How to choose between our most popular MTB rims

The choice doesn’t have to be so hard!

Striking the right balance is key: you need rims that can tackle any unexpected riding scenario while being perfectly tailored to your bike, riding style, and goals, enhancing your performance on the trail.

With so many options available, it’s easy to get lost in the details. But the truth is, each of our most popular rim models—though similar at first glance—is engineered for specific types of riders and bike setups. Let’s dive into four common comparisons and find out which is your perfect match.

TR32 vs. TR35

These two are our shallow Sinewave XC rims. Both are 29” and 28h only, but which is better for you?

Though the TR35 rims have a similar XC-rated layup to the TR32s, they are slightly more robust overall, and their wider 29.5mm internal width encourages wider tires. High-volume tires inherently provide more rim protection and give a more plush and stable ride, making them better suited for a wider array of trails and riders than the TR32s.

If your goal is to craft the absolute lightest wheelset possible, or you prefer to run narrower XC tires (2.0-2.35”), the TR32s are for you.

If you like to push the limits of your short-travel rig and tend towards wider rubber, the TR35s are for you.

TR35 vs. TR37

The 29.5-31mm internal widths and Sinewave profile make these rims look similar at first glance, but they actually serve very different purposes.

The TR35s are 29” and 28h wide-XC rims designed for short to mid-travel bikes, lighter riders, and those with a precise riding style. They are not designed for heavy and/or aggressive riders pushing their limits and hitting large features, even those who want to prioritize keeping their wheels as light as possible.

Are you a downcountry rider with a precise riding style, or an XC-enthusiast, bikepacker or adventure rider who likes wider tire widths? The TR35s are for you.

The TR37s are 32h aggressive trail and enduro rims; a do-it-all daily rim for most intermediate to advanced singletrack riders. They are offered in both 29” and 27.5” to suit a wide variety of bikes and wheel size preferences. These rims are shallow and compliant but also strong and robust in their layup, making them a crowd-favourite with riders who want comfortable but responsive carbon wheels and who prioritize not being left under-gunned by their rim choice.

Do you want a comfortable and capable rim made to handle a huge diversity of trails and terrain? The TR37s will be your #1 companion. Running a super-light mid-travel e-bike? The TR37s can also be a great fit for you and are the most light-duty rims you should consider.

TR37 vs. TR38

These two rims also have similar internal widths (30-31mm), but are designed for two entirely different riding styles: the TR37s (as previously outlined) are stellar, daily-driver rims for most all-mountain and enduro riders, but they have limits!

If the terms “freeride”, “shuttle”, “bike park”, or “DH” describe your riding style, the TR38s are absolutely the rims for you. Their deeper 25mm profile and hefty layup deliver stiff, stable and strong rims – arguably our “strongest” in terms of pure stats, and they also come in both 29” and 27.5”.

All of our Legacy rims – including the TR38s – can be upgraded to the Lifetime Warranty coverage that our Sinewave rims – such as the TR32s, TR35s, and TR37s – come standard with. The peace of mind of full warranty coverage is never something you have to choose between when selecting the right rim model for your needs.

TR38 vs. TR41

Both of these rims are eMTB, aggressive enduro and DH-rated, but how to choose between them? The TR41s have a similar depth and burly layup to our TR38s, making them stiff, stable and strong. They differ mainly in width and aesthetics.

The TR41s have a 35/34i width, compared to the 31i width of the TR38s. This wide platform alters the inflated tire shape and the 2.4-2.5” enduro tires than you may be used to will feel different. Some riders love it, and some favour a slightly more pinched tire profile – it’s all preference! TR41s are also, naturally, the best choice for tire widths of 2.6”+.

As a Sinewave rim model, the TR41s feature our distinctive, wavy profile, which adds a touch more compliance to their feel due to impact dissipation compared to the traditional smooth sidewalls of the TR38s. Both rims come in 29” and 27.5”, and while the TR41s are 32h only, we do offer 28h TR38s.

If you prefer the Sinewave sidewalls and are an aggressive DH, enduro or eMTB rider who likes a wider rim platform, or are in need of a robust set of wheels for your plus-tire rig, the TR41’s are for you!