Wheels require trust on a multitude of levels.
You need to be confident that when you get a little extra zealous, they’ll stay true; confident that you can throw them into some rocks and you won’t get a flat; confident that you can commit to a corner and they will take you where you want to go. When it comes down to it, these normally unspoken expectations are imperative to every ride.
I’ve been running the 27.5” Gradients on a 2018 Transition Patrol with a 180mm Marzocchi Bomber Z1 in the fork department and a Marzocchi Bomber CR with a 400lb spring in the back. I set this bike up with a “freeride light” style in mind. While weight wasn’t a concern with this build, sturdy bits were certainly a prerequisite. The Gradient wheels seemed like a perfect option in regard to their acclaimed durability, but also that they weigh in at 1,676 grams, which would allow for a bit more motivation to send some longer pedals.
The Gradients are laced up to FSA TA-15 (front) and TA-12 (rear) hubs. The TA-15 hub came with Boost adapters for a Rockshox fork, although FSA also sent along adapters for Fox forks, which I would be installing to use on my ride. Admittedly, this struck mild fear within me. I have a checkered past as a bike mechanic. It’s pretty much been limited to impatient hack-jobs done late at night so I could get out first thing the next morning, but I’ve been trying to establish some new habits.
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From Freehub Mag
At our core, we are mountain bikers and adventurers. Luckily for others, we are also storytellers, builders and advocates for all things bike, and we strive to bring mountain bike culture to the like-minded masses through our magazine and website. People are what drive our sport, and their stories are what motivate us to produce our printed publication, short films and web content. Whether it’s the tale of a world-class athlete, legacy of a local trail builder, or delineation of a struggling community turned mountain bike mecca, these are the narratives that drive innovation and inspiration alike—and the stories we love to tell.
