First Look at the Shimano XTR M9220 Carbon Wheelset

Key Details of Shimano XTR M9220 Wheelset

• Product: Shimano XTR M9220 Wheelset
• RRP: $3162 AUD
• Weight: 1806g (actual)
• Wheel Size: 29” only
• Internal Rim Width: 30mm (hookless design)
• Hub Features:
  • Sealed cartridge bearings
  • 3.5° engagement
  • Microspline driver
• Rotor Compatibility: Centrelock only
• Spokes: 28-hole with stainless steel spokes
• Tubeless Ready: Yes – easy setup, no compressor needed
• Target Use: Trail and Enduro

When you think of Shimano, you think of drivetrains and brakes that just work – no-nonsense, reliable, and packed with practical features. While Shimano has previously offered wheelsets, it’s the launch of their new wireless Di2 drivetrains that has also brought a significant refresh to their wheel lineup as well.

We have a set of XTR 9220 carbon wheels on test – Shimano’s dedicated trail and enduro wheels, and the only XTR hoops that the brand is bringing into Australia. 

First Look at Shimano XTR M9220 Wheelset

First thing’s first, the release of Shimano’s new wheelsets mark the brand’s first wheelset to veer away from cup and cone bearings instead using sealed cartridge bearings – many may argue that Shimano are very late to the party here. The hub bearings in the new M9210 hubs are also covered with hub seals that are optimised to reduce rolling resistance while also reducing water ingress, leading to a more robust wheelset over time and across conditions.

These hubs also offer a speedy 3.5 degree engagement angle for quick response when you hit the pedals after coasting.

First impressions of the wheelset is that they are beefy – not weight wise – but in terms of the rim width. A hookless 30mm internal width looks super chunky, and Shimano states that this design provides strength while preventing rim deformation in case of crash or accidental rim bash.

At 1806g (actual), they’re neither boat-anchors nor the lightest option available, especially considering they are carbon – but prioritising durability at the cost of weight savings is to be expected for a wheelset targeted towards enduro riders. That being said, with the M9200 cross country wheelset weighing in at a claimed 1157g, I was sad to see that Shimano aren’t offering a lightweight, race ready wheelset on our shores (yet).

A standard 28-hole layup with stainless steel spokes completes the build, while they are – of course – Microspline only meaning you’ll need Centrelock rotors to get spinning on these.

Joyfully, setting up the wheels was super simple, the tubeless ready construction pairing seamlessly with my Pirelli Scorpion – no compressor required, they seated with a regular track pump. Easy peasy. We are rolling on these without inserts to begin with.

Stay tuned for a full review.