4 NEW WHEELSETS IN CARBON FIBER AND 2 IN ALUMINUM
The Ibis family of wider is better wheelsets has just grown to 9 different models, including two extremely affordable aluminum options.
New offerings in carbon include the 742, 942, 735 and 935.
The aluminum wheels are called the 738 and 938.
Pro Tip: For all our wheels the first number indicates the wheel size, 9 = 29”, 7 = 27.5”.
WIDE
With the 742/942, we’ve retained the 41mm outer/35mm inner widths of our 741/941 rims, while increasing impact strength, reducing weight and maintaining all-important lateral stiffness.
The 735/935 feature 35mm outer and 29mm internal rim widths. The 735/935 are ideal for lighter trail bikes that see more XC time, and also great for riders looking to save as much weight as possible, while taking advantages of the features that wide rims bring you.
TECHNOLOGICAL DETAILS
Our new carbon rim design features a lower cross section height for increased impact performance. The lower 19.5mm section height makes the wheel better able to distribute the loads of localized impacts from rock strikes or hard landings.
Also, we are introducing a new hybrid carbon fiber layup, strategically combining layers of a new, high-toughness carbon/epoxy prepreg with our original carbon composite, increasing both ultimate strength and impact durability. This, combined with the asymmetric rim design that features 5mm of offset (2.5mm on 735/935) allows for higher spoke tensions that are nearly equal from one side of the wheel to the other. As a result of all this, the 742/942 nets a 30% increase in impact strength yet a 7.5% decrease in weight, compared to our previous rims.
ASYMMETRIC
The asymmetric rim design features 5mm of offset (2.5mm on 735/935), which allows higher spoke tensions that are nearly equal from one side of the wheel to the other. This, combined with a section height that is reduced to 19.5mm, makes the wheel stronger yet better able to distribute the loads of localized impacts from rock strikes or hard landings. Also, with the new carbon wheels we are introducing a new hybrid carbon fiber layup, strategically combining layers of a new, high-toughness carbon/epoxy prepreg with our original carbon composite, increasing both ultimate strength and impact durability. As a result of all this, the 742/942 nets a 30% increase in impact strength yet a 7.5% decrease in weight, compared to our previous rims.
HUBS
Our carbon wheels now come with the excellent Industry Nine Torch hubs. The durable hubs are made in the USA in Industry Nine’s Asheville machine shop, and feature a 60t ratchet with 6 out of phase pawls that results in a 3º engagement. They are equipped with Enduro bearings and come with either Shimano or SRAM XD drivers.
AN ADDED “PLUS”
The 742/942/738/938 rims are ideal for the ultra low pressures (10-18 psi) that we like to run with 2.8” Plus tires. They also do wonderful things to the performance of a number of 2.25” – 2.5” tires that start with fairly rounded profiles. We run lower pressures in 2.25-2.5” tires with the wider rims as well, in the neighbourhood of 18-25 psi depending on rider weight and riding conditions.
ADVANTAGES OF WIDE RIMS
A wider rim delivers better sidewall support so in many cases you can run lower pressures in your rubber. Tires mounted on wider rims don’t burp as easily. Lower pressures, even a pound or two, do several beneficial things, including increasing the contact patch, which results in better traction. Running lower pressures on varied terrain actually reduces rolling resistance. Wider rims are stronger and stiffer. With increased traction comes increased braking control.
HITTING THE PLUS SWEET SPOT
The 742/942/738/938 rims are ideal for the ultra low pressures (10-18 psi) that we like to run with 2.8 Plus tires (or 18-25psi for 2.25″ – 2.5″ tires). Running any of our 35mm internal width rims work incredibly well with the new 2.8 Plus rubber we’ve been riding from Schwalbe and Maxxis. The low system weight of the wheels with these rims and tires combined with the monstrous traction advantage have been a revelation for those who have ridden them.
We’ve also had great luck with the 3.0 tires on the rims, and our tire manufacturing friends have informed us that there are a lot of new Plus tires in the pipeline.
You can’t have too much traction.
Ancient mountain bike proverb.
BENEFITS OF WIDER RIMS:
- Dramatically increased traction
- Reduced rolling resistance
- Less tubeless ‘burping’
- Works well with Plus tires up to 3.0″
- Stiffer, stronger wheel
- lighter than most narrow aluminum rims
- Better braking control
- Improved flat protection
- More predictable feel
- You can run a lighter tire with similar durability
- Hookless bead rims are far stronger
- Easy to mount tubeless with just a floor pump
Sounds great. Any product being featured/highlighted/promoted should always come with an indicative price though – or what’s the point? Any idea how much these will retail for and when they will be available?