Hunt has a new set of Proven Carbon Trail bike wheels built extra tough with impact-resistant H_Core carbon inserts and front- & rear-specific specs to handle all manner of all-mountain riding. Between a new strengthening insert, more forgiving front wheel builds, extra flat-resistant rear wheels, and a lightning-fast 180 P.O.E. freehub, these are the most versatile carbon mountain bike wheels yet from the Proven family, designed for the technical trails a lot of modern mountain bikers love to ride.
Hunt Proven Carbon Trail H-Core mountain bike wheels
The first true all-rounder carbon wheelset in Hunt’s Proven line-up, these new Proven Carbon Trail H-Core wheels strike a solid balance between the brand’s ultralight carbon XC and super burly carbon Enduro wheels. That ideal all-rounder sweet spot where most mountain bikers actually ride. So now a super durable, medium-lightweight, and reasonably-priced carbon wheelset that can upgrade your trail bike and maybe even take your riding to the next level.
Hunt describes them as “Engineered to offer the optimal combination of impact resistance, quick hub engagement, front and rear tuned ride characteristics, and low weight to handle the diverse terrain that trail riding entails.“
And interestingly, the new Proven Carbon Trail wheels are only about 100g lighter than Hunt’s alloy Trail Wide wheels (which cost less than half as much as these). But the new Hunt Proven Carbon Trail H-Core wheelset is said to be more than 20% stronger, while also improving your ride.
What’s new?
H_Core insert
The key new tech in the wheels is a new proprietary H_Core reinforcement tech embedded in the carbon rims. Hunt says that putting this already hardened “carbon-dense” ring inserted into the middle of the pre-preg carbon during its layup significantly strengthens the “high-stress junction between the rim bed and sidewall”, increasing impact resistance without adding weight.
This H_Core insert seems to work by ensuring more precise carbon compaction in this critical area in the rim’s cross-section, so all the layers of carbon molded into this junction precisely curve into the mold as designed, without any voids or gaps in between. Consistent carbon compaction means increased strength & durability without having to add extra material just to be sure.
Front- & Rear-specific Designs
While the H_Core tech is important to creating more consistent, more durable wheels, Hunt also worked on the new Proven Carbon Trail to fine-tune performance to the unique needs of front and rear wheels.
Starting off, the front wheel gets a lighter, more forgiving layup and slightly wider 31mm internal width that together with thinner butted spokes provides a more comfortable front wheel and a bit of extra lateral compliance to “maximize cornering traction”. Then, the rear wheel gets a slightly narrower 30mm internal paired with 14% thicker 4mm beads for increased pinch-flat resistance. Add in a slightly heavier (+20g) carbon layup & thicker spoke butting, and you get a stiffer, stronger rear wheel that you can bash into rock gardens without worry.
2° S_RapidEngage hubs
The new wheels also feature a new S_RapidEngage freehub for Hunt with 6-pawls and 2 teeth per pawl. Every other pawl alternately engages the 90-tooth ring for super-fast 180 P.O.E. / 2° engagement to get you up and over trail obstacles with ease.
Tech details
- UD carbon rims with H_Core internal carbon insert for increased strength & better carbon compaction
- H_Core is a separate pre-cured, carbon ring inserted in between pre-preg layers in the mold for improved performance
- 10K weave Anti-Splinter carbon layer inserted just below the outer-most UD carbon layer to reduce expansion of “micro-cracks”
- same asymmetric external rim shape front & rear, but with front- & rear-specific internal width & layup…
- 38mm external x 22mm deep
- 31mm internal front rim with 3.5mm wide hookless beads & locking tubeless shelf
- 30mm internal rear rim with 4mm wide hookless beads & locking tubeless shelf
- hand laced 3x with 28 straightpull triple-butted 2mm Pillar spokes (butted to 1.6mm front & 1.7mm rear) & alloy nipples
- CNC-machined heat-treated 6061-T6 aluminum centerlock disc brake hubs
- 180POE S_RapidEngage freehub with 6x double-tooth pawls & 90t ring for super-fast 2° engagement
- Shimano HG, MicroSpline & SRAM XD freehubs available
- sealed cartridge bearing and dual full-contact seals
- 29″ only front, 29″ or 27.5″ rear
- 12mm thru-axle Boost spacing only
- Bright white or Stealth black graphics available (all water transfer decals under the clearcoat for durability)
- 1732g claimed weight for 29er wheelset, 1719g for a Mullet wheelset
- rated for mountain bikes up to 160mm fork travel
- delivered pre-taped tubeless-ready and including alloy Hunt tubeless valves with valve core removal caps, plus spare spokes
- H_Care Free lifetime crash coverage provided
Hunt Proven Carbon Trail MTB wheels – Pricing, options & availability
These new extra impact-resistant Hunt Proven Carbon Trail H_Core mountain bike wheels are available for pre-order starting today directly from Hunt.
You can pick a full 29er or Mullet wheelset, and the freehub body of your choice for $1500 / 1450€.
The first batch of wheels will be delivered to buyers in approximately six weeks, starting at the beginning of March 2025.
