Weighing in at a respectable 2,080g for the pair, these race-ready wheels from Spank fit the downhill criteria perfectly. Available in 20mm front and both 135mm and 150mm rear axle widths (with 142mm and 157mm adaptors also available), the Spikes are aimed at hardcore riding for the weight conscious. And they’re half the price of some of their closest competitors.
With an inner width of 23mm, the rims give bigger volume downhill tyres a good profile as well as offering stability in the corners thanks to minimal tyre roll. The rims aren’t tubeless compatible but tyres fit very tightly – we imagine a tubeless conversion would work a treat.
After some serious use in all conditions over a really muddy winter, the Spikes are still going strong – something that can’t be said about many other wheels we’ve hammered lately. The bearings in the hubs are still smooth, the freehub is quiet and the engagement is still rapid.
After the initial first use true-up, we haven’t touched them. They’re still straight, true and strong.
This article was originally published in Mountain Biking UK magazine, available on Apple Newsstand and Zinio.