Shimano

XTR WH-988 Trail Wheelset

We've found the 15mm thru-axle standard to be light enough to satisfy the old XC racer in us, yet it offers up loads of front end stiffness in comparison to a wimpy old quick release. And when the trail gets really lumpy, it's still plenty stiff and plenty strong to handle anything we've got the cajones to ride. The steering precision of the 15mm axle is paramount, and what you'll notice is more confidence when you're really pushing hard. Shimano has paired their top-shelf XTR hubs with a scandium alloy rim to create this XTR Trail WH-M988 15mm Thru Wheelset. They're durable enough for tough rides on tough trails, yet light enough that you won't cuss them on long climbs.

Shimano's dedication to UST rim certification is an important thing to consider when looking at these wheels. The testing and certification process is expensive and arduous, but when you're ready to install a tire, you'll appreciate their efforts. A true UST system allows the installation of tires by hand, and they'll seat and inflate using nothing more than a good floor pump. No joke. So ask yourself if you want to ride something into the backwoods that requires luck, black magic, and the dexterity of a surgeon to seat and inflate.

Inside the scandium UST rims, black stainless steel 14/15/14 butted spokes center the XTR hubs. Both front and rear hubs are specific to this wheelset due to their compatibility with the straight pull spokes, otherwise they use the same internals as the XTR hubs sold individually. They're comprised of a 7075 T6 aluminum hubshell and axle, rolling on Shimano's cup and cone angular contact bearings. The loose ball bearings and cup/cone race system allows you or your mechanic to set the bearing preload to absolute perfection. By carefully adjusting the locknut assembly, it's possible to remove all radial and axial play in the bearing system without creating drag. In fact, if you've never felt the smoothness of XTR Hubs, you should grab a wheel and let it spin in your fingers for a while. You might wonder why you don't have them on your bike.

The XTR Trail WH-M988 15mm Thru Wheelset is compatible with centerlock rotors. Though it carries the UST designation, you're not limited to tubeless tires only. Tube-type tires will also work just fine, and you won't have to bother with rims strips either, as the outside wall of the rim is pierced only for the valve stem hole. Both the front and rear hubs are protected from the elements with rubber contact seals and dust caps. The titanium freehub body is compatible with 9- and 10-speed cassettes. The included XTR rear quick release skewer is steel for durability and strength. The front wheel accepts a 15mm thru-axle (included with fork). The rim width of 26.4mm makes them compatible with tires ranging from 1.95 to 2.5". Both front and rear wheels have 24 stainless spokes in a two-cross pattern and are affixed to the rim with aluminum nipples.

Note: The CenterLock lockring that comes with these wheels is oversized and should be used with a 15mm thru-axle setup. The regular CenterLock lockrings are packaged with the rotors.  

• Ultra-light and tough Scandium rim is UST compatible for use with tubeless specific, or regular tires
  
• Cup-and-cone angular contact bearings spin without resistance and are Long-lasting and easy to service
  
• Front and rear rubber contact seals, and dust caps protect bearings from the elements
  
• Stainless-steel, straight-pull, butted spokes provide rigidity and strength for aggressive riding
  
• 9- and 10-speed cassette compatibility