Crank Brothers Cobalt Cross Country Mtb Wheelset

Review from MBR

We don't know if Crank Bros' ultimate aim is to have a full range of aftermarket components, but this Cobalt XC wheelset is one of the latest products and, as you can see, it's definitely in your face. Blue is used for all of the cross-country components and, while it ensures you won't buy the wrong wheelset, it's not exactly subtle. However we've heard rumours of a black pair, so maybe Crank Bros is just trying to get noticed with these early press samples.
Not that the rim and spokes are conventional – the extruded 6061-T6 aluminium rim has a centre rib on which sit 12 pin anchors for the 24 spokes. On the lodine freeride wheels this rib is left intact, but on the Cobalt's it's machined away to save weight. Since you can't true the spokes at the rim or hub Crank Bros has designed a unique 'twinned spoke' with a long 7075-T6 anodized nipple and a short double-butted (2.0/1.6/2.0mm) stainless steel spoke. The flats for the spoke key are in the middle, at the join.
Like XTR and Mavic, the Cobalt rim is properly tubeless-ready: you just need to install a valve stem.
The front hub features two cartridge bearings and a 17mm aluminium axle, sealed cartridge are also featured in the rear hub : two 'high capacity' main bearings in the shell and two in the freehub. The freehub contains six oversized pawls with alternating three-pawl engagement.It also features low-friction seals, so no chain slackening when you back pedal slightly coming into a turn. Both hubs come with a 'split quick release', which has a double lever, so they can be opened or closed together or individually.
We fitted a set of Maxxis Larsen TT tubeless tyres, and they not only seated first time without any sealant, they've also held pressure for about a month.

In conclusion...

Crank Bros is offering something special in terms of construction and design....

Rating: 8/10