Trail/All mountain riding has evolved and in 2020 and it’s all about finding the balance between light weight, fast, durable but most of all affordable frames and compenents. A key part of your bike build is your wheel and tire combo There is so many choices in the market it can be overwhelming so in this test we will review the Novatec Wheel 29er Demon rim using Factor hubs, wrapped in Onza tires. Before we get to the test, we would like to point out that a really nice thing about working with the team at Bike Fettish building these wheels is they are hand built by Josh Bruen to exactly what you want and need. The correct tension on the spokes assures a longer lasting faster wheel set.

 Novate Demon 29er rim specs

30mm inner and 35mm outer

Aluminum rims with welded seams.
What we have learned with rims is wider is better, but don’t go to wide or you will lose your tire profile. The width of this rim allowed the Onza tire to not roll off the rim giving me more confidence when entering the turns. The rim doesn’t snap when applying power like a carbon rim but it the comfort is better in braking bumps. The price doesn’t hurt the bank account either. We put the rim to the test smashing through rock gardens and large jumps

Demon XL 29

Front- 950g

Rear- 1090g

Set- 2040g

 Weights values are without valves, tape, tires and sealant.

 Factor Hub

Novatec Factor hubs have been popular for a wide range of custom wheel builds. High engagement, great price point as well a variety of colors – what’s not to love? Hub engagement: The Factor hub not only looks great. It’s also has 2 sets of 6 pawls for 120 points of contact and 3 degrees engagement that allow your power to be transferred to the ground

 Spokes and Nipples

Sapim Race spokes in Silver, Black or half and half, double butted 2.0-1.8-2.0 or 2.0 straight gauge J-Bend. HT Components double squared anodized aluminum nipples in come in 11 different colors, or Brass in silver or black. We went with a traditional moto look and we feel personalizing your wheels is almost a lost tradition so it’s pretty cool that Bike Fettish is bringing that back.

Price on Hubs set- MSRP $449

Price on Wheel set - MSRP $849

Onza Ibex 2.4 tires

The IBEX (or Capricorn) is known for fast, smooth and safe locomotion in mountainous terrain, and the tire named after it is no different: Thanks to its wide-open tread, you do not need to compromise on either loose gravel or in wet conditions. No trail is too steep, no section too narrow and no root too slippery for this all-round tire. Recommended tire pressure- 27psi in the front 29psi in the rear.

 The conditions were good on our test day with some loose DG and as well as some tacky loam in shadows, so we feel that we got some great feedback. The Onza tires are very gummy and rolled great. The tire profile is a great compromise for southern California soil. When leaning the bike into turns the transition was smooth and seamless. In the muddy sections it would pack up a little but would clear out quickly. Overall roll speed was great when climbing and descending. We do recommend higher pressures then competitors tires. 

 The Verdict

After putting several days on the wheel and tire combo we are very happy with the set up. The wider wheel and higher engagement hub outperformed the wheel tire combo that came on our 2020 Intense Carbine. We will continue to put time and some races on the wheel set I the coming months so stay tuned for the long-term test

More about the team at Bike Fettish by clicking here