Mercury Wheels

X3 29in Wheelset

We've been enjoying the eager speed of Mercury Wheels' road rims since the Utah-based company recently debuted, and with the advent of the X3 29in Wheelset, many Competitive staffers are rocking the speed of the winged-saddled god on the trails, too. You know the advantages of 29-inch wheels — a higher approach angle that effectively flattens obstacles, more contact for better traction and power transfer, etc. — but the X3's selling point is that it hits all those marks with at a respectable claimed weight of 1,624g and a price point that puts these XC wings within reach of recreationalists and aspiring racers alike.

The X3 rims are an XC-specific model, built from a lightweight, stiff aluminum that lives up to the trail-furniture-be-damned attitude that their efficient ride quality inspires. At 24mm, the tubeless-ready rims are a touch wider than many XC race models still coming out of Europe, so they'll seat slightly fatter tires at a lower PSI with less chance of rolling off while leaving hot tracks across a berm. In addition to a safer setup, the wider rims also allow more tire volume, grippier cornering, and less rolling resistance.

Mercury's six-bolt rear hub is convertible for use with either 135 or 142mm axles, so they're compatible with most current frames and they're proof against the dimensions of what looks to be the likely future standard. Though the adapter isn't included here, it's nice to know it's available. The increased efficiency of the larger axle size is complemented by oversized flanges and double-butted Sapim spokes to take full advantage of a 29er's natural predilection for speed.