When considering lightweight XC wheels, aluminum may not be the first material that comes to mind. However, high-quality aluminum wheels boast impressive performance characteristics comparable to carbon, including low weight, durability, and resistance to impacts. When crafted properly, they are suitable for competitive racers and casual trail enthusiasts alike. The challenge lies in the fact that while many carbon wheels excel in these areas, most aluminum wheels fall short. Fortunately, the Control 29 wheels represent an aluminum wheelset that is genuinely ready for competition. What distinguishes the Control 29 wheels is their incorporation of advanced technologies similar to those found in our carbon model, the Control SL. They feature the same rim design with a 25-millimeter inner width, thorough on-trail testing, and our innovative Zero Bead Hook technology. Our Zero Bead Hook rim eliminates the outdated design known as a bead hook, which is located at the top of the rim and sits slightly inward from the sidewall, grasping the tire’s bead. While this may seem innocuous, the bead hook creates a weak point in the rim that is prone to crushing or bending. By eliminating the hook, we can manufacture the rim to much tighter tolerances and reduce weight since reinforcement for the hook is unnecessary. As a result, these wheels can nearly match the strength of carbon while also being lighter than many carbon alternatives. More importantly, the Zero Bead Hook design effectively addresses the weakness that has caused flat spots and dents for countless riders over the years. If you are one of those riders who treats your four-inch travel XC bike like a six-inch trail bike, you're in luck.