A New Chapter
Commencal Muc-Off x Crankbrothers
We're incredibly excited to partner with the Commencal Muc-Off team for 2025 and beyond as the team's official wheel sponsor. Commencal Muc-Off is undoubtedly one of the most successful teams on the DH World Cup circuit, and we cannot wait to watch Amaury, Myriam, Loris, and the Alran brothers line up in the start hut aboard our Synthesis wheels.
"I am super stoked to be on Crankbrothers. I had already tried them a few times before, and I was really happy how smooth they were and the comfort they can give me. Super excited about what we can do in the future. Let's go!"
- AMAURY PIERRON, 2 x DH WORLD CUP CHAMPION
“We’ve been keeping a close eye on the Crankbrothers Synthesis Carbon wheel for a while now. This wheel brings something special that provides riders with the extra confidence they need—exactly what we strive to offer in our pursuit of those crucial hundredths of a second that lead to the top step.”
- THIBAUT RUFFIN,TEAM MANAGER
"We’ve been chatting to Commencal Muc-Off about a partnership for a few years now, and it’s great to see it come together for 2025 and beyond. With wheels in particular, there is a never-ending search for improvements, and CMO’s approach to product development is second to none. It’s like having a teacher or boss who drives you a little crazy but in the end, makes you better. Our carbon wheel range came to life at the races, and with something new on the horizon for alloy, there couldn’t be a better time to team up."
- GEORGE GORE BROWNE, CRANKBROTHERS MARKETING DIRECTOR
When you're chasing podiums, hundredths of a second can make a huge difference. Arthur Quet, the team's engineer, gave us a rundown on some of the key aspects they look for in a wheel.
From an engineering perspective, what are you looking for in a wheel, and how does Synthesis match up?
AQ: When developing a race wheel, we aim for a balance between precision and compliance combined with high durability. The Synthesis wheels we use provide excellent precision while also filtering terrain feedback. They are forgiving, meaning they absorb impacts smoothly without generating disruptive feedback to the rider.
How does this translate into an overall performance gain?
AQ: This behavior gives riders more confidence, allowing them to push their limits and take greater risks. The wheel’s stiffness and precision help maintain high speed through braking bumps and corners, as it doesn’t deflect unpredictably. This results in better control, improved efficiency, and more speed conservation, which is crucial in race conditions. In short, the Synthesis wheels make the bike both more stable and more responsive, giving riders the best of both worlds.
How are you working together with CB and the team to push further?
AQ: Our team is always chasing performance, meaning that what works today will be reassessed in a few months as we strive for improvements. Crankbrothers wheels are already extremely strong, but we’ve collaborated on optimizing spoke lacing to maximize durability. Now, we’re working on a deeper understanding of wheel structure, fine-tuning the rims, and preparing for future product innovations. We’ve also conducted extensive testing across different Crankbrothers models to determine the best setups for different riders and race tracks.
AQ: When developing a race wheel, we aim for a balance between precision and compliance combined with high durability. The Synthesis wheels we use provide excellent precision while also filtering terrain feedback. They are forgiving, meaning they absorb impacts smoothly without generating disruptive feedback to the rider.
How does this translate into an overall performance gain?
AQ: This behavior gives riders more confidence, allowing them to push their limits and take greater risks. The wheel’s stiffness and precision help maintain high speed through braking bumps and corners, as it doesn’t deflect unpredictably. This results in better control, improved efficiency, and more speed conservation, which is crucial in race conditions. In short, the Synthesis wheels make the bike both more stable and more responsive, giving riders the best of both worlds.
How are you working together with CB and the team to push further?
AQ: Our team is always chasing performance, meaning that what works today will be reassessed in a few months as we strive for improvements. Crankbrothers wheels are already extremely strong, but we’ve collaborated on optimizing spoke lacing to maximize durability. Now, we’re working on a deeper understanding of wheel structure, fine-tuning the rims, and preparing for future product innovations. We’ve also conducted extensive testing across different Crankbrothers models to determine the best setups for different riders and race tracks.
2025 is shaping up to be one of the best seasons yet. 86 days and counting until the first race day of the season. See you in Poland.
