Race Face Turbine R wheel review: A worthy upgrade for any trail bike
A fast engaging rear hub, stiff build and overall durability make the Race Face Turbine R a standout wheelset
Race Face, the Canuck mountain bike component brand, has been hard at work in their R&D department lately. One of the company’s notable products is the new Turbine R wheelset. Aimed at the trail rider, the Turbine Rs come in both 27.5″ and 29″ sizes. Out of the box, these wheels are set up for tubeless. Mounting each tire was easy with one burst of compressed air.
It’s hard to miss the large Vault hubs that the 30-mm internal width rims are laced to. Boasting six pawls with 120 points of engagement, the rear hub announces its presence when you’re coasting down the trail. The quick engagement is especially noticeable when transitioning from a downhill into a climb, where it almost feels like riding a fixed-gear wheel as there is so little delay in putting the power down. The hubs also sport giant, oversize bearings that should lessen the frequency of inevitable maintenance. The wheels come in several axle configurations, which is great considering all the options on the market right now.
Throughout the test period, I rode varied conditions, including lots of rocky sections where I occasionally felt the wheels bottoming out on rocks. I didn’t experience any flats, nor did I have to true or tension the wheels. Race Face lived up to its reputation of making durable products. I can see the Turbine Rs going through some serious abuse before needing any attention.
In all, the Turbine Rs are a great set of hoops that would make a good upgrade to most trail bikes. The rear hub’s fast engagement and the overall durability of the wheels really make them a standout contender, especially for the price. MSRP on the Race Face Turbine R is $1,195.
