Happig. What does the solvent customer get in return? A set of premium hubs from Industry Nine, Sapim spokes and wide, lightweight carbon rims with a lifetime (!) guarantee. At 31.5 millimetres, the rim is slightly wider at the front so that the tyre is flatter and offers more grip. The two millimetre narrower rear rim is intended to give the tyre a rounder profile with lower rolling resistance and better grip of the side lugs, and the carbon layers have also been specifically arranged to achieve more elasticity at the front and more rigidity at the rear. So a lot of brainpower has been invested to justify the high purchase price. The whole thing weighs a reasonable 1858 grams in 29 inches (self-weighed).
In the endurance test, the wheelset did (and still does) its job on two e-bikes: An enduro bike and a trail bike weighing 21 and 16 kilos were beaten for eight months on the local trail circuit, through bike parks and over alpine climbs. On the one hand, the aim was to test the spoking quality, the robustness of the carbon rim and the freewheel. On the other hand, we wanted to "experience" the stiffness that is supposedly specially tuned to the front and rear wheel, which should provide more control in corners without any loss of stability. The Crankbrothers wheelset replaced a much cheaper aluminium set from DT Swiss (E1900) and a comparably high-quality carbon wheelset from Roval.
Result: In terms of stability and durability, the Synthesis E 11 Carbon is beyond reproach! Even the heaviest downhills with the 21-kilo e-bike armour and low air pressure in the rear wheel couldn't harm the rims, apart from a few scratches. The freewheel endured the ordeal of the motor-assisted torque for months without complaint or damage. And: In direct comparison to the stiff Roval carbon front wheel, we could actually feel slightly better traction at the front. Compared to the softer aluminium wheel, there was no noticeable difference. On the other hand, the CB rear wheel was significantly stiffer and rode more directly and lively in berms.
Info: crankbrothers.com
STRENGTHS: Durability, comfort, finish
WEAKNESSESPrice
Conclusion:
Mission accomplished! A high-quality, robust and functional wheelset with good weight and top workmanship - but also a high price.
