High Rollin: 5 Premium Carbon Wheels in Test

IBIS 742 Review

Ibis are a relatively new player to the black magic wheel sector but were the first to pioneer the super wide 741 and 941 35 mm internal rims.

We have been riding the second generation 742 rim which both lighter and stronger than the 741. The 435 g rim has a 3 mm thick hookless sidewall that has resisted a number of heavy rock strikes and bad lines. The burly and wide rim is asymmetric with a 5 mm offset, allowing spoke tension to be more evenly balanced, and high-quality Sapim CX-Ray spokes help to keep the tension consistent. The Industry Nine Torch freehub rips down the trail, howling like a demented wasp, and with the 3-degree engagement they pick up swiftly under power. The ENDURO bearings seem very tough and even after a season of mud plugging they are holding up well with no significant play.

On the trail, the wide profile really opens up the tire, so much so that some profiles lose their aggressive edge meaning you have to be more careful with your selection. The latest crop of 2.5 and wider 2.4 tires have significantly increased options and we really liked a Maxxis Shorty/DHF or WTB Convict/Vigilante combo for Scottish grime. We are not a fan of the centre lock rotor mounts on the Industry Nine hubs, they may be light but they are harder to find if you break one, we ran ours with a 6 bolt adapter which worked well. At € 1799 per wheelset, while not bargain basement, they are considerably cheaper than some of the other wheels in this test. Luckily there is nothing budget about their performance. The Ibis 742 are powerful wheels, strong and aggressive, they hold a line really well. They feel well damped through rocks and have enough lateral compliance to provide a smooth ride. In testament to the rim strength, spoke tension has remained very consistent and there’s no unwanted flex or wander in hard compressions. The huge 35 mm internal width allows you to run considerably lower pressure (4-5 psi less works well) for maximum traction, while the squared profile provides lots of support for the sidewall. On the bike, the low profile but super wide silhouettes are very distinctive and the bold graphics look expensive.

The IBIS 742 wheel has really impressed the test team. The powerful wheels steamroller through rugged terrain with total composure and control, well damped and accurate. Those seeking more grip will love the wide footprint, but tire choice is more limited.

For more information head to ibiscycles.com