The star in CrankBrothers 2012 range, showed for the first time at Eurobike, was the new carbon fibre Cobalt 11 29 wheels, the latest 29er wheelset to hit the market.

Now bringing the company’s unique aesthetic combined with a light weight they’re the perfect partner for the growing hoard of carbon race hardtails sweeping the mountain bike world.

Most obviously the new wheels feature a carbon fibre rim that helps reduce the weight while making them a stiff wheelset, a key requirement for the bigger dimensions of the 29in wheels.

The tubeless compatible rims are 19mm wide and use the company’s innovative twinpair spoke lacing design around the company’s own design hubs. Instead of the traditional design approach of spoke holes in the rim, vertical ribs anchor the spokes into place, which the company reckons results in a stiffer and stronger wheel. Inside the hubs are cartridge bearings, two in the front hub and a double row in the rear. 15mm and 9mm axles are available on the front wheel and 135 or 142 rear hubs.

Don’t expect them to be cheap though, the US price is a lofty $2200.

More info at www.crankbrothers.com