NOBL TR33 Rim

This review is for my experience with 27.5" rims on 2016 and 2018 TR33 wheelsets from two separate bikes (140mm and 160mm rear travel). I'm 145lbs, 150-155lbs ready to ride so your mileage may vary depending on your weight.

To cut to the chase, I love these rims and it will be hard to ride to anything else going forward. They are very light (385g) relative to their application (trail/all mtn riding). I had these built up with Onyx/nobl sprag clutch hubs and, again, I don't think I'll be able ride another hub - so quiet, super low drag, instant engagement (with a springy/taut feel). All you hear is the dirt under your tires. But that's for another review.

These are my first set of carbon rims and for me they are the perfect mix of stiffness and compliance. They track incredibly well in the rough and allow me to keep a straighter line in the chunder. The compliance is right on. They feel very responsive but don't deflect or beat you up. They replaced a nice set of aluminum wheels that I really thought were pretty good until I rode the NOBLs. After riding the TR33's I realized the aluminum wheels would ping me off of rocks and make it tougher to hold a line. 

I debated getting the TR38 but had heard stories of carbon wheels that were too stiff and at my weight I didn't want to make that mistake. They've since introduced the TR36 and I might try those in the future, but honestly I don't see a reason to change. 

After a few years of riding these in the PNW, they are still running straight and I haven't had to true them at all. The TR33's are rated for 2.2 - 2.6 tires. I'm running a 2.6 Maxxis DHF and a 2.4 DHR2 in the rear. Both were a good fit, fairly easy to mount, and aired up with a high volume floor pump. I did have trouble mounting a 2019 schwalble nobby nic 2.35. The bead was super tight and I eventually gave up. Not sure if I just got a weird tire or if this is a consistent issue. 

I air up my tires about 18-22psi depending on the trails and I've never had a burp or bead blow off so the hookless design is working as intended. 

In comparison, I got a set of Light Bicycle wheels with similar specs for another bike and did not like them as much. Not sure if it was the spokes/lacing or the carbon layup, but the LB rims felt harsher, didn't have as good of a feel on the trail, and did not meet the performance of the TR33's in my experience. They were about half the cost though so factor that in. The TR33's are less expensive than the Enve's and even We Are One and Santa Cruz Reserves (although SC has the better warranty though). Thankfully, I haven't had to take advantage of any warranty. 

I'm trying to think of any cons and really can't think of any. Heavier or more aggressive riders may want to go for the TR36 or TR38. I purchased these as a wheelset from NOBL so I can't speak to any issues with lacing these rims up. 

In conclusion, combined with the Onyx/NOBL hubs these are the best set of wheels I've ever ridden.