MSC is one of the brands that is characterized by an extensive catalog of components all of great quality to improve the functioning of our bikes, where weight is one of the points to keep in mind without compromising on functionality and refined appearance accompanying this signature. Previously, we tested several MSC products, such as there Ultralight II handlebars and Ultralight grip. But we had never tested one set of wheels of their catalog.
Very versatile wheels. MSC Bikes surprised us this year with its range of wheels, the MSC Transformer, with which the manufacturer offer a multipurpose axle design adaptable to all bikes. The new MSC Transformer wheels comprise a system of interchangeable caps and axles that allow you to adapt to all types of frames and forks. With these caps, we can tailor the front wheel to make it compatible with the following measures: QR9x100mm, QR15x100mm and M20x110mm. The rear wheel does not lose prominence and also incorporates these handy caps QR9x135mm adaptive measures, and M12x135mm M10x135mm and M12x142mm. The interchangeable axles allow stiffness that goes with each dropout for each format. Instead of one, we tested all three versions of Transformer Wheels to see the difference between each. At first glance, in general, the wheels have surprised us by its beauty, with some details on the line to higher priced brands. Clearly, each model is different, for a different use and with specific features for it. We have gone through each of them to a soft roll, and we've torture tested them throwing them down large irregularities and we have to work on hills where power has made them work hard.
Strong and robust The wheels are stiff well above others we've tested, and certainly we can ensure that this parameter is well above the top end some of those that come to our mind when we change mind set of wheels. With such high stiffness, we had to lower the tire pressure that we have assembled, and that driving to a little uncomfortable. The three models we've tested have been mounted with tube + MSC Rim tape. This rigidity is accentuated on bikes with front suspension if you roll on firm ground, sprinting and moving the bicycle under hard accelerations.
After riding for the first kilometres with relative ease, this was disappearing and gradually increases the strength, power and speed as we can ensure the smooth rolling hubs. We faced very technical stretches where we escaped with confidence, as we have seen that not flex easily. The wheels feel very stiff over rough and technical terrain, more precise and direct feeling on the terrain.
Really helps draw safely without wheels deflecting over obstacles, this allows you to hold the better lines through berms and rough corners with ease. And this is not the only proposal, but not least, MSC Bikes offers MSC Transformer wheels in three different models: for XC, All Mountain or Enduro and Freeride or DH. Notably, of the three models, the wheels weighing over as MSC FR Disc Transformer incur overweight and this is reflected in a greater difficulty initiating movement and acceleration of the same. That is, even if it takes more watts initiate movement, or gain speed quickly, this force is transmitted with higher fidelity and result in greater long-term displacement, something that nothing else will notice and appreciate rolling start has greatly after a few minutes of its implementation.
Once in place, they have a surprising inertia and that allows us to maintain a constant speed which saves energy over long distances something that will help. To give you a relative idea, to go in parallel with another partner with lower quality wheels, watched as pedalling slowly and without any of the two pilots, our bike fitted with these wheels, is slowly surpassed. Something else we have noticed is the increase in the use of the brake, and that maintaining constant speed higher than normal, this forces us to abuse front brake, this is a good thing because it shows the smooth roll each set of wheels. Some of the wheels we've tested in the past tend to be too excessive in lateral flexion, something almost non-existent in these three models. The wheels have not shown any signs of fatigue, and no mechanical problems but also no affect to aesthetics, strange as it may seem after receiving all sorts of impacts on the tires with sticks, stones and other objects that were mugged on the road, the paint is unchanged.
Our Conclusion Thanks to MSC for several weeks we have had a game of each model of these wheels have MSC Transformer and tested on various tests and events with very different terrain, from long hours sandbars where the protagonists have been short stages with steep slopes and major irregularities that have made our bikes suffer. After intensive testing, we can say that for the price of wheels midrange / high-end wheel sets, these have a reliability and performance better than those in higher price ranges. There excellent weight and really very neat aesthetic, stylish and in line with the general catalog components the brand. Keep in mind that each model tested wheels are specific to an application, a modality and driving, and it would be a mistake to use the lighter game on a downhill bike where greater strength is needed which would be questioned.
MSC Wheels Transformer for everyone. The recommend for anyone who wants reliability, rigidity and give it a modern aesthetic to your bike as long as you choose the version most closely to their driving behaviour considering that we spent more time mode. Finally, and not least as an added value, and the detail that gives the name "Transformer", we highlight that with every set of wheels include an adapter set of axles that can be used in exchange for any suspension fork and frame, something that are not offered by the higher priced wheel-sets. The success and novelty of these wheel-sets MSC Transformer is that thanks to its wide compatibility with different axis measures we see a big point in his favour at the time of being able to change suspension fork and frame without having to evaluate a possible additional expense.
MSC Transformer Light (for XC and Trail)
Aluminium rim. Swiss steel spokes 2-1.8-2 mm. Anodized 7075 T6 aluminium. MSC Transformer Front Hub 24R (QR9x100 / QR15x100 / M20x110). Transformer Bushing Rear MSC 28R (QR9x135 / M10x135) Weight of 1,434 grams without skewers. MSC wheels Light Transformer now available in version for chamber and can be found for a price of 545 euros for the set, all axles included.
MSC Bikes confirms that are about to release the tubeless compatible version and will be around a similar price.
MSC Transformer (for All Mountain and Enduro)
Aluminium rim. Swiss steel spokes 2-1.8-2 mm. Anodized 7075 T6 aluminium. MSC Transformer Front Hub 32R (QR9x100 / QR15x100 / M20x110). Transformer Bushing Rear MSC 32R (QR9x135 / M10x135 / M12x135). Weight of 1,700 grams without skewers. Transformer MSC wheels and disc are available in sets and can be found for a price of 495 euros for the set.
MSC Transformer FR (Freeride and DH)
Aluminium rim. Swiss steel spokes 2-1.8-2 mm. Anodized 7075 T6 aluminium. MSC Transformer Front Hub 32R (QR9x100 / QR15x100 / M20x110). Transformer Bushing Rear MSC 32R (QR9x135 / M10x135 / M12x135). Weight of 1,900 grams without skewers. Transformer MSC wheels and disc are available in sets and can be found for a price of 495 euros for the set.
New wheels Transformer MSC Bikes are available and can be found for a price of 545 euros for the game Light Transformer MSC, oriented XC and Trail, and a price of 495 euros for sets Transformer and Transformer MSC FR oriented Freeride, Enduro, All Mountain and Downhill. In brief, MSC will also release a version MSC Tubeless Wheel Light Transformer, extending the range and possibilities of these practices wheels. This test has been possible thanks to the collaboration of MSC Bikes.