NOBL TR33 Carbon  Wheelset Review: The Ultimate Mountain Bike Wheel Build?

After three decades of shredding trails and building more custom wheels than I can count, I’ve finally found something truly special. Let me tell you about a wheel build that’s completely changed how I think about mountain bike performance. The NOBL TR33 wheelset with Berd spokes and Industry Nine Hydra hubs is, quite simply, the most impressive combination I’ve ever ridden for a trail bike.

The Real-World Test Ground

Here’s the thing about wheel reviews – you can’t just ride them for a weekend and call it good. I’ve been hammering these wheels on my Pivot Trail 429 Enduro for over a year now, through everything Colorado’s high country can throw at them. We’re talking brutal rock gardens that make your teeth chatter, high-alpine technical climbs that test every component’s limits-plus my own endurance, and descents that demand absolute confidence in your equipment.

The Moment of Truth

I’ll never forget the day these wheels proved their worth. I was climbing Bowman’s Short cut near Vail Pass – It’s a lung buster and straight freakin up. There’s this one section that’s been my nemesis for years. Multiple root steps, terrible line choices, and you need perfect timing with your pedal strokes. Usually, it’s a guaranteed dab (or three). But that day was different.

The Nobl TR33 carbon rim is light-weight, snappy and energetic. Combine that with the instant response from the Industry Nine Hydra hub meant every micro-adjustment translated immediately to forward motion. No lag, no hesitation. Just pure, instant power transfer through all 690 engagement points. I cleaned that section first try, and I’m not too proud to admit I let out a whoop whoop that probably scared some nearby wildlife.

Breaking Down the Build

NOBL TR33 Rims: Worth Every Penny

Let’s talk about these rims for a minute. At $400 each, they’re not cheap. But after destroying two sets of “budget” carbon rims last season, I’ve learned my lesson about false economy. Here’s what you’re getting:

– 409 grams for the 29″ version (I weighed mine – spot on)

– 33mm outer width that makes modern tires sing

– 27mm internal width – perfect for today’s trail rubber

– 24mm depth that hits the sweet spot between stiffness and compliance

I’m running 2.4″ Continental Kryptotals, and the tire profile is absolutely perfect – no squirm in corners, even when I’m probably pushing harder than I should.

Berd Spokes: The Secret Sauce

Remember when everyone thought carbon fiber was just a gimmick? That’s how I initially felt about Berd’s polymer spokes. First time my wheel builder showed them to me, I thought he was pulling my leg. They look like something you’d find on a sailboat, not a mountain bike.

But here’s the kicker – they work. Really, really well. We’re talking:

– 200 grams lighter than my previous wheelset

– Noticeably less trail chatter (my hands thank me on long descents)

– Surprisingly bomber durability (survived a direct hit from a falling rock that would have trashed steel spokes)

Industry Nine Hydra Hubs: The Cherry on Top

Fair warning: these hubs are LOUD. Like, “clear-the-trail-of-hikers-from-50-yards” loud. But that distinctive buzz is backed up by performance that’s absolutely worth the noise. The 690 engagement points mean you’ve got virtually zero lag between pedal input and forward motion. For technical climbing, it’s a game-changer.

Living With the Wheels

After a full year of abuse, here’s what you need to know about long-term ownership:

– They’ve needed exactly one minor truing session (which was easy to tension back up with the truing kit from Nobl)

– The Berd spokes need simple soap and water cleaning – leave the harsh degreasers in the garage

– Hub maintenance is crucial – plan on a 30-minute service every 3 months

– The weight savings are most noticeable on all-day epics and technical climbs

The Bottom Line

Let’s be real – at $2,400 for the complete wheelset, this isn’t a budget build. But if you’re serious about mountain biking and want a wheelset that could legitimately outlast your frame, this combination is worth every penny. The TR33’s provide the perfect foundation, the Berd spokes offer unmatched ride quality and weight savings, and those Industry Nine Hydra hubs… well, they’re simply the best engagement system in the business.

Quick Specs:

– Total Wheelset Weight: ~1,460g

– Rim Weight: 409g (29″)

– Internal Width: 27mm

– External Width: 33mm

– Hub Engagement Points: 690

– Warranty: 5 years with crash replacement options

– Price: $2,400 complete

*Pro Tip: Make sure you get these built by someone certified for Berd spoke installation. This isn’t a DIY project unless you really know what you’re doing.* If you would like Nobl to build these wheels for you, check them out with this link. Nobl has been in the carbon game since 2012 and they produce carbon rims suited for gravel, cross country, trail, enduro, downhill and e-biking. Nobl builds their rims to the best hubs in the business; Chris King, Industry Nine, DT Swiss, Onxy, etc and you can go crazy with the customizing of your wheel set by picking your hub color, type of spokes, nipple color and sticker set. Check them out at https://noblwheels.com/

After thousands of miles of testing, I can confidently say these wheels have made me a better rider. They’ve given me the confidence to try lines I would have skipped before, push harder through technical sections, and finish epic rides feeling less beaten up. And really, isn’t that what we’re all looking for in a wheelset?

These wheels pass the “Praise The Awesome” test!