Mercury Wheels

X1 Carbon Enduro 29in Boost Wheelset

Over the past five years we've seen a lot of advancement in mountain bike technology. From refined carbon frames with dialed geometry, to more reliable and effective suspension components, we as riders all benefit from the technological progression of this sport. When it comes to wheels though, there's a small Utah-based company called Mercury that believes more can be done. Their X1 Enduro 29in Boost Wheelset ups the ante in the carbon fiber wheel game by incorporating an advanced composite material they've mysteriously dubbed Fiber-X. Possessing twice the tensile strength of high-modulus carbon fiber, Fiber-X's damping characteristics deliver a trail-tuned ride while increasing the durability and impact resistance of the rim. The result is a stronger wheel that rides better than the competition, allowing you to push your limits on the trail without worrying about your equipment.

The Fiber-X material is blended into the center of the rim, distinguished by the prominent silver stripe in between the carbon. The design works by using an optimized trapezoidal rim profile that funnels trail input into the tough elastic material, dissipating impact energy and avoiding rim failure during violent impacts. The design also dampens the trail in a way that provides riders with a more comfortable and controlled ride—all without sacrificing the lateral rigidity needed for a precise and responsive steering feel.

At the center of the X1 Enduro Wheelset is the new Axis hub system. These hubs use stiffness-boosting straight-pull spokes that are hand-laced to the rim by Mercury's expert wheel builders. The freehub uses a triple-stepped 6-pawl mechanism that delivers an impressive 3.5-degree engagement, putting the Axis hubs right up there with the best offerings on the market.