LEADBETTER 305 Testing Setup

LEADBETTER 305 is our E-bike specific rim that's designed to be more sturdy and more durable to account for the extra weight of an electric mountain bike (EMTB). We wanted to ensure that these wheels are able take a beating and hold up when ridden hard on a EMTB.

Wheel spec:
- Leadbetter 305 rims (30.5mm internal width)
- DT350 hubs
- Maxxis DHF tires
- Boost spacing 110x15mm front, 148x12mm rear

Our tester bike is a customized Trek Rail 7.
- Rockshox Zeb 170mm Travel
- Rockshox Monarch shock 150mm
- Fox transfer dropper post
- Shimano XT Drivetrain
- Shimano SLX brakes with 200mm front rotor
- Renthal 35mm rise handlebars
- Rental 35mm stem
- WTB Volt Saddle
- Ergon Grips

We tested the LEADBETTER 305 wheelset for 3 months. Riding a number of trails in Santa Barbara such as Tunnel, Romero Canyon, and Jesusita. These trails were steep, rocky and tough. We took a few spills on the way down, and both the wheels and the bike took a beating. Our riders were between 150-190lbs and the bike weight around 50lbs.

But over the course of 3 months, we rode the LEADBETTER 305 wheels dozens of times on our local trails and the results were positive. The wheels were still true (but some of the spokes needed to be adjusted). No cracks or major damage.