Wheeler rolls brilliantly into the 2015 model year

The Wheeler bike range for the 2015 model year is bursting with carbon bolides, lots of suspension travel and the latest technology. Ride took a closer look at two models that hit the enduro and trail notch.

Wheeler is entering the hornet's nest of enduro booms with four models in the Hornet series. The top model Hornet LTD offers - like the three other versions - 160 millimeters of travel, controlled by suspension elements from Fox's Factory CTD series. Thanks to the so-called SSP+ kinematics, the drive should be completely decoupled from the suspension. The Spline E-1700 wheels from DT Swiss have a diameter of 27.5 inches and wide Hans Dampf tires from Schwalbe offer plenty of traction on rough terrain.

WHEELER relies on Shimano's XT groupset for the brakes and 20-speed drivetrain, upgraded with IceTech brake discs and a shiftable chain guide. The LEV Integra telescopic seatpost from Kind Shock is also a must. At 13.9 kilograms, the Hornet LTD is not an absolute lightweight, but the few extra grams suggest plenty of reserves for rough terrain.

Lots of fiber for the Brazilian
For 2015, the 29er bullet Brazilian is no longer only available in two aluminum versions as before, but also in three carbon variants. The carbon frame is a new development, manufactured in monocoque construction and offers a clean look thanks to internally routed cables and lines. The four-bar rear triangle is also made of carbon and boasts a sporty, taut characteristic that suits active riders. On the aluminum models, the suspension is designed to be slightly more comfortable.

Only the best is good enough for the top-of-the-range Brazilian LTD model: this starts with the new carbon frame with 140 mm suspension travel and the suspension from Fox's Factory CTD series, which can be adjusted with just one lever from the handlebars. The drivetrain from Shimano's new XTR groupset offers 22 gears. The XTR Trail brake system is also equipped for long descents thanks to larger IceTech rotors, and the XM1501 Spline wheels from DT Swiss are said to be as robust as they are light. The full-bodied equipment is rounded off by a LEV Integra telescopic seatpost from Kind Shock and carbon parts from Ritchey's MTN Trail WCS series. The Brazilian LTD is also impressive on the scales - at 12.7 kilos.

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