When SRAM bought road wheel manufacturer Zipp several years ago, it seemed only a matter of time before they utilised some of that expertise to develop a mountain bike wheelset.

They made us wait a while though, but at the end of 2011 SRAM finally released their Rise mountain bike wheels. It makes sense for SRAM to offer wheels – they produce just about every component needed to build a mountain bike, so it is only natural to add wheels to their portfolio.

The Rise range is spread across two price points, the top-end 60 with a carbon fibre rim and the more affordable aluminium 40. Both are available in 26, 29 and 650b sizes, keeping every one happy.

We’ve just received a set of Rise 40 29er wheels for testing. At 1,840g they’re not the lightest wheelset on the market but strike a good balance between trail riding durability and sensible weight.

The rims are manufactured from 6000-series alloy with an asymmetric profile and welded joints. The rims aren’t tubeless compatible so you’ll need to purchase a tubeless conversion kit if you want to ditch your inner tubes.

Stainless steel bladed spokes, 24 per wheel, lace the rims to the hubs. They’re straight pull and slot into the compact flanges, and are laced with a two-cross pattern. The spokes feel tightly tensioned on closer inspection.

The hubs use alloy shells with chromoly axles and a steel freehub body. They will take any of the current axle standards, with interchangeable end caps allowing easy switching from 9mm to 15mm bolt-through on the front hub, for example.

We’ll let you know how we get on with a first ride review soon…

Available now costing £420 from www.sram.com | www.fisheroutdoor.co.uk