Race Face Turbine R Wheelset Long Term Review
Review by Matt Thompson // Action Photos by Jeff Cricco (@jeffcricco)
Canadian component heavyweight, Race Face, sent us their 27.5 Turbine R wheels for some long-term trail cycle abuse. The black-on-black, asymmetric 30mm-wide aluminum rims are mated to Race Face's outset from-the-ground-up-designed hubs, dubbed Vault. Race Confront Vault hubs feature 120 points of engagement and big 6902 series bearings. The complete wheelset weighs 1730g (27.5) and utilize a unmarried spoke length throughout the entire construction.
Race Face Turbine R Features
- Built for XC, Trail and Enduro use
- Available Options: 15x100 Front (tested) convertible to: 9x100QR, 20x110, 15x100 Torque Cap; 15x110 Heave Front convertible to: 15x110 Torque Cap; 12x142 Rear (tested) convertible to 10x135QR, 12x135; 12x148 Boost Rear
- Rim: 6069 aluminum rim with offset spokes and matte aluminum / high-gloss water transfer graphics
- Rim Dimensions: Height - 20mm, Internal Width - 30mm
- Spokes: 28 spoke, 3x blueprint
- Large, oversized flange for improved bracing bending
- Larger bearings
- No bearing adjuster
- Wider bearing stance
- vi double tooth pawls (3 appoint at a time)
- 120 points of appointment (3 degrees)
- Balanced spoke counter bore
- Tool-free interchangeable end caps (sold separately)
- Wheelset Weight: 27.5" - 1,730g, 29" - ane,815g
- MSRP: Front - $479.99, Rear - $639.99
Initial Impressions
Race Face's new Turbine wheels are a real stunner, coming in flat blackness with gloss highlights - just the right amount of stealth and flash to complement whatsoever trail steed. It took some getting used to the await of the disproportionate rims and off-set spoke holes, only it'southward certainly zilch to complain near. Role over way, as they say. While oversized, the new Vault hub shells are not obnoxious in appearance. They await cool.
Also, information technology'south always nice when wheels come up ready to go, correct out the box. No taping or valve installation required, just instant gratification. We were impressed, too, that Race Face included spare spokes with the exam, but in case of an blow along the way.
We were pleased when we mounted the tires up first go, with no tools or fuss. The tires went straight on and beads seated with a quick shot from the compressor. Although not only a function of a quality bike, it's been nice to notation that pressures have remained relatively consistent throughout our entire test. We haven't had to add air with every ride.
Simply rolling around in the street, the near instant engagement of the rear hub was noticeable straight away. The pleasant, but non overbearing buzz of the freehub body let us know we were on something unlike, to exist sure. Fifty-fifty with the many points of contact in the freehub body, nosotros instantly realized how smoothly and easily these wheels roll. We were excited to hit the dirt.
On The Trail
During the exam, the Race Face Turbine wheels have seen everything from the polish, undulating singletrack nearly home, to the rocky, craggy, spiky terrain consistent with higher alpine offerings. They have even spent a few days on elevator-accessed trails and in wheel parks. Our tester is self-proclaimed heavy, hackish rider, who is hard on parts and not known for finesse. Regardless, these wheels have held up smashing. The wheels accept been ridden exclusively by our tester for the past three months and at that place are some keen observations to be fabricated about their performance.
Kickoff, the engagement of the rear hub has spoiled our tester. He rides flat pedals exclusively and actually appreciated the straight transfer of power in techy climbing situations and out-of-the-saddle efforts. "I can honestly say the rear hub helped my riding in this regard," he said. He has since returned to his one-time fix of wheels and "can't actually stand up riding them anymore."
Second, these wheels are potent enough to have note. And at 210 pounds, bike rigidity is unremarkably the starting time thing our tester notices when riding something new. We know that lately carbon rims are getting all the attention for their stiffness, but the Race Confront Turbine R compares admirably. They were slapped into many a berm at loftier rates of speed and never once got that vague, warbly feel in return. They accelerate well and aid the cycle experience more solid underneath you. The Turbines become where they're pointed and offer a positive feedback, without whatsoever harshness every bit a compromise.
A Specialized Butcher Control two.iii was mounted to the front and a two.3 Specialized Slaughter Grid to the rear of the Turbines. Over the grade of the exam, pressures ranging from 24-xxx PSI in the front and 26-34 PSI in the rear were tried and never one time was a flat tire experienced. "Upon reading nearly the 'stronger alloy for higher touch on resistance' in the Race Face Turbine R First Look, I was initially concerned about the harder rim material increasing the possibility for apartment tires, as I've experienced this with other rims in the by. Those fears were unfounded as not only did I get zero flats, but I wasn't able to flat-spot or ding the rims noticeably," said our tester.
The interior rim width of 30mm was a bit too broad for our tester'south liking. "I realize this is the direction almost rim companies are headed lately and I just don't discover that it leaves the tire with a profile that I prefer. I prefer a rim with a 25mm-ish interior width for my trail bikes as I feel it best suits my riding fashion, tire choice, and the terrain I frequent. I fully recognize that this is a personal preference, notwithstanding," he said. Horses for courses.
Things That Could Be Improved
We find it difficult to suggest annihilation that could exist improved on these wheels. They cheque all the boxes. Hey Race Confront, would you guys make some rims that are a fiddling scrap narrower?
Long Term Durability
We accept ZERO concerns nigh the long term immovability of this product. They are well synthetic and exhibit a smart blueprint highlighted past proficient seals and large bearings. During the grade of this test, we never had to even tighten a spoke. The wheels maintained trueness and tension while taking a chirapsia through sideways landings, rock gardens, blind hucking and general tomfoolery.
What's The Bottom Line?
Mentioning price in a review can be tricky as it'due south upward to the private consumer to make up one's mind relative worth and value. In the instance of the Race Confront Turbine R, at that place are lighter or less expensive cycle sets on the market, but perhaps they won't measure upward in terms of performance. Similarly, 1 needn't await far to discover more expensive wheel offerings, some that certainly won't measure up to the performance the Turbines offer.
Peradventure the nicest affair to say nearly these wheels (or whatever bike part, for that thing) is that nosotros never idea almost them. They were mounted on the cycle and we went about our business, never having to compromise riding, arrange them or even consider them. This product allowed us to but focus on riding and the experience, without distraction.
Vital would recommend Race Face up Turbine R wheels to whatever rider looking to upgrade their current wheelset to 1 that offers superior rear wheel engagement, smart design, flawless performance, and fantabulous immovability.
Visit www.raceface.com for more details.
Almost The Reviewer
Matt Thompson - Apprehensive enough non to merits his Masters Downhill World Champ condition when we asked him what his accomplishments were, Matt has over twenty years on a bike and likes to go fast. Really fast. At 210-pounds of trail-building muscle, he tin can put the hurt on a bike in fiddling to no time.
Source: https://www.vitalmtb.com/product/guide/Wheelsets,44/Race-Face/Turbine-R,17879
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