slightly dull and docile feel is impressive traction for a given tyre tread/compound, as the wheel conforms slightly to improve connection.

The 32 Sapim Race double-butted spoke build stayed even throughout some deliberately brutal testing and spare spokes are included if needed.

Brass nipples make tension adjustment easy and the eyeletted rims have stayed unscathed too.

Hope’s new Pro 4 hubs are also proving totally dependable, with fast pick-up, six different anodised colour options and legendary factory direct back-up in the unlikely event of a problem.

• Weight: 1020+1120 = 2,140g
• Width: 35/40mm
• Pick up: 8.2 degrees