If wheels are the unsung heroes of any dirt bike, rims are the part doing the ugly work—smacking rocks, shrugging off square edges, and landing jump faces like it’s just another Tuesday. Excel’s two heavy hitters—A60 and Takasago—look similar from 10 feet away, but they’re tuned for different kinds of abuse. Pick right, and you’ll spend more time riding and less time saying, “Well, that’s egg-shaped now.”
Why Rim Choice Matters
Your rim influences durability, ride feel, and how well your wheel holds true. Motocross, hard enduro, and adventure riding stress rims differently. A day of SX triples is nothing like 40 miles of baby-head rocks, and neither is like a loaded ADV bike pounding washboard at 60 mph. Same brand, different tools.
A60 vs. Takasago—At a Glance
- Excel A60: Built from Excel’s 7000-series aluminum heritage with a unique V-Curve profile that sheds mud and adds rigidity. It’s engineered to be about 15% stronger than Takasago. Think max strength for MX/SX and aggressive enduro fronts.
- Excel Takasago: The classic, race-proven rim made from Excel’s exclusive 7000-series aluminum. Balanced strength, broad size/color options, and great for general off-road, desert, and ADV use where width and availability matter.
Bottom line: A60 prioritizes brute strength and dent resistance; Takasago balances durability with size/fitment variety and cost.
Choose by Riding Style (MX / Enduro / ADV)
Motocross / Supercross
If your life is whoops, ruts, and hard landings, go A60 front and rear. The V-Curve profile helps resist flat spots and keeps the rim tracking true when you come up half a bike short (we’ve all been there). Popular combos are 21×1.60 front and 19×1.85–2.15 rear.
Enduro / Hard Enduro
Rocks and roots are dent factories. Many riders choose an A60 front for maximum impact resistance and a Takasago rear for slightly more compliance and broader size options. If you’re habitually bashing bash plates, A60 both ends is a strong-guy move.
Dual-Sport / Adventure
Loaded bikes + long miles = you need widths and finishes that fit more bikes and tires. Takasago usually wins here thanks to more size choices (including wider rears) and solid durability. A60 is superbly strong but typically comes in more limited widths, which can constrain ADV tire selection.
Sizes & Fitment Tips
- Common A60 sizes: 21×1.60 front; 18×2.15 or 19×1.85/2.15 rear (limited colorways).
- Takasago range: Wider spread of 21/19/18 (and some 17) options, multiple widths and colors—handy for dual-sport/ADV builds.
- Drill count: Verify 32H vs 36H to match your hub, and confirm spoke/nipple system compatibility before ordering.
- Load & tire: Pair rim width to tire spec and intended load (especially for ADV). Wider isn’t always stronger—match the job.
Install Tips & Tools
Wheel building isn’t black magic, but it does reward patience:
- Prep: Clean hub flanges, inspect bearings, and lay out spokes by length/side. Use light anti-seize on spoke threads if the manufacturer allows.
- Lace: Start at the valve hole for reference, keep cross pattern consistent, and bring nipples up evenly.
- True: Radial first, then lateral. Work in tiny increments. Re-check dish. Spin it again after initial tension settles.
- Torque: Follow the torque spec for your specific spoke/nipple system (varies by brand). Don’t guess.
Helpful tools (in stock):
• Excel Spline Drive Tool (SKU EXCSDN-01W8)
Shop Excel Rims
Browse our full Excel lineup here: Excel Rims, Spokes & Tools Collection.
Popular picks:
- Excel A60 Rim 21×1.60 36H – Black (SKU EXCICK608)
- Excel A60 Rim 18×2.15 36H – Black (SKU EXCFEK622)
- Excel Takasago Rim 21×1.60 36H – Purple (SKU EXCICP408)
- Excel Takasago Rim 18×2.15 36H – Black (SKU EXCICK110)
Safety & Liability Disclaimer
Safety gear: Eye protection, gloves, closed-toe shoes. If tire work: rim protectors, quality tire irons, and a bead-holding tool. Use a truing stand and a torque-capable spoke wrench. Follow all manufacturer instructions for wheels, spokes, nipples, tires, tubes, and rim locks. Check spoke tension after the first ride and periodically thereafter.
Wheel building/servicing affects vehicle safety. If you’re unsure, consult a qualified professional. Off-road riding is inherently risky—ride within your limits and follow all local laws.
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Got dent stories, trueing tricks, or a favorite setup? Tell us your best (or worst!) rim tales in the comments below.
