Race Face’s Vault Enduro 30 wheels are a top-tier choice for riders seeking high-performance, durability, and enhanced handling on demanding trail and enduro rides. These wheels are built to offer unmatched stability and reliability, especially when tackling rough terrain at high speeds. In this guide, we’ll dive deep into why upgrading to the Vault Enduro 30 wheels is an excellent decision for serious riders, and we’ll also cover installation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and compatibility.

Key Features of Vault Enduro 30 Wheels

The Vault Enduro 30 wheels are engineered with performance and strength in mind. Here are the standout features:

• Wide Rims for Stability: The 30mm internal width of the rims ensures a stable platform for wider tires, improving grip and traction.
• Durability: These wheels are built to withstand aggressive riding styles, with tough rims and high-quality hubs.
• Lightweight: Despite their strength, the Vault Enduro 30 wheels are designed to be lightweight, reducing rotational mass and enhancing acceleration.
• Tubeless Ready: The wheels come tubeless-ready, allowing for better puncture resistance and improved ride quality by running lower tire pressures.

Installation of Vault Enduro 30 Wheels

Installing the Vault Enduro 30 wheels on your bike is straightforward but requires attention to detail. Follow these steps:

Tools Required:

• 15mm wrench
• 5mm Allen wrench [paid link]
• Torque wrench [paid link]
• Tubeless tire kit (if converting to tubeless)
• Rim tape (if not pre-installed)

Steps:

1. Remove Old Wheels: If you are replacing existing wheels, use a 5mm Allen wrench [paid link] to remove the quick-release or thru-axle, depending on your bike’s setup.
2. Install the New Hubs: The Vault Enduro 30 wheels come with either QR or thru-axle compatibility, so select the appropriate size for your frame. Insert the hubs into the dropouts and secure them with the correct axle.
3. Install Tires: If you are using tubeless tires, apply rim tape and sealant before mounting the tire. Otherwise, mount your preferred tires according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
4. Inflate Tires: For tubeless setups, use a compressor to seat the tire beads properly, ensuring an airtight seal. For traditional tubes, inflate to the desired pressure.
5. Check Alignment: Before tightening any components, check that the wheel is correctly aligned and spins freely.
6. Torque the Axles: Use a torque wrench [paid link] to tighten the axles to the manufacturer’s specified torque value. Over-tightening or under-tightening can lead to poor performance or damage.

Adjustment and Maintenance of Vault Enduro 30 Wheels

To keep the Vault Enduro 30 wheels performing at their best, regular maintenance and proper adjustments are essential.

Maintenance Tips:

• Hub Servicing: Periodically inspect the hubs for signs of wear or dirt accumulation. Clean and re-grease the bearings as needed to maintain smooth rotation. If you notice any play in the hubs, it may be time to replace the bearings.
• Rim Care: Clean the rims regularly using a gentle cleanser and a soft brush to remove dirt and debris. Inspect the rim for any dents or cracks, especially after riding on rough trails.
• Tire Inspection: Regularly inspect the tires for punctures, wear, and proper pressure. Running lower tire pressures can help absorb impacts but may also increase the risk of pinch flats. Ensure that your tires are correctly seated and balanced.

Adjustments:

• Spoke Tension: If you notice any wobble or irregularities in the wheel, the spoke tension may need adjustment. Use a spoke tension meter to check if any spokes are too tight or too loose, as this can affect wheel performance and longevity.
• Brake Rotor Alignment: Ensure that the brake rotors are aligned and spin freely. If you hear rubbing, adjust the rotor or brake caliper to eliminate any interference.

Troubleshooting Common Set-up Issues

While the Vault Enduro 30 wheels are designed to be durable and reliable, riders may encounter a few issues during installation or after use. Here are some common problems and their solutions:

Issue 1: The Wheel Wobbles or is Out of True

• Cause: Spoke tension may be uneven, or the wheel may have taken a hit that caused it to go out of true.
• Solution: Use a truing stand to inspect the wheel. If necessary, adjust the spoke tension using a spoke wrench to bring the wheel back to true. If the damage is severe, the wheel may need professional repair or replacement.

Issue 2: Tire Beads Won’t Seat Properly (Tubeless Setup)

• Cause: Insufficient air pressure or dirt on the rim surface may prevent the tire beads from seating.
• Solution: Ensure the rim is clean and the tire is correctly aligned. Use a compressor to quickly inflate the tire and seat the beads. If necessary, add more sealant to improve the airtight seal.

Issue 3: Noise from the Hubs

• Cause: A noisy hub could indicate that the freehub mechanism needs lubrication or that the bearings require servicing.
• Solution: Disassemble the freehub and clean it thoroughly. Apply fresh lubricant to the moving parts and reassemble the hub. If the noise persists, inspect the bearings for wear and replace them if needed.

Customization and Optimization for Better Performance

The Vault Enduro 30 wheels are already built for high performance, but there are several ways you can optimize them to suit your specific riding style and terrain preferences.

1. Tire Selection:

Choosing the right tire width and tread pattern is crucial for optimizing performance. Wider tires provide more grip, but narrower tires may be more suitable for smoother trails. Select a tire that matches your riding style—knobby tires for aggressive trail riding and slicks for faster, smoother rides.

2. Tubeless Setup:

Using a tubeless setup can greatly improve the ride quality and reduce the risk of punctures. If you haven’t already, consider switching to a tubeless setup to take full advantage of the Vault Enduro 30 wheels’ capabilities. Tubeless tires provide better traction, especially in low-pressure settings, and can improve comfort on rough trails.

3. Spoke Lacing:

For even more customization, you can opt for different spoke lacing patterns depending on your preference for stiffness or flexibility. A 3-cross lacing provides a balance of strength and compliance, while a radial lacing can be lighter and stiffer, providing quicker acceleration.

Comparison with Similar Models

When considering a wheel upgrade, it’s essential to compare the Vault Enduro 30 with other similar models to determine the best fit for your needs. Here’s a quick comparison:

• Vault Enduro 30 vs. Race Face Atlas: While both models are durable and tubeless-ready, the Atlas wheels are more focused on downhill and aggressive riding, with a slightly wider internal rim width. The Vault Enduro 30 offers a more balanced performance, making it ideal for both climbing and descending.
• Vault Enduro 30 vs. DT Swiss EX 1501: The EX 1501 is known for its Swiss engineering and performance but tends to be slightly heavier. The Vault Enduro 30 wheels are lighter, making them more ideal for enduro riders who need to balance climbing efficiency with downhill capability.

Understanding Compatibility with Other Drivetrain Components

The Vault Enduro 30 wheels are compatible with a wide range of drivetrain components, including Shimano, SRAM, and other major brands. However, there are key factors to consider:

• Axle Compatibility: Ensure that your bike frame and fork can accommodate the 15mm or 20mm thru-axles that come with the Vault Enduro 30 wheels. Some older frames may require adaptors to fit these axles.
• Freehub Compatibility: The Vault Enduro 30 hubs use a standard freehub, making them compatible with most 11-speed and 12-speed drivetrains. However, be sure to check whether your drivetrain uses a XD driver or a standard driver before purchase.
• Brake Compatibility: These wheels are disc brake-compatible, so ensure your frame is set up to accommodate disc brakes. The Vault Enduro 30 wheels come with a 6-bolt rotor mount system, which is common in most modern bikes.

By understanding these compatibility factors, you can be sure that your Vault Enduro 30 wheels will integrate seamlessly with your bike’s drivetrain and braking system.