Today, WTB is adding to its lineup of carbon mountain bike wheels with the launch of the CMR Light wheelset. This new XC-oriented wheelset pairs lightweight high-performance carbon rims with WTB’s World Cup-proven Frequency 7X hubs to deliver wheels “built for speed, but engineered to last.” WTB says they were designed for riders seeking to maximize climbing efficiency while maintaining a lively and responsive ride feel both on the race course and off.
CMR Light Wheels Details
Just about three weeks ago, WTB introduced its new CGR i28 Carbon Gravel wheels. Now, the new CMR Light slots into the brand’s lineup for the XC crowd with a different rim shape/profile but utilizing the same Frequency 7X hubs. Here’s what you need to know.
Frequency 7X Hubs
WTB is clearly proud of its new Frequency 7X hubs and highlights them before any other part of the new CMR Light wheels. These are the same hubs raced by the Cannondale Factory Racing team on the World Cup XC circuit this year. That includes Luca Martin, who rode them to multiple World Cup victories, podiums, and the overall XCC and XCO titles. When WTB says World Cup-proven, that’s what they mean.
One of WTB’s main talking points for the 7X hubs is the DLC (Diamond-Like Coating) on its ratchets. This reportedly increases the ratchet’s hardness while also significantly reducing friction compared to hard-plated chrome. Additionally, the inner ratchet ring uses a patent-pending splined interface, instead of threads, which is claimed to withstand twice the torque of threaded designs and makes it easier to service.
On top of that, WTB says it uses “larger-than-typical” Enduro bearings throughout, including the freehub, which it claims increases the load rating per bearing by up to 38%. The stated benefits of this are a stiffer axle assembly, greater reliability, and longer service intervals.
The Frequency 7X hubs are designed for use with straight-pull spokes and centerlock brake rotors. They come in regular Boost 15x110mm / 12x148mm axle spacing only, with options for SRAM XDR and Shimano Micro Spline freehub bodies.
Lightweight Carbon Rims
Light is in the name of the new CMR Light wheelset, and WTB designed a purpose-built lightweight carbon rim for the application. According to WTB, it has been engineered to deliver strength, stiffness, and impact resistance while also balancing small-bump compliance and precise, responsive handling.
Like most modern mountain bike rims, the CMR Light has a 30mm internal width optimized for today’s tire width and profiles. It has a hookless bead and a wide bead top to help reduce the chances of pinch flats. Each rim has 24 spoke holes with external reinforcement and 4D spoke drillings to optimize load distribution. Of course, the rims also include WTB’s patented TCS technology for reliable tubeless performance.
Lightweight Design
According to WTB, the complete CMR Light i30 wheelset weighs in at 1,300 grams (front: 609g, rear: 691g), including valves and rim tape. While there are obviously lighter XC wheelsets on the market, that’s still pretty light and competitive with similar high-performance models like DT Swiss’s XRC 1200 Spline (1,303 grams), for example.
Specs
- Rim: Carbon
- Size: 29” only
- Internal rim width: 30mm
- Spoke count: 24, straight-pull
- Hub: Frequency 7X w/ DLC ratchets
- Rotor Interface: Centerlock
- Freehub bodies: SRAM XD, Shimano Micro Spline
- Weight: 1,300 grams (front: 609g, rear: 691g)
Ride With Confidence
Like its other carbon rims, WTB backs the new CMR Light with its Ride With Confidence Guarantee. “If you break a WTB carbon rim while riding, as long as you’re the original owner, we’ll send you a replacement for free. No exceptions.”
Pricing
- USD: Front $850 /Rear $950 / Wheelset $1,800
- EUR: Front €727.45 /Rear €822.45 / Wheelset €1,549.90
- GBP: Front £609.50 /Rear £689.50 / Wheelset £1,299
Availability
The new CMR Light wheels are available directly from the brand or through authorized North American and European WTB dealers. Head to the WTB website to learn more or find a dealer near you.
