For quite a while, a go-to offering in Nobl’s wheel lineup was the TR36 and the TR38. From light trail duty to heavy-duty enduro riding, these two wheelsets took care of just about everything. While the TR38 is still available as a legacy wheelset from Nobl, the TR36 was discontinued, as they pushed forward with wheels like the TR35.
Today, Nobl is reintroducing a 36 and 38 wheelset in their lineup with their new Signature Series. And this new series comes with a slight shift in philosophy from the standard “stiffness” we typically see with carbon wheels.
For Nobl, strength and improved performance are from greater compliance.
Nobl’s Compliance Philosophy
When it comes to carbon wheels, much of the mountain bike industry leans toward stiff rim profiles. And, maybe too stiff, according to Nobl at least. Where these wheels might say stiff equals strength, Nobl feels that stiff equals harsh.
For their Signature Series, they chose a design that allows for greater torsional flex. This is the rim’s response to both vertical and lateral loads. More torsional flex allows the wheels to dissipate trail feedback more consistently, improving traction.
More compliance, as it were.
Nobl achieved their ideal compliance with shallower rim profiles paired with steel spokes. Both the Signature 38 and Signature 36 wheels have sub-20mm rim depths: 19.5mm and 18.5mm, respectively.
These shallower rim profiles result in wheels that are 30% less torsionally stiff than previous offerings. Nobl says the increased compliance provides a more composed ride feel, especially on rougher and off-camber terrain. The wheels remain responsive to rider input while remaining forgiving when the trail gets chunky.
More Compliance and Stronger
But the added compliance doesn’t mean reduced strength. It makes sense that a shallower rim profile would result in a rim that isn’t as strong.
But that isn’t the case with the Singnature 38 and 36. According to Nobl, the Signature 38 is 17% stronger than the TR38, while the Signature 36 maintains the same strength as the TR36. However, the Signature 36 reduces its weight by 14% compared to the TR36.
How? Nobl reinforced the “rim lips” of the new wheels. Both the Signature 38 and 36 use new molds with an outward flare on the rim’s outside diameter. Nobl reinforced these areas to increase impact resistance for both vertical and horizontal blows.
Signature 38 and 36 Details
Nobl opted to use Hope Pro 5 hubs for their new Signature Series due to their durability, low-drag Labyrinth Seal, and serviceability. The Pro 5s boast 108 points of engagement and dedicated e-bike freehub options, and Hope promised spare parts for 10 years even after production ends.
The Hope Pro 5 hubs will offer the option of Center-lock rotors or traditional six-bolt rotors. The Signature 36 wheels are available only in 29”, while the Signature 38 also offers a smaller 27.5” option.
Signature 38
- Purpose: Enduro, Gravity, Freeride, E-MTB
- Specs: 29” & 27.5” / 19.5mm depth / 30mm inner width / 38mm outer width
- Rim profile: 32 hole / 550g (29) / 525g (27.5)
- Freehub: XD, MS, HG
- Spokes: Alpina Extralite
- Nipples: Sapim Alloy Black
Signature 36
- Purpose: Trail, All Mountain, XC
- Specs: 29” / 18.5mm depth / 30mm inner width / 36mm outer width
- Rim profile: 28 hole / 385g (29)
- Freehub: XD, MS, HG
- Spokes: Alpina Extralite
- Nipples: Sapim Alloy Black
Wheelset Weights
- Signature 36, Hope Pro 5, CL, 29/29: 1535g
- Signature 36, Hope Pro 5, 6-Bolt, 29/29: 1612g
- Signature 38, Hope Pro 5, CL, 29/29: 1914g
- Signature 38, Hope Pro 5, 6-Bolt, 29/29: 1990g
- Signature 38, Hope Pro 5, CL, 29/27.5: 1889g
- Signature 38, Hope Pro 5, 6-Bolt, 29/27.5: 1965g
- Signature 38, Hope Pro 5, 6-Bolt, 27.5/27.5: 1940g
Nobl offers a lifetime warranty on the new Signature Series wheels, including crash replacement. According to Nobl: “If you break your rims while using the product for its intended purpose, we will send you a replacement rim at no charge; you will just pay the cost of shipping.”
See all the details at noblwheels.com.
