Boost Wheels

 It’s rare that the bike industry sits still for long when it comes to the pursuit of performance gains as mountain bikers want to ride longer, farther, and faster. Boost wheels are a perfect example. Boost spec is front hub width at 110 x 15 and rear hub spacing 148 x 12 that results in increased wheel strength on all wheel sizes as well as added design flexibility. As tyre widths continue to expand, and modern geometries with short chainstays for quick acceleration remain a goal, Boost fits the bill. Here’s the long and short of what Boost is all about, and why it’s here to stay.

 Strada says: Boost wheels are one such innovation that allows riders to experience new, wider tyre widths and wheel sizes without compromising modern trail geometry or durability. As experienced wheel builders we have definitely noticed significant improvements in wheel strength and stability in Boost wheelsets. With the wider flanges and improved alloy rims we have seen a new level of performance for riders. We have plenty of quality hubs from Hope, DT Swiss 240 and Chris King to meet your hand built Boost wheel needs at range of prices. Please get in touch with Strada on 01903 214956 to discuss your new BOOST wheels or use the contact form to request a quote.

Boost wheels tech drawing

What is Boost?

Boost is the latest and greatest axle platform which all performance mountain bike frame and fork manufacturers are adopting. Boost widens the rear axle by 6mm and the front axle by 10mm.

So what does Boost do for you?

A wider axle means that the spacing between your hub’s flanges can be increased. By increasing the width of the hub flanges you can improve the bracing angles of the spokes in the wheelbuild. Ultimately you can build a stronger, stiffer, and ultimately more efficient wheel.

Anything else?

By increasing the width of the bike frame’s chainstays the manufacturers have the ability to shorten the chainstays without sacrificing tyre clearance. Optimally short chainstays allow your weight to be positioned closer to the rear axle which means the bike will generally feel far more nimble, be easier to manual and climb more confidently. In addition some bike frames with the boost treatment will be capable of accommodating plus size tyres.

What about the front end?

The advantages of a boosted front fork are isolated to achieving better wheel geometry and additional tyre clearance. The use of the 15mm x 110mm Boost forks will be most common on the new Plus bikes entering the marketplace. It has been said that a boosted 29” wheel can achieve the same stiffness as a non-boosted 27.5.

Granted, it might seem minor; the Boost 148 is just three millimetres wider on each side than the current widespread and established 142m standard. But these precious millimetres change much more than just the width of your axles. When the rear spacing grew from 135mm to 142mm a few years ago, they were just widened and as a rider it wasn’t an issue to upgrade your wheels to the new standard with a conversion kit. However, it’s a different story with the Boost! The extra six millimetres on the rear hub, and the extra 10 mm on the front hub, have been added to give a greater flange offset. While this offers certain advantages, it does affect the position of your disc brakes and cassette, and mean that you’ll need specific forks and cranks – or at least specially altered Spider/chain rings.

The advantages of Boost wheels

One advantage of the now wider axle standard is glaringly obvious: given the wider hub flange, and the stronger spoke-bracing angle, the stiffness and stability of the wheel is massively enhanced. According to stats from the manufacturers, a 29″ rear wheel with a 148mm hub has the same stiffness as a 27.5″ wheel with a 142mm hub.

In summary, Boost brings these advantages:

• The increased stiffness results in more effective and more precise bike handling.

• Given the wider rear wheel, a shorter chain stay can be used.

• Suspension pivots can be placed wider apart and therefore stiffer.

• The wider rear hub offers you a bigger choice when it comes to chainrings.

• And finally, Boost improves clearance on the forks and the rear.

Conclusion – in short Boost is an extremely positive evolution in bike technology with many undeniable pros and seemingly a single “con”, that being your old kit is now obsolete! At least in this particular case it is not just marketing bull.

Please get in touch with Strada on 01903 214956 to discuss your new BOOST wheels or use the contact form to request a quote.