Crankbrothers Synthesis Alloy 2.0: New hardcore bikes for Enduro, Downhill & E-MTB
Max Fuchs
· 17.06.2025
Optimised wheels for demanding applications
Crankbrothers is expanding its range of high-quality mountain bike wheels with the new Synthesis Alloy 2.0 series. The revised aluminium wheels are available in three versions, each of which has been specially designed for the requirements of enduro, downhill and e-MTB bikes.
According to the manufacturer, the main focus of the new development was on improved durability. The wheels are based on the proven concept of differently matched front and rear wheels, which Crankbrothers has already used on previous models.
New aluminium alloy for more stability
A key aspect of the further development is the use of a new aluminium alloy. The Synthesis Alloy 2.0 wheels now use a 6069 aluminium alloy, which offers significant improvements in various material properties compared to the previous model.
According to Crankbrothers, this results in increases of 72.5 per cent in tensile strength, 69.8 per cent in yield strength and even 204 per cent in fatigue strength. These values are said to be reflected in increased resistance to dents, deformation and cracking.
Optimised rim design for more impact protection
In addition to the improved material, Crankbrothers has also revised the geometry of the rims. The new rim shape features reinforced sidewalls and optimised material distribution. This should lead to improved protection against punctures and greater impact resistance. In comparative tests with premium competitor products, the Synthesis Alloy 2.0 wheels are said to have shown a significantly higher resistance to deformation in the event of hard impacts.
Differentiated set-up of front and rear wheel
With the Synthesis Alloy 2.0 series, Crankbrothers continues to rely on the concept of differently tuned front and rear wheels. The front wheel is designed for more flexibility and grip, while the rear wheel is stiffer in order to better transfer drive forces and increase tracking stability.
This tuning is reflected in various design features such as the number of spokes, spoke tension and rim width. The front wheel has 28 spokes, more rim width and thinner spokes, while the rear wheel has 32 spokes, less rim width and thicker spokes.
Model variants for E-MTB, Downhill & Enduro
The Synthesis Alloy 2.0 series includes wheels for the enduro, downhill and e-MTB sectors. All variants are available in 27.5 and 29 inch as well as for Boost standards. The freewheel standards XD, HG and MS are available to choose from.
The Enduro version comes with a rim width of 30 millimetres at the front and 28.5 millimetres at the rear. The downhill and E-MTB versions have a rim width of 31 millimetres at the front and 29.5 millimetres at the rear.
Hub selection, availability & price
Crankbrothers offers the Synthesis Alloy 2.0 wheels with two different hub options. You can choose between Industry Nine 1/1 hubs with a 4° engagement angle or Crankbrothers' own ratchet hubs with a 10° engagement angle. The latter can optionally be converted to a 6.6° engagement angle. The wheels are available immediately. The price for a wheelset with Crankbrothers Ratchet hubs is 699.98 euros, with Industry Nine 1/1 hubs 899.98 euros.
Technical specifications Enduro version
- Rim diameter: 27.5 or 29 inch
- Axle standards: Boost
- Front jaw width: 30 mm
- Rear jaw width: 28.5 mm
- Number of spokes at the front: 28
- Number of spokes rear: 32
- Weight 29 inch front wheel (I9 XD): 935 g
- Weight 29 inch rear wheel (I9 XD): 1121 g
- Industry Nine 1/1: 4° engagement angle
- Crankbrothers Ratchet: 10° engagement angle (optionally convertible to 6.6°)
- Price with Crankbrothers ratchet hubs: 699.98 Euro (RRP)
- Price with Industry Nine 1/1 hubs: 899.98 Euro (RRP)
Technical specifications E-MTB & Downhill version
- Rim diameter: 27.5 or 29 inch
- Axle standards: Boost
- Front jaw width: 31 mm
- Rear jaw width: 29.5 mm
- Number of spokes at the front: 28
- Number of spokes rear: 32
- Weight 29 inch front wheel (I9 XD): 1058 g
- Weight 29 inch rear wheel (I9 XD): 1190 g
- Industry Nine 1/1: 4° engagement angle
- Crankbrothers Ratchet: 10° engagement angle (optionally convertible to 6.6°)
- Price with Crankbrothers ratchet hubs: 699.98 Euro (RRP)
- Price with Industry Nine 1/1 hubs: 899.98 Euro (RRP)
Crankbrothers Synthesis Alloy 2.0: The DH/E-MTB version in the test
We have already been able to extensively test the Crankbrothers Synthesis Alloy 2.0 in the E-MTB version for E-Enduro use. In 29 inch, with HG freehub and without tubeless valves, the wheelset weighs 2248 grams. This makes it one of the heavier models, even by E-Enduro standards.
Thanks to the motor assistance, however, that's not so bad. What's more, considering that the robust wheels share the rims with the downhill model, they remain competitive in their intended area of use.
Thanks to the pre-installed tubeless rim tape, mounting is a breeze: Mount the tubeless tyres, fill with sealant and ride off. The fact that Crankbrothers has really upped the ante in terms of stability is directly reflected in the riding behaviour: the high rotating mass dampens the playfulness of our test bike (Whyte E-Lyte Evo RS), but gives it a noticeable boost of confidence in high-speed passages and on rough surfaces.
The high torsional strength in berms is particularly noticeable on the rear wheel. The front wheel, on the other hand, follows the chosen line a little more smoothly, adapts better to the terrain and thus generates noticeably more traction. Bravo!
Compared to other aluminium enduro wheels, the Crankbrothers are nevertheless of the stiffer variety. Durability and precision are more important than comfort. Occasional punctures could not harm the rims at the front or rear. The concentricity and spoke tension are still flawless even after almost 20,000 metres of intensive downhill riding.
All in all, the new Crankbrothers wheels offer an extremely attractive overall package for experienced e-enduro riders who prefer to ride demanding trails and attach great importance to durability and precision.
Max Fuchs
Editor
