While this entry-level wheelset isn’t posh, it’s practical. In a sea of sealed and semi-sealed cartridge bearing hubs, Shimano have stuck with an angular contact bearing system, or cup and cone. With careful adjustment and regular greasing, it'll outlast others by months if not years.
This means these wheels are ideal for those who want to keep purchase prices down but aren’t afraid of maintenance. They're perhaps less suitable for riders who prefer to sling their bike in the shed between rides – a small amount of play in the hubs will escalate to a written-off wheel. This is something to be aware of and not a fault in the design.
The rims are surprisingly wide – we hadn’t expected to find a 25mm one that's happy with bigger tyre volumes for this money – with 28 spokes apiece. Disc mounts are Centerlock, so if you run six-bolt rotors you'll need to add rotors or adaptors to the price. However, a pair of excellent quick-release skewers are included.