Syncros XR1.0 Carbon wheelset review

These seriously light Syncros wheels are aimed at the climb hungry, high mileage, narrower tyre crew. If that’s you, they’re a definite precision and power boost over light alloys at a pretty decent price.

The 21mm internal dimension makes rubber much over 2.3in take on a less stable ‘light bulb’ shape. But if you stick with 2.25in and smaller there’s plenty of support even down to low pressures.

They’re pre-taped for tubeless running with valves included alongside six bolt disc adaptors and lock rings for the Shimano style Centerlock rotor mounts. You even get different coloured (white, green, yellow and red) decals for colour matching to your bike too.

DT Swiss aero bladed, straight pull spokes are laced super tight into the low block hubs for an immediately sharp and precise feel. They stay locked on target impressively well when being pushed hard and they’re certainly stiff enough for the bikes they’re likely to be used on and far stiffer than a 1500g alloy wheelset.

While the DT Swiss Star Drive freehub isn’t particularly quick on the uptake, the wheels accelerate dramatically as soon as they engage and there’s loads of feedback through your feet for feathering traction.

Watch: which bike is faster – hardtail or full-suspension?