MTB fun starts at the wheels
8/6/2026
Translation: Veronica Bielawski
Pictures: Patrick Bardelli
Fun on the trail starts at the wheels – think tubeless tyres, tyre inserts and valves. Here’s a short guide on these components.
What’s the most important component on a mountain bike? The frame, the drivetrain – or maybe the brakes? In fact, many people would say that it’s the wheels. Michel Juhasz, CEO of Swiss mountain bike manufacturer Transalpes, is one of them. During a recent interview in Baar, Zug, he told me,
«I can’t overstate how important high-quality wheels are for the right use case. A wheel is moving mass. If you save ten grammes on the rim, that’s roughly the equivalent of 100 grammes on the frame or other parts.»
A set of wheels alone won’t cut it, though. You also need tyres, valves and an insert for each wheel. Matched to your riding style, inserts are supposed to minimise the risk of punctures and significantly improve grip and ride comfort. More on that here:
Stan’s NoTubes
A pioneer and leading manufacturer in tubeless systems, US brand Stan’s No Tubes is known not just for its wheels but also for its tyre sealant. About 25 years ago, the company developed a system that replaces inner tubes with a liquid sealant.
If the tyre is sealed airtight against the rim, the sealant fills any small holes as you ride, improving puncture protection. The ride feel improves too, since you can run lower tyre pressure and get more grip as a result. The one downside: fitting and maintenance are more involved than with a traditional inner tube tyre.
System wheels: Arch MK4
According to Stan’s, the Arch MK4 is the brand’s most versatile 29-inch aluminium wheel. This model works with tyres ranging from 2.2 to 2.5 inches wide. A standout feature of the rear wheel is the M-Pulse hub with magnetic pawls, which reduces friction and resistance for more direct, efficient power transfer. That said, this special hub and the high-end rims do make the Arch MK4 a little pricier than other aluminium wheels.
Compared with carbon wheels, aluminium ones are generally heavier, but less stiff and a bit more forgiving off-road. Carbon, on the other hand, is exceptionally stiff – less comfortable, but supremely efficient. At the end of the day, it’s the usual balancing act between weight, performance, puncture resistance and, ultimately, price. If you ask me, the Arch MK4 is a solid compromise.
Find all wheels in our shop here.
Valve: ExoCore
I was reminded again just recently how annoying it can be when products from different manufacturers aren’t compatible. So I play it safe and stick to the same brand for valves.
The Stan’s ExoCore tubeless valve is compatible with tubeless inserts. It can be fully opened without tools, and the valve core is supposed to be clog-proof according to the manufacturer. I can confirm that from my own experience. That said, I’ve only been running the ExoCore for a few weeks. Another quirk is the so-called Tap Cap valve cover, which simply pops on and off. Yeah, I know – opinions are divided on this one. To ride with the cap on or to ride with the cap off? I say do whatever works for you.
The Tap Caps also come in various colours, including red. I’ve fitted the copper version on my bike (see the image above).
On the hunt for a new valve? Click here.
Zleen
Tyres: Tiger Pro
New brands traditionally have a tough time breaking into the market. Ask ChatGPT for the most popular MTB tyre brands in Switzerland, for example, and you’ll get a selection of Schwalbe, Maxxis, Continental, Vittoria, Michelin, Pirelli and WTB. Zleen gets no mention – which is somewhat surprising, given the company works with Ralson, one of the world’s leading tyre manufacturers. On top of that, Czech 2012 Olympic cross-country champion Jaroslav Kulhavý backs the brand as an ambassador and is involved in development.
After switching my gravel bike to the Czechs’ premium tyres about a year ago, I’m proper happy. The value for money is what really won me over.
I’ve now had the Tiger Pro on my mountain bike for a few weeks. The Pro version comes with a 120 TPI Skinwall casing; the standard version has 60 TPI. TPI stands for «threads per inch», indicating the density of the fabric. Simply put, the more tightly woven the casing, the higher the quality of the tyre. The finer the casing, the lower the rolling resistance and the better the ride.
Want to stick with Schwalbe and the usual suspects? Then you’ll find what you’re looking for here.
Pepis
Tyre insert: PTN R-Evolution
I saved the best – and somehow most bizarre – product from Pepis for last. Tyre noodles, or tyre inserts, are supposed to prevent tyre damage and snakebites, while also protecting the rim. When air enters the tyre, the noodle contracts; when air escapes, it expands back to its original volume, nearly filling the tyre entirely. With these inserts, you can even ride home on a flat front or rear tyre without having to stop to repair it. As long as I’m running tubeless tyres, I’ll always be riding with an insert.
You’ll find more accessories like this here.
Header image: Patrick Bardelli
Patrick Bardelli
Senior Editor
Patrick.Bardelli@digitecgalaxus.chFrom radio journalist to product tester and storyteller, jogger to gravel bike novice and fitness enthusiast with barbells and dumbbells. I'm excited to see where the journey'll take me next.
Guide
Practical solutions for everyday problems with technology, household hacks and much more.
Show allThese articles might also interest you
2 comments
later