E-bikes have introduced a whole lot of “extra” into the world of mountain biking: extra laps, extra miles, extra stoke. All this extra also introduces more wear and tear into the already unforgiving riding equation. eMTBs allow riders of all levels to enhance their riding experience, while also introducing a whole new set of challenges for component design. WTB is excited to introduce its first fully purpose-built eMTB wheelset for those who want to ride with confidence and not worry about if their wheels will make it through the ride. Specifically tailored to meet the demands of full power eMTBs, all aspects of WTB’s new HTZ wheels were meticulously designed to be the most dependable e-specific wheels on the market.
HTZ i30 rims boast an increased wall thickness of up to 20% over our already-burly KOM Tough enduro rims to help ensure they’re capable of withstanding the additional forces of modern eMTBs. We didn’t simply add material and call it good, though. Asymmetric spoke offset helps balance spoke length and tension to create a more stable wheel while a symmetric outer rim profile distributes impact forces evenly through the rim. Solid Strip integration, an enhanced bead hook, and On-Ramp are all features of the TCS system that provide a seamless interface between the tire and wheel. All of these features create a complete tubeless system that is easier to set up and nearly impervious to losing pressure in the event of a broken spoke.
You get it… HTZ rims are burly enough to withstand whatever you and your e-bike throw at them, but we all know the quality of the hub plays a huge role in determining the long term resilience of a wheel. WTB’s HTZ hubs feature a heat-treated steel freehub body, which eliminates gouging and prevents pawl socket failure under load.
Our new hubs feature a 6-pawl ratchet system with simultaneous engagement of all pawls to distribute pedaling forces more evenly and improve reliability on bikes with high-torque motors. The outer diameter of the rear axle sleeve has been increased from 15mm to 17mm to increase durability while remaining compatible with traditional 12mm thru-axles. This reduces axle flex while cornering and pedaling, which results in improved ride quality and bearing longevity. Double-stacked, sealed Enduro bearings at the inboard end of the driver body further improve durability and extend bearing life. HTZ hubs also feature a heat sink behind the 6-bolt rotor mount to improve heat dissipation by up to 10% on long descents, allowing you to descend with confidence despite the extra weight of your e-bike.
A side-by-side comparison of our competitors’ e-bike hubs against our HTZ hubs resulted in competitors’ hubs failing at 2,000 start/stop cycles while HTZ hubs endured 40,000 cycles. The key difference is that our competitors simply use a steel freehub body in order to market their hubs for e-bike usage whereas every aspect of the new HTZ hub is specifically designed to withstand the additional torque and wear of e-bikes.
Ebikes get you deeper, farther, and faster than a traditional bike. Having strong, durable parts is crucial to not getting stranded out in the woods. HTZ wheels give me the extra security and peace of mind I need when I’m deep in the pines.
Mark Weir
Wheel strength is limited by its weakest point, which is why the complete build spec is as meticulous as the component designs themselves. HTZ wheels feature thick 2.3/2.0mm single-butted spokes to increase wheel stiffness and durability, with the thickest section at the hub to counteract higher braking forces and increased motor torque. Every HTZ wheel Sold in North America is hand-built at the WTB wheel building facility in California, while wheels sold in Europe are hand-built in Italy. Both facilities follow a six-step de-winding process to deliver equal spoke tension and worry-free riding. This ensures the final build is free of any winding stresses in the spokes that can release while riding and result in a loss of spoke tension. Combine this process with mechanically locking nipples and HTZ wheels will hold tension and stay true even through the most strenuous of rides.
HTZ front wheels are available at an MSRP of £250.00 / €299.95, while rear wheels are available for £350.00 / €399.95. Available in i30 x 27.5” and i30 x 29” sizes, hand-built HTZ wheels are currently available in both North America and Europe.
About WTB
Founded in 1982, WTB was formed in Marin county, the birthplace of mountain biking, to design better bicycle products. Renowned for saddles, tires, rims and grips, this rider-driven company continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible through an unrelenting spirit of innovation and passion for two-wheeled adventure.
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About WTB TCS
TCS (Tubeless Compatible System) is our standardized tubeless rim/tire system designed to meet international ETRTO standards and provide the most reliable tubeless system available. TCS Tubeless Tire Sealant is an integral part of the TCS system because it creates an airtight seal that also improves riding performance and prevents flats. WTB’s complete line of TCS tubeless products includes tires, rims, wheels, valves and tubeless tape. Learn more about what’s possible at wtb.com/tcs