With the WTB CMR Light i30, WTB is expanding its carbon wheelset range to include a lightweight cross-country set that is priced significantly lower than some of the current top-of-the-range XC models, without falling far behind in terms of the stated weight. We present the CMR Light i30 MTB wheelset.
WTB CRM Light i30: BIKE review
On paper, the WTB CMR Light i30 carbon wheels offer an attractive combination of price and weight for XC riders. However, a comparison with the Newmen set we tested puts any potential price advantage into perspective. Whether the WTB also impresses in terms of durability and ride quality – and is therefore good value for money – remains to be seen in an independent test.
Carbon rims with a rim width of 30 millimetres
WTB combines asymmetrical carbon rims, each with 24 spokes. The hookless rims have an internal width of 30 millimetres. Wide rim flanges are designed to reduce the risk of tyre punctures. Reinforced spoke holes and the ‘4D’ drilling pattern are designed to distribute the loads at the spoke mounts more evenly.
WTB promises that this setup delivers lateral stiffness for precise handling whilst also providing vertical compliance. The stated set weight of exactly 1,300 grams, including the TCS tubeless tape and valves, comprises 609 grams for the front wheel and 691 grams for the rear wheel. Both figures are manufacturer’s specifications, not BIKE measurements.
On paper, the CMR Light i30 offers an attractive combination of price and weight for XC riders. However, a comparison with the Newmen set we tested puts any potential price advantage into perspective. Whether the WTB also impresses in terms of durability and ride quality – and is therefore good value for money – remains to be seen in an independent test.
Frequency 7X hubs with toothed disc freewheel
For the hubs, WTB relies on its new Frequency 7X platform. Its sprockets feature a DLC coating – which stands for Diamond-Like Carbon. This is designed to reduce friction and increase wear resistance.
New to the freewheel: the hub-side sprocket ring is attached via a toothed connection rather than a thread. WTB expects this to deliver high torque capacity and simplified maintenance. This is complemented by generously sized bearings from the manufacturer Enduro.
The wheels feature Boost axle dimensions of 15 × 110 millimetres at the front and 12 × 148 millimetres at the rear, as well as CentreLock mounts for the brake discs. For the freehub, there is a choice between Shimano Micro Spline and an SRAM XDR version with a 1.8-millimetre spacer.
Market comparison: little extra weight, in some cases significantly cheaper
We’re comparing the WTB CRM wheelset with two other recently launched XC wheelsets, both of which also have an inner width of 30 millimetres. Candidate 1: The FSA KFX i30 (1,250 grams, 2,189 euros) The WTB shares the same build with a carbon rim and wire spokes, but costs around 639 euros less.
You have to pay a full 2,600 euros more than for the WTB for the model unveiled in October Cadex Max XC, weighing 1,248 grams and expected to cost 4,200 euros . The WTB is therefore nominally only 50 or 52 grams heavier; the price illustrates just how wide the range is for high-end carbon wheels these days.
| Wheel set | Price per set | Set weight | Internal width, jaw width |
| WTB CMR Light i30 | 1,549.90 euros | 1300 g, including tubeless tape and valves | 30 mm |
| FSA KFX i30 | 2,189 euros | 1250 g; the scope of the accessories included in the weight is not explicitly stated in the underlying concept | 30 mm |
| Cadex Max XC | expected to be 4,200 euros | 1248 g, including rim tape and tubeless valves | 30 mm |
The fact that the competition is not limited to high-priced new products is demonstrated by the BIKE comparison test featuring five lightweight carbon XC wheelsets. The test, published in August 2024, covered a range from 1,283 to 1,519 grams and from 1,280 to 2,500 euros – which is still a good guide. Whilst some of the products are no longer available in this form, others have actually gone on sale in the meantime.
Important: The BIKE comparison mentioned above also showed why an assessment based solely on weight is not enough: particularly in the impact test, there are significant differences between the best and worst rims. On paper, the WTB CMR Light i30 appears to offer good value for money, though initially this is based solely on its key specifications. Only a test could provide definitive conclusions regarding stiffness, impact resistance, durability and service in practice.
Related technology in the CGR i28 gravel wheelset
A similar technical foundation is provided by the model unveiled back in September, WTB CGR i28 for gravel bikes. It, too, uses Frequency 7X hubs and asymmetrical carbon rims. Its rim width is slightly narrower at 28 millimetres rather than 30, and the rims are 40 millimetres high. WTB recommends tyre widths of 45 to 54 millimetres. The set also costs €1,549.90. It is a gravel alternative featuring similar hub technology and is not a substitute for an XC wheelset, which needs to be able to withstand slightly more.
Wheel replacement for first owners
Speaking of durability: WTB includes the CMR Light i30 in its ‘Ride With Confidence’ warranty. Under this scheme, first owners are entitled to a free replacement if a WTB carbon rim breaks whilst riding. However, this promise currently applies only to the rim and does not yet amount to a free replacement of all wheel components.
Notwithstanding the broadly worded warranty, this MTB wheelset is expressly intended for cross-country use, which nominally excludes its use on rough enduro terrain. The documentation provided does not specify a maximum system weight.
WTB sells its products through authorised dealers and its European online shop. Individually, the front wheel costs 727.45 euros and the rear wheel 822.45 euros.
Sebastian Brust
Editor