Shimano's wheels are as well made as any, with greater serviceability, and outstanding ride characteristics. The XT M8120-B Tubeless Wheelset was developed for All Mountain/ Enduro use with full trail capabilities. Available in both 27.5 and 29 inch versions, the freehub is 12-Speed MicroSpline, for use with M9100, M8100, and M7100 HG+ 12 drivetrains. Tubeless capability and greater rim width drives the industry these days, which creates an inherently more stable, strong rim that can handle the trail stress with ease, exploiting some of the most controlled high speed cornering experienced on the fastest, most technical rides.

Both sizes of the M8120-Boost Trail Wheelset feature a 19.8mm profile rim, with 34.7mm external rim width. The internal is measured at 30mm, and that is the width of the tubeless tape required. The 28 spoke wheels utilize offset rims both front and rear in zero dish to create optimal tension balance and strength for disc braking, and in the rear, the drivetrain offset. Shimano opted for SS double-butted j-bend spokes and alloy nipples which allow the wheel to be more resilient to impact, while being more forgiving with reasonable rotational weight. Lacing is 2x/2x. The rim itself has a shallow tubeless channel, with the joint welded for seamless strength. The width and profile was developed for 2.25 - 2.50" wide tires.

The front wheel of this Boost model features a true XT-level hub for 15/110mm Boost spacing thru-axle. The machined hub and oversized axle are both aluminum and anodized for surface hardness and corrosion resistance. The hub flanges are aligned and strengthened for the load requirements of the j-bend spokes. The hub features standard, grease sleeves, Shimano CBN bearing cones with Labyrinth and Contact Seals protecting very high quality Stainless Steel ball bearings. The disc brake interface is Shimano's spline Center Lock design, which centers CL disc rotors perfectly and take seconds to install/remove.

The rear hub carries many of the same characteristics, but with different requirements. The key here is the MicroSpline HG+ freehub. This, along with the Beam Spider design of the 12-speed cassette, allows for the use of a 10T small cog, and wide range up to 51T. A standard HG freehub lockring tool works with the version supplied with HG+ cassettes. The internals have an Face Ratchet engagement interface, with 9° max engagement. The aluminum freehub uses the reliable Contact seal system. The hub and bearings get Labyrinth and Contact seals. Boost spacing requires the 12/148mm thru-axle (thru-axles come with frame/fork). Again you have the Center Lock disc rotor interface and anodized finish of the machined hub shell.

Shimano will be the first to admit their components are rarely the lightest, but the engineering pedigree of the company dictates the best combination of strength, durability, serviceability and weight- all based with the price range of the line. Much Like Ultegra on the road side, XT carries many of the technologies and full mechanical capability of XTR, but built for a wider market and offering the best value of all lines. The XT Trail Tubeless WH-M8120-B Wheelset is an ideal example of getting more than what you pay for, riding it longer and harder than what you'd expect. If you seek a fully serviceable Trail wheelset with current specifications and capabilities, you truly can't do better.