Shimano WH-M 565 LX review

Shimano has always been at the forefront of MTB innovation, and that even extends to its lower priced complete wheelsets. The 565 gets a conventional centreline spoke insert, compared to the side hooked 765. This leaves the sidewalls free for a machined braking surface so they’ll work with V-brakes as well as discs. Like Shimano’s top end wheels, the spokes are reversed with ‘head in the rim’ and ‘nipple at the hub’ to reduce outside edge weight for a faster feel than the medium weight suggests.

The 24 spokes are aero bladed and laced 2-cross, except on the drive side which is radial. Where Shimano really shines is in the hubs, whose cup and cone bearing and freehub longevity are legendary, as long as you dismantle the very effective labyrinth seals and service them occasionally. The wheels only come in Centerlock rotor mount versions though, so you’ll need to buy Shimano disc brakes.