Tag TR3 Composite Wheels

tag xcOk…I had seen these wheels posted around the net on several blogs and press releases. They are the new Tag TR3 composite wheels. Curiosity got the best of me and I emailed the guys over at Tag for more information. They sent me their new press release with their booth number for Interbike. Here is what I gather from the press release descriptions.

  • The composite legs are hollow and have a rib inside of each “spoke” to increase the overall stiffness of the wheel.
  • More comfortable ride through a shock absorbing design.
  • No maintenance
  • 4-Pawl engagement
  • They come in several colors
  • 2 year limited warranty and several low cost replacement programs.

I am pretty sure that they are using hubs manufactured by DT Swiss, but the wheels…overall…are heavy. Just check out these specs.

tag specs

Over 1000g for a front wheel (w/o a tire) is in downhill range. We all know how rolling weight drastically changes how a bike rides…especially a cross country rig. I can’t see how these will be successful on lighter bikes where weight is a huge issue.

For downhill sleds, I can’t see using a composite wheel. There are too many rock gardens and drops that destroy some of the best wheels on the market today, so I guess you are out of that range also.

I am not trying to completely knock these wheels right off the bat because I have never ridden a set. On paper, they aren’t impressing me.

I do find it funny that out of all of the articles I have seen on these wheels…no one has made this comparison yet. If you were riding in the early ’90’s like I was, this will bring up some old memories.

Haven’t We Been Down This Road Before?

tag wheels VS.  spin 2

Back in the 1990’s, the Spin and Spinergy wheels were the HOT ITEM for your Trek Y Bike! I actually saw one at the local trail head in perfect condition all spec’ed out with XTR and a Judy SL. Wow…those were the days.

Do I think these wheels are going to gain that same popularity? I don’t think so. Full carbon wheels on mountain bikes can not be made efficient or durable enough for regular use. For the same amount of money…or less…you can have a killer, lightweight, hand built set that will last you for years.

If I had a 20″ BMX bike, it would be pretty cool to run some. I remember when that craze hit too.

To the guys over at Tag – I know you sent me the press release in good faith and I do appreciate that. I am sure these are better than the Spins from the old days with the many advancements that we had had in composite molding over the years. In my opinion, I still don’t see the need at this time.

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