//First look by Pete Scullion
What have we here then? Fresh out of the box this afternoon is a set of Race Face’s new Turbine 27.5” wheelset. Being the only wheelset in the line up, thyey will need to tick all your boxes before you consider them, but thankfully, options are what you get. If you’re after a 27.5” wheelset for trail use (I’m fitting them to my Saracen Ariel because I weigh less than 9 stone), then these stealthy numbers are worthy of attention.
Front wheels can be run QR, 15mm or 20mm, and the rear can follow all the current and past trends, catering for 135QR, 135 x 12, 142 x 12, with an XX1 driver and tubeless kit available separately. Certainly all the bases are covered here. The tubeless kits are pricer than the Stan’s equivalent, so do your shopping before you commit. The kit does come with two tubeless rim strips (with valves) and spoke tape, but no sealant as per the Stan’s kit.
At 1770g for the wheelset, heavy they certainly are not and perhaps only a couple of hundred grams heavier than Mavics of twice the price. Compare them to a Hope Hoop and while the price might be similar, the weight is lower. The bead hook sits somewhere between a Stans (almost non-existant) and a Mavic (like poo to a blanket), with a definite edge for the tyre to seat to. Rim tape is Race Faces own and has had some thought, not just a blank piece of canvas here.
Brass nipples should make any re-tightening of spokes easy, although we’re hoping that won’t be necessary.
The bearings out of the of the box are smooth and quiet, if a little sticky, but that will change with a couple of rides. Freehub engagement is quick and quiet, with the freehub making no discernible noise once on the bike. Not to everyone’s tastes, but I personally prefer to have a completely silent bike underneath me.
FEATURES
- Tubeless compatible 6061 alloy rim.
- Disc brake only.
- Straight-pull bladed spokes with brass nipples.
- Hub features custom sealed cartridge bearings(F+R).
- Hubs come spaced as 15x100mm (front) and 12x142mm (rear) – optional end caps to run front – 5x100mm and rear- 5x135mm or 10x135mm.
- Rear hub features a tough 3 pawl design and comes stock with 9/10 speed freehub body (Shimano/Sram).
- Rear hub is compatible with XX1 driver (sold separately).
- High Quality water slide decals round out the polished look of the Turbine wheelset.
Thanks to Raceface and SilverfishUK.
