If you’re the kind of rider who geeks out over every detail of your race setup, the Excess XLS-3 Carbon wheelset is something you DEFFO need to check out.
This isn’t just another set of high-end wheels with a carbon label slapped on.
Nope.
Excess went all-in with this one.
They dialed in the profile, the hub engagement, the brake versatility, even the tubeless-ready design on the 20″ versions.
In short, they didn’t skip a beat.
What got my attention first?
That rear hub with a 120-point engagement.
That’s instant power transfer, no dead space, just GO.
Add in the featherweight carbon rims with that sleek, glossy finish, and you’ve got a race weapon built to grab podiums. But at the same time, your race rig will also look super SLEEK.
These wheels are made for racers who want the real deal. Wheels built to handle real torque, real tracks, and real laps where milliseconds matter.
Whether you’re deep in the national circuit or just hungry to destroy your local track, this setup brings the heat.
Are you ready to dig deep and find out exactly what you’re rolling into?
Excess XLS-3 Carbon Wheelset Review
1. Excess XLS-3 Carbon Wheels Top Features
Excess fine-tuned every element of this wheelset to squeeze out max performance where it matters most – on the gate, in the corners, and during every pedal stroke.
- 3K carbon fiber rims with a low-profile design. Front and rear have different profiles, with a brakeless front and brake-track rear.
- Rear hub has a cassette system with 3 pawls and a 120-point engagement, grabbing every bit of torque when you pedal.
- Tubeless-ready on 20″ versions (yup, you can shed even more rotational weight).
- Rear hub is V-brake ready out of the box, but can be converted to disc brake setup with an optional adapter.
- Rims come pre-taped, and all models use 14G stainless spokes and brass nipples for solid strength and easy maintenance.
- Slick, glossy finish with angled spoke holes and water-transfer decals.
2. Excess XLS-3 Carbon Wheelset Specs & Weight
You’ve seen the highlights.
Now let’s get into the fine print.
Below is everything that makes the XLS-3 tick, from the carbon rims to the high-engagement rear hub and everything in between.
Rim Specs:
- Material: 3K carbon fiber
- Finish: Water decals with shiny clear coating
- Front rim: Brakeless surface profile
- Rear rim: Brake-track surface for V-brakes
- Profile: Low-profile aero design
- Valve: Presta valve hole
- Spoke holes: Angled for improved strength
- Tubeless-ready: Yes, on 20″ versions (Bead Lock system)
Spokes & Nipples:
- Spokes: 14-gauge stainless steel
- Nipples: Brass
- Extras: Excess rim tape included
Front Hub Specs:
- Bearings: 2 sealed bearings
- Axle: Alloy
- End caps: Alloy with CNC machined aluminum caps
- Axle type: 3/8″ bolts (Mini/Expert use M6)
- Optional upgrade: 20mm conversion kit available for Pro Lite, Pro and Pro Cruiser (sold separately)
Rear Hub Specs:
- Bearings: 4 sealed bearings
- Axle: Alloy (chromoly on 20 x 1.75″ and 24 x 1.75″ versions)
- Driver: Alloy driver with 3 pawls + 5-fin engagement system
- Engagement: 120 ratchet points
- Axle type: 3/8″ bolts with CNC alloy bolt caps (M6 for Mini/Expert)
- Compatibility: Shimano-style cog (not included)
- Extras: Comes with 1mm & 0.5mm driver spacers and alloy lock ring
- Disc option: Center lock adapter available (sold separately)
Weights By Size:
- 20 x 1-3/8″ (Mini/Expert)
- Front: 21.8 oz / 620g
- Rear: 28.2 oz / 799g
- 20 x 1.75″ (Pro Lite/Pro)
- Front: 28.9 oz / 820g
- Rear: 31.9 oz / 906g
- 24 x 1.75″ (Pro Cruiser)
- Front: 33.8 oz / 960g
- Rear: 36.5 oz / 1036g
Retail Price: $829.99+
Cog, center lock disc adapter, and 20mm axle adapter sold separately.
GET YOUR EXCESS XLS-3 CARBON WHEELS NOW3. How The Excess XLS-3 Wheels Ride
These wheels don’t just look fast – they ride like they’ve got a motor hidden inside.
What immediately stands out is how quick they respond.
The 120-point engagement in the rear hub means there’s practically zero lag when you stomp on the pedals.
It feels snappy, alive, and locked in.
You push, it moves – SIMPLE as that.
No hesitation. Perfect for snap gates and explosive sprints out of the corner.
The carbon rims also do their part. (Well, DUH!)
They’re stiff and efficient, transferring power with minimal flex, so every bit of effort counts.
But they don’t feel harsh. The low-profile design smooths out the ride just enough to give you control without giving up speed.
And the lightness? Epic.
Moreover, do you plan to run them tubeless? Even better.
Dropping rotational weight makes manuals, pumps, and transitions feel more responsive.
It’s not just about going faster. It’s about FEELING faster and having that lightweight edge that keeps your bike agile and easy to maneuver at race pace.
Super. Important.
Not to mention, braking is both sharp and reliable.
The rear brake-track grabs well without being grabby, and the ability to switch to disc brakes down the line is a huge bonus for those building a futureproof race setup.
Everything feels tighter, quicker, and just plain better with these wheels under you.
GET YOUR EXCESS XLS-3 CARBON WHEELS NOW4. Real Rider Feedback
- Derek (Pro Cruiser Class): “The tubeless setup on the 24s feels incredible. I dropped weight and gained grip. Wouldn’t race without them.”
- Luis (Expert 20”): “Insane engagement on the hub. Every pedal stroke feels instant. I’m out of the gate quicker than ever.”
- Mika (Junior Girl): “I noticed how much lighter they were right away. Easier manuals, quicker turns – I love ‘em.”
- Tyler (Pro Lite 20”): “I ride hard and haven’t trued the wheels yet after 3 months. Crazy durable. Worth every dollar.”
- Zane (Track Coach): “We’ve been running these on a few team bikes. They’ve helped shave seconds off lap times – no joke.”
5. Potential Cons Of The Excess XLS-3 Wheels
- The price tag is steep (but not crazy high). But it’s carbon, so you already know that.
- You need to buy the cog, disc adapter, and 20mm axle separately if needed.
- Tubeless setup requires extra parts (sealant, valves, tape), and some patience.
6. Who The Excess XLS-3 Wheelset Is Best For
This wheelset is for dedicated racers.
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or an ambitious expert, if you’re chasing podium finishes, the XLS-3 will help get you there.
The XLS-3 Carbon Wheelset Is Perfect For:
- Riders focused on performance and shaving off every millisecond
- Racers who want instant hub engagement for faster starts
- Those looking to drop weight with a tubeless-ready setup
- Riders planning to switch to disc brakes later (thanks to the adaptable rear hub)
- BMXers who’ve already dialed in their geometry and gearing and now want the final edge
- Track coaches and team riders wanting reliable, race-proven tech
- Anyone building a high-end race bike they won’t need to upgrade again soon
Conclusion: Is The Excess XLS-3 Carbon Wheelset Right For You?
At the end of the day, BMX racing is all about efficiency, control, and getting every last bit of power to the ground.
Luckily, that’s exactly what the Excess XLS-3 Carbon wheelset is built for.
This isn’t a flashy upgrade you’ll forget about next week. (Although, let’s be real, it is a bit flashy – all in a good way 😊.)
It’s a core performance piece that’ll transform how your race bike reacts, how it corners, how it launches.
It offers you the reward before you even leave the gate.
Furthermore, these wheels future-proof your setup with lightweight carbon rims, stupid-fast hub engagement, and the option to go tubeless or switch to disc brakes down the road.
Whether you’re trying to drop lap times, boost out of berms quicker, or simply make your ride feel more dialed, the XLS-3 wheelset has your back.
Yeah, the price is premium. But so is the performance.
If you’re serious about racing (or leveling up), this is an investment in progress.
👉 Ready to stop wasting watts and start gaining ground? Then it’s time to go XLS-3.
GET YOUR EXCESS XLS-3 CARBON WHEELS NOWDon’t miss other great BMX racing bike carbon upgrades by Answer:
