The trickle-down of technology is a beautiful thing and thankfully, Shimano has started to introduce some more affordable 12-speed compatible wheelsets into their range.

The Shimano WH-MT620 12 Speed Micro Spline Rear Wheel falls into the SLX series which is the workhorse of the Shimano range. It provides similar levels of performance to the flagship models, only with a small weight penalty and without some of the fancy finishing and surface treatments that you might find at higher price-points.

These wheels have a Microspline freehub which is essential if you want to run a 12 speed Shimano cassette. The lightweight aluminium freehub uses smaller, more widely distributed splines that spread the load from the cassette more evenly than traditional HG models, which reduces the surface damage and gouging that the cogs can often cause on aluminium freehubs.

30mm internal width rims means that you can run wide tyres and the Centrelock rotor attachment allows for the use of Shimano's Freeza rotors which maximise the cooling potential of your brakes, keeping them feeling consistent under heavy, sustained braking.

Series: SLX

Hub: Shimano

Rims: Shimano

Materials: Alloy

Hub Engagement: Max 7 degrees

Convertibility: 148 x 12mm thru-axle only

Axle Type: 12 mm E-THRU

Brake Rotor Attachment: Centrelock

Freehub Body: 12 Speed Microspline

Tubeless: Tubeless ready

Weight:

• 27.5": 1206g
• 29": 1255g

Rim Dimensions:

• 27.5": 584 x 30C
• 29": 622 x 30C

Internal Rim Width: 30mm

External Rim Width: 34.7mm

Recommended Tyre Width: 2.25" - 2.5"

Joint Type: Welded

Spokes: 24

Spoke Type: J-Bend

Nipples: Alloy

Pros: Affordable price point, 30mm internal width allows the use of wider tyres.

Cons: Only compatible with 12 speed Microspline cassettes and Centrelock brake rotors.