Wheel Sets

First look: Hope Hoops Pro 2 Evo 29er wheels

Hope Technology has been building well-regarded wheels for a good few years now. The Hope Hoops Pro 2 Evo 29er wheels are the first 29er offering from the Barnoldswick parts maker and couple Hope’s own Pro 2 hubs with Stan’s ZTR Crest rims.

**The combination of Hope Pro2 Evo hubs on Stan’s ZTR Crest rims makes for a light wheelset.**

For many Hope are the go-to name for hubs, and it’s easy to see why. The Pro 2 Evo hubs are time-proven units with solid sealing and that unmistakeable 24 tooth ratchet freehub that whirs like a motor, but gives instantaneous pick-up.

**Axle adaptors pop out making it easy to switch from 9mm quick release to 15mm bolt-through.**

The hubs are readily compatible with the various axle standards. The end caps simply slide out so a different fitting can be pushed in. Our wheels came with end caps for 9mm quick releases and there are 15mm bolt-through adaptors in the box. While we’re rummaging around inside the box, Hope also provide a couple of extra spokes and stickers, which is a very nice touch.

**One of the noisiest freehubs on the planet, but engagement is fast.**

Sapim double butted spokes and brass nipples are laced between the hubs and rims. There’s 32 in each wheel, evenly distributed with 16 per side, with a two-cross pattern. While you could go lighter, Hope have built these wheels to be tough and durability is clearly top of the list. Despite that they’re not heavy, at 1,680g on our scales (a little over the claimed weight).

**The Stan’s Crest rims have 21mm internal width for a bit bigger tyre profile.**

Stan’s Notubes ZTR Crest rims are a light option that are a popular choice with our endurance riding mates. The rim weighs a reasonable 380g and is a generous 24.4m wide (21mm internal width) so you can fit some wider rubber without the tyre rolling over the rim. They don’t come tubeless-ready though so you’ll need to invest in a Stan’s yellow rim tape.

We’ll be fitting these to a bike soon and we’ll let you know how we get on.

What Hope says about the Hope Hoops Pro 2 Evo 29er

With nine options across three rim brands, there’s sure to be something for everyone. The cross-country range of wheels caters for general trail use, with the Pro2 and Pro2 SP, whilst also offering the discerning racer or weight conscious rider options with the SP-XC6 or 3.

All wheels are hand laced, machine built (to 0.25mm tolerance) hand finished and checked for tension. They come complete with spare spokes, rim stickers, rim tape (except No Tubes which are left bare for use with tubeless tape) and all front wheels have a 15mm conversion as well as the QR it comes with as standard.

Price: £330

For more information see the Hope Hoops Pro 2 Evo 29er page