Transition Covert 2 Long Termer Update: New Wheels…

Probably the easiest way to make a big difference to your ride is to look at the wheels it is running. The rotating weight of the wheel effects the acceleration, handling and overall performance of the bike. Of course in the MTB world it is a balance between strength and weight, lighter, as ever is faster, but MTB Wheels take quite a knock and need to be strong or else you will be walking home.

Those wheels not only add performance, they look pretty bloody pimp too...

After our recent wheel test I took the liberty of sticking the Mavic Crossmax SX on the Covert with a view to livening up the ride. I shaved over 500grams off the overall weight of the bike, but more importantly this was rotating weight at the wheels. Running them tubeless means there are no tubes either (funny that) but the Mavics are tubeless ready so instead of a rim strip which weighs half an inner tube they just need a valve which weighs a few grams. So the whole set up is substantially lighter, which in turn means faster.

Light and very stiff, and a fair way cheaper than a set of carbon wheels!

It’s noticeable on the trail too, the bike feels livelier and much faster to get going, long rides are less of a slog and hills seem even easier to climb. The stiffness of the Mavics is also a bonus, the bike tracking exactly where you want it to go. Overall the wheels are one of the best things to upgrade on any bike and the difference it has made here is definitely a positive one.