Frequently Asked Questions

What's with the raised square-shaped area around the spokes?

That's material right where you need it. With information from testing in our carbon lab in hand, we set about determining how to build the strongest rim possible, and part of the result is the square-shaped reinforcements you can see around the spoke holes.

Can individual front and/or rear wheels be purchased separately?

Absolutely. Sometimes weird things happen, or you want to run a different front and rear rim. Wheel flew off your roof rack never to be seen again? Mid-fat in the rear with a standard tire up front? Just let your dealer know which wheel you need and we'll get one out to them.

Can you build me a wheelset if I send you my hubs? Do you sell rim-only?

We do not currently offer wheelbuilding services, but we do offer rim-only options so you can have your dream wheels built by an experienced wheelsmith.

Are all Reserve wheelsets Ebike compatible? 

Only three rims meet the requirements of use on ebikes: the Reserve 30, Reserve 30|HD, and Reserve DH on front, and the Reserve DH on rear only.

How does the Lifetime Warranty work?

We'll repair or replace at our option any Reserve rim made by Santa Cruz Bicycles that is damaged or destroyed by riding. The warranty will be in effect for the lifetime of the rim and is available only to the original owner.

If you need to replace your rim, you can make a warranty claim here and our warranty team will take care of you.

For a hub specific warranty issue you would want to work with the hub manufacturer (I9, Chris King, or DT Swiss) for warranty assistance.

How do I find the serial number for my rims?

Your wheels will ship with cards signed by the wheelbuilder that list your Serial number. Serial numbers are also printed on the bed of the rim, a few inches from the valve hole, under your rim tape.

Will there be non-boost Reserve wheel options for older or non compatible bike models?

Currently we only have Boost hub options (110x15mm Front & 148x12mm Rear). However, we do offer a Reserve rim-only option for custom build ups on older/different hub options.

Do you offer wheels for my 135mm QR bike or 100x15mm through-axle fork?

We only offer Reserve road and gravel wheels with 142x12 rear and 100x12 front hubs. Both the Industry Nine and DT 350 endcaps that can be easily swapped to convert these to 100x15 or 135mm QR if you need that for your bike. Just speak with your dealer, and they will help you out!

Do you recommend or advise against using a tubeless aid system such as Schwalbe Pro Core with the Reserve wheels?

Totally up to you! They add weight, but they do also add some protection. We have seen good results with Pro-Core in our wheel test lab.

Where can I find an owner's manual for my Reserve Wheels?

All of our owner's manuals are kept freshright here.

Is there a weight limit for my wheels?

Reserve wheels do not have rider weight limits.

Do I need rim tape?

Yes, if you use tubes, you will need tape to cover the spoke holes to prevent the tube from being punctured. If you run a tubeless set up, you will need to install tubeless compatible rim tape.

Which valve length will I need for my wheels?

*All MY22 Reserve MTB wheels are spec’d with WTB TCS Valve (46mm).

22, 25, 27, 28XC, 30, 30|SL, 31|DH : 46mm or larger

32, 34|37, 35|35: 50mm or larger

40|44 - 60mm  or larger

50|50 - 70mm  or larger

50|65 - 70mm (50) and 80mm (65)  or larger

How do I switch a driver on my wheels? 

This is depending on hub model and maker, and you should refer specifically to the hub manufacturer’s website for instructions.

Can DT Swiss Ratchet EXP drivers be used on non-EXP hubs?

No, they are not compatible.

Do the wheels use brass or aluminum nipples? 

Our complete wheelsets are built with aluminum nipples.

Does the lifetime warranty apply to rims?

Yes. 

Do you offer Superboost 157 hub options? 

We only offer models with this hub spacing in DH and MX wheel hubs. Please check the individual wheelset pages for more detail.

What is the recommended spoke tension? 

The recommended spoke tension for Santa Cruz Bicycles Reserve Carbon Wheels is 100-120 kgf (9.8- 11.8 Nm).

Do you replace the rim or complete wheel? 

We replace the complete wheel in all but rare cases where supply issues necessitate providing support of rims only.

Will you replace the wheel each time I break a rim?  

Yes, in all but rare situations, we replace the complete wheel.

Do you warranty the hub if I have an issue?

Hub warranty support is provided by the hub manufacturer directly.

Where can I find information for older Reserve Wheels

Click here to see the product archive.

Shipping and Returns FAQs

What is your return policy?

Returns can be made within 60 Days of purchase. Refunds can only be issued to your original payment method. Shipping is non-refundable, except in cases where we have made a shipping error. We do not have an "exchange" process - simply return your item and place a new order for the alternate item.

How do I make a return?

Start your returns process here: Make a Reserve Wheels Return.

If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact us through this form. Whatever the problem, please let us know - our customer service staff will work with you until it's resolved.

Non-Refundable Items

Returns received after 60 days of the original order shipment date.

Returns received in used, damaged or worn condition.

Any special offers where terms state that sale is final.

No Returns or Credits for Items Shipped Internationally

Once I place my order, how soon will you ship it?

Your order will ship out within 2 Business Days.

How long will it take for my order to arrive?

Standard shipping time within the continental US takes 5-10 business days.

What shipping method do you use?

Orders within the United States and Canada are shipped via UPS, DHL, or USPS. We currently do not ship outside of the United States.

How much does shipping cost?

For Continental United States, there is free shipping for orders $49.00 and more.

What forms of payment do you accept?

We gladly accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express. If ordering from outside the United States or Canada, we may request a copy of your photo ID for verification purposes.