E-ThirteenIn one fell swoop - 4 new wheels from E-Thirteen for Trail, All Mountain & Enduro

Marc Strucken

 · 05.02.2024

Four in one go - these are the new E-Thirteen wheels for MTB.
Photo: E-Thirteen
Things are getting wild at E-Thirteen: With 4 new MTB wheels, E-Thirteen is going's into the new year. The new rims are aimed at bikers who call trail, all-mountain or gravity their realm. The e-MTB, which is becoming an increasingly important part of the bike community, has also been explicitly considered.

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Tyres, seatposts, cassettes, cranks - components from E-Thirteen are something you come across time and again, and they usually look very stylish too. Now the manufacturer is presenting a new wheel line that has emerged from the cooperation with top athletes such as Aaron Gwin. The MTB wheels are designed to withstand the most demanding rides and trails.

The new E-Thirteen wheels have been designed with the respective area of use in mind: The wheel line Sylvan comes with asymmetrical rims for exceptional manoeuvrability and balance, which Optimus Race is light and dynamic and the Grapplerrims are particularly robust. Added to this is the range of rims specially designed for E-MTBs. e*spec wheels.

E-Thirteen Sylvan wheels - asymmetric rim profiles?!

The Sylvan Race Line wheels are asymmetrically designed to compensate for the otherwise different spoke tension between the drive and non-drive side of the wheel. This balance is crucial for all-mountain riding, where varying terrain requires strength and manoeuvrability in equal measure. In addition, the asymmetric design is intended to improve lateral stiffness without compromising weight.

e*spec - optimised for e-bikes

Two wheels specially developed for E-MTBs are also new to the range. The E-Thirteen Sylvan Race e*Spec are optimised for Lightweight trail e-bikes with TQ-, Fazua or Bosch SX motors. According to the manufacturer, they combine playful handling with the more robust E-MTB bike design. The Grappler Race e*Spec Enduro Wheels are reinforced once again for heavier e-bikes with full power.

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They feature e*Spec rear hubs, oversized hub sleeves, larger bearings, steel axles and 32 spokes to withstand the higher drive torque and bike weight. This is why the Grappler e*Spec Enduro rims weigh 50 to 60 g more than the "normal" Grappler Enduro wheels.

Overview of the different model lines of the new wheels from E-Thirteen.Photo: E-ThirteenOverview of the different model lines of the new wheels from E-Thirteen.

E-Thirteen Sylvan (e*Spec) All Mountain wheels

The E-Thirteen Sylvan Race carbon and alloy wheels are designed for all-mountain use. The new wheels are also available in an e*Spec configuration. They are therefore suitable for aggressive trail and all-mountain bikes as well as lightweight e-bikes.

Both model lines - carbon and aluminium - combine an asymmetrical rim profile with a 4 mm offset. It looks slanted, but is intended to equalise the spoke angle and tension. Compared to the Optimus a larger inner width of 30 mm, which provides greater lateral stability for the tyres. In addition, the rim profile of the aluminium models is lower, making the rim more elastic and better able to absorb impacts. This should reduce fatigue and increase the bike's traction.

Sylvan carbon rims

Made from highly modular carbon fibre with a profile height of 23 millimetres, they weigh 450 grams (29 inches) and are said to have 709% greater impact resistance compared to previous TRS Race carbon rims.

Sylvan aluminium rims

Made from 6069 aluminium and with a low 20-millimetre profile, the aluminium rims weigh 567 grams (29 inches) and, according to E-Thirteen, have a 366% higher impact resistance compared to the previous TRS Plus rims.

Both E-Thirteen Sylvan wheels are available in the Boost 148 x 12 millimetre and Super Boost 157 x 12 millimetre standards.

The E-Thirteen Sylvan wheels stand out thanks to their asymmetrical rim profile, which ensures stability on your all-mountain tours.
Photo: E-Thirteen

Technical details of the E-Thirteen Sylvan Race Alloy/Carbon All Mountain MTB wheels

  • Carbon weight (29"): 760 g / 920 g (Boost, XD Driver)
  • Aluminium weight (29"): 896 g / 1032 g (Boost, XD Driver)
  • Spokes: Sapim D-Light 28H/28H
  • Rear installation width: 148 x 12 mm Boost or Super Boost 157 x 12 mm - aluminium axle
  • Installation width front: 110 x 15 mm Boost
  • Freewheel: XD 4 tines / 3° engagement mechanism (HG, Microspline available /6° available)
  • Sizes: Rear: 27.5"/29" - Front: 29"
  • Price Carbon All Mountain: Front: 699.95 euros - Rear: 859.95 euros (869.95 euros in Super Boost)
  • Price Aluminium All MountainFront: 299.95 euros - Rear: 409.95 euros (419.95 euros in Super Boost)

Technical details of the E-Thirteen Sylvan Race Alloy/Carbon e*Spec All Mountain MTB wheels (E-MTB)

  • Carbon weight (29"): 772 g / 1022 g (Boost, XD Driver incl.)
  • Aluminium weight (29"): 916 g / 1123 g (Boost, XD Driver incl.)
  • Spokes: Sapim D-Light 28H/32H
  • Rear installation width: 148 x 12 mm Boost or 157 x 12 mm Super Boost - steel axle
  • Installation width front: 110 x 15 mm Boost
  • Freewheel: XD 3 pawls / 6° engagement mechanism (HG, Microspline available)
  • Sizes: Rear: 27.5"/29", Front: 29"
  • Price Carbon e*Spec All MountainFront: 699.95 euros - Rear: 869.95 euros
  • Price Aluminium e*Spec All MountainFront: 299.95 euros - Rear: 419.95 euros (429.95 euros in Super Boost)

Hubs

  • All Mountain hubs: 4-pawl, 3° engagement mechanism for fast acceleration.
  • e*Spec hubs: 3-pawl, 6° engagement mechanism, specially developed for the higher torque of e-bikes
  • Choice of 3-pawl/6° or 4-pawl/3° locking mechanism in XD, HG and Microspline standards
  • 5-year guarantee

E-Thirteen Optimus Race Trail MTB wheels

The Optimus Race wheels are for the trails and trail bikes out there and come in carbon or aluminium versions. According to E-Thirteen, they are characterised by "exceptional durability" and are made for aggressive trail riding.

Optimus Race carbon rims

The Optimus Race carbon rims are made from highly modular carbon fibres. They have a profile height of 22.8 millimetres and weigh 380 grams (29 inches). E-Thirteen is confident in its products and promises a lifetime guarantee on the rim.

Optimus Race aluminium rims

Made from 6069 aluminium with welded joints, the Optimus Race aluminium rims from E-Thirteen have a profile height of 19 millimetres and weigh 477 grams (29 inches). According to the manufacturer, they offer up to 166% higher impact resistance than previous generations of XCX aluminium rims.

E-Thirteen Optmus Race MTB wheels, here with a carbon rim - but they are also available in aluminium.
Photo: E-Thirteen

Technical details on the E-Thirteen Optimus Race rims

  • 28 mm internal width: Optimises the profile of the trail tyres for lower rolling resistance and the rim ensures sufficient lateral stability and precision.
  • Balanced rim design: In combination with double-butted spokes, the rims should provide a high degree of compliance, which reduces rider fatigue and increases grip
  • Hookless flanges: They are designed to provide safety for tubeless tyres and resist damage from impact
  • Rim bed: Both the Optimus Race Carbon and the aluminium rims have a raised rim bed to make it easier to fit tubeless trail tyres
  • Carbon weights (29"): 756 g / 876 g V/H (Boost, XD)
  • Weight Alloy (29"): 796 g / 956 g V/H (Boost, XD Driver)
  • Spokes: Sapim D-Light 28H/28H - V/H
  • Rear installation width: 148 x 12 Boost - aluminium axle
  • Installation width front: 110 x 15 Boost
  • Price Optimus Race Carbon Front: 709.95 Euro - Rear869,95 Euro
  • Price Optimus Race Alloy Front: 289,95 Euro - Rear: 409,95 Euro

Hub

  • 4 latches, 3° latching mechanism
  • Choice of 3-pawl/6° or 4-pawl/3° locking mechanism in XD, HG and Microspline standards
  • 5-year guarantee

E-Thirteen Grappler Race MTB wheels

The E-Thirteen Grappler Race wheels are the result of several seasons of World Cup DH racing and were developed for gravity races and bike park sessions. The Grappler Race wheels are also available in carbon and aluminium. In terms of configurations, this model is split into the Downhill, Enduro and e*Spec Enduro lines. All come with 30 millimetre jaw width.

Grappler carbon wheel

E-Thirteen has optimised the Grappler carbon fibres for improved impact resistance. The weights range from 515 grams (29 inch) for the Enduro rims to 575 grams (29 inch) for the Downhill and e*Spec Enduro rims. Here too, the Grappler Race Carbon DH and e*Spec Enduro rims achieve 322% better energy absorption in impact tests than the previous version of the LG1 Race DH rims.

Grappler aluminium impeller

Both the Enduro and Downhill/e*Spec models have a rim height of 19 millimetres. Compared to the previous LG1 Plus DH models, the Race Alloy e*Spec and Downhill rims have up to 450% more impact resistance. The Race Alloy Enduro rims have a 228% increase in impact resistance compared to the previous LG1 Plus EN rims. The weight is 576 grams (29 inch) for the Enduro models and 626 grams (29 inch) for DH and e*Spec Enduro.

The difference between a normal hub and an E-Thirteen hub with an integrated 7-speed cassette.Photo: E-ThirteenThe difference between a normal hub and an E-Thirteen hub with an integrated 7-speed cassette.

Grappler DH hubs with integrated 7-speed cassette

E-Thirteen has developed the Grappler DH hubs with integrated 7-speed cassette exclusively for DH rear wheels. This combination significantly reduces the weight and number of parts while optimising the compactness of the drive system.

Grappler DH

Adaptable from 150 x 12 millimetre installation dimension to 157 x 12 millimetre (adapter end caps included). Rear wheel hubs with 32 spokes and integrated 7-speed cassette (9-24T) for an optimised spoke angle.

Grappler Enduro

Available in Boost 148 x 12 millimetre and Super Boost 157 x 12 millimetre standards. Rear wheel hubs with 28 spokes, precision-manufactured with a lightweight alloy axle system.

e*Spec Enduro

Only available in Boost 148 x 12 millimetres. Rear wheel hubs with oversized hub sleeve, an enlarged bearing and steel axle for high-performance e-bikes.

All E-Thirteen Grappler hubs have the following values in common:

Hubs

  • Robust 3-prong detent with an angle of 6 degrees ensures perfect interlocking with 3 contact points at all times.
  • Choice of: 3-pawl/6° or 4-pawl/3° gearing in XD, HG and Microspline standards
  • 5-year guarantee
Nothing is too hard for the Grappler wheelset. This is ensured by the rims with a 30 millimetre rim width and the optimised carbon layup and improved aluminium alloy.
Photo: E-Thirteen

Technical details of the E-Thirteen Grappler Race MTB wheels

Grappler Race Alloy/Carbon Downhill

  • Carbon weight (29"): 1032 g / 1356 g (incl. 7-speed cassette)
  • Weight Alloy (29"): 1040 g / 1396 g (incl. 7-speed cassette)
  • Spokes: Sapim Race 32H/32H
  • Rear installation width: 150/157 x 12 mm - Steel axle
  • Front egg width: 110 x 20 mm Boost
  • Drive: Integrated 7-speed cassette
  • Sizes: 27,5"/ 29"
  • Price Carbon Downhill: Front: 789.95 euros - Rear: 999.95 euros
  • Price Alloy DownhillFront: 319,95 Euro - Rear: 509,95 Euro

Grappler Race Alloy/Carbon Enduro

  • Carbon weight (29"): 912 g / 1032 g (Boost, XD driver)
  • Weight Alloy (29"): 1036 g / 1156 g (Boost, XD driver)
  • SpokesSapim Race 28H/28H
  • Installation width148 x 12 mm Boost or 157 x 12 mm Super Boost - aluminium axle
  • Installation width at the front: 110 x 15 mm Boost
  • Freewheel: 3-jaws with 6° XD (HG, Microspline available / 3° available)
  • Sizes: 27,5"/ 29"
  • Price Carbon Enduro: Front: 679.95 euros - Rear: 799.95 euros
  • Price Alloy Enduro: Front: 319.95 euros - Rear: 399.95 euros

Grappler Race Alloy/Carbon e*Spec Enduro

  • Carbon weight (29"): 996 g / 1276 g (Boost incl. XD driver)
  • Weight Alloy (29")1056 g / 1336 g (Boost incl. XD driver)
  • Spokes: Sapim Race 28H/32H
  • Rear installation width 148 x 12 mm Boost - steel axle
  • Front configuration: 110 x 15 mm Boost
  • Freewheel: 3-jaws with 6° XD (HG, Microspline available)
  • Sizes: 27.5"/ 29"
  • Price Carbon e*Spec Enduro: Front: 719.95 euros - Rear: 869.95 euros
  • Price Alloy e*Spec Enduro: Front: 309.95 euros - Rear: 445.95 euros
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Marc Struken is a passionate bike journalist and editor at Delius Klasing Verlag. After working in radio, radio, TV and online marketing, he has been contributing his experience to digital content for BIKE, EMTB, FREERIDE and MYBIKE since 2022 - whether mountain bike, gravel or road bike.

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