We’re often told that a wide selection and plenty of choice are desirable, but anyone who has stood in front of the IPA section in their local supermarket might disagree. Sometimes choice can become overwhelming and confusing, and while that may seem like a strange segue, bear with me.
- Built for aerodynamics and high volume tyres, Nobl’s FAR Series wheels are set to be its lightest yet, starting at 1135g
- 32in wheels for mountain bikes are here… but do we really need them?
- Race Face brings the Era mantra to a lightweight cross-country and trail wheelset
Mountain bike wheels have become seriously complicated. XC internal rim widths range from 26–30mm, trail from 28–30mm, and enduro and downhill from 30–35mm, and that’s before we even start discussing external widths, alloy versus carbon construction, spoke butting, spoke type, engagement angles… the list goes on. There’s so much choice that I often wish someone would create a simple, easy-to-understand range of wheels. And thankfully, someone has.
Nobl has today released details of its new Signature 36 and Signature 38 wheelsets, covering everything from XC through to enduro and eMTB. In theory, that should make choosing the right wheel for your riding style and terrain a whole lot easier.
Signature 38
Like a Fox 38 fork, this wheelset is built for burlier bikes and rowdier trails. Nobl says the Signature 38 is suited to enduro, gravity, freeride and eMTB use, and claims it’s 17% stronger yet 5.5mm shallower than the TR38.
Reducing the rim profile to just 19.5mm deep has allowed Nobl to introduce a degree of controlled torsional flex, making the rim more compliant and predictable. The brand claims the shallower profile helps dissipate high-frequency trail chatter, maintaining more consistent ground contact and improving traction.
Although the rim is shallower, impact strength has increased thanks to a 30mm internal width paired with a 38mm external width (hence the name). That gives 4mm-thick bead walls on either side, extra material that should boost durability and, in theory, improve resistance to punctures.
That additional material does bring a weight penalty, with the 29in Signature 38 rim weighing 550g and the 27.5in version coming in at 525g. To suit its intended use, the Signature 38 is available with Boost or Superboost spacing, Centre Lock or six-bolt disc mounts, and the option of a steel freehub body for e-bike riders.
Signature 36
Following a similar formula, the Signature 36 features an even shallower 18.5mm rim depth and a narrower 36mm external width, resulting in 3mm-thick rim beads. According to Nobl, that makes it not only lighter than the Signature 38 but also 14% stronger than the previous TR36.
The rim itself weighs a claimed 385g and, as you’d expect from an XC, trail and all-mountain option, is available only in 29in with Boost hub spacing. Buyers can choose between Centre Lock or six-bolt disc mounts.
Reinforced Rim Lip
Both rims share a new feature Nobl calls the Reinforced Rim Lip. The updated mould design flares outward at the outer diameter of the rim, creating broader hookless lips. This area is reinforced with a “flexible material” to improve resistance to both vertical and lateral impacts.
We’re fans of the raw carbon finish, which leaves no room to hide filler or manufacturing imperfections, and we also like the fact that Nobl backs the Signature Series with a lifetime warranty. Claimed complete wheelset weights are competitive too, starting at 1,559g for the Signature 36, while the Signature 38 begins at 1,890g (mullet) or 1,990g (29in).
