Review: We Are One Composites Rims

As an avid mountain biker, I’ve put the We Are One Composites Union 29” front and Strife 27.5” rear rims through their paces for the past year. Given that these rims are designed for enduro, freeride and DH riding, I had high expectations for their durability. Discover how they measure up in performance, durability, and value in our in-depth review.

Durability and Performance

First and foremost, the durability of the Union and Strife rims has been nothing short of impressive. Over the past year, I’ve subjected them to a rigorous test: hard cases, sideways landings, and relentless encounters with sharp rocks. Despite this abuse, the rims have shown minimal wear—just some surface scratches that are purely cosmetic. They’ve taken everything in stride and come back for more.

In comparison, I previously used the DT Swiss EX511/FR560 rim combination, which are well-regarded alloy rims. While those rims served me well, the We Are One rims have proven to be a noticeable upgrade in terms of resilience and long-term durability. The difference in performance is evident, especially when it comes to handling rough terrain.

Maintenance and Ease of Use

One of the standout features of the We Are One rims is their low maintenance requirements. I’ve only had to true and retension them once or twice since building them, which is a significant improvement over many of my previous alloy wheels that needed more frequent attention. Even with a loose spoke or two, the rims remain impressively straight. This kind of reliability means fewer headaches and more time on the trails.

Ride Quality

The Union and Strife rims excel in providing a balanced ride quality. They strike a commendable balance between stiffness and chatter damping. The steering feels precise and consistent, without any of the squirm or mushy sensations that can plague lesser rims. The rim bead holds tires firmly in place, with minimal instances of burping even during aggressive riding.

One of the most telling aspects of their performance is their resilience to impacts. Every mountain biker has that one notorious section on their local trail where rims and tires are regularly tested. These rims have survived direct hits to sharp-edged rocks that would have left alloy rims dented and possibly unrideable. The sound of carbon rims hitting rock isn’t the most pleasant, but it’s certainly preferable to the sharp, resonant ting of alloy. After such impacts, the rims have emerged unscathed, often needing no more than a quick inspection.

Real-World Testimony

A particularly memorable experience involved a riding buddy who, impressed by my enjoyment of these rims, decided to build a set for himself. On a particularly ambitious ride, he violently cased a road gap step-down, resulting in a snapped derailleur, chain, and hanger. The case was spectacular and sounded like a firecracker going off. Remarkably, the rear wheel survived the incident in perfect condition, retaining its tire pressure and showing no signs of damage. This incident further solidified my confidence in the durability of the We Are One rims.

The We Are One Composites Union and Strife rims have proven to be outstanding performers in the realm of enduro, freeride and DH riding. Their durability, low maintenance needs, and balanced ride quality make them an excellent choice for anyone looking to invest in high-performance wheels. If you’re in the market for rims that can handle a beating and still come out on top, the Union and Strife rims from We Are One Composites are worth serious consideration.