PI ROPE wheelset 28" Gravel Light Center Lock Beast GR25 | Golden Shine
Can a robust gravel wheelset with textile spokes work? So far, there have been many approaches from well-known manufacturers, but all of them have produced less than satisfactory results. The young and extremely innovative think tank PI ROPE from Chemnitz, Saxony, has made the impossible possible in collaboration with Chemnitz University of Technology. The result is a textile spoke made from braided Vectran synthetic fibers.
The material is extremely robust, resistant to ageing and weathering and has better mechanical properties than its steel counterpart. The tensile strength and damping are many times higher, but the weight of the fibers is five times lower. These are optimal conditions for a very light, yet durable wheel, as the rotating masses in the important outer areas are minimized and the flexibility of the Vectran textile spokes prevents permanent plastic deformation at high load peaks.
Rims from Beast Components are the ideal basis for this extraordinary wheelset. The small manufacturer from Dresden has dedicated itself entirely to the material carbon and manufactures with it at the highest level, guaranteeing stability and durability.
With the GR25, you get a lightweight yet stiff rim. It shows its advantages particularly on narrow trails. Steering commands are passed on directly and smoothly, and the low weight has a positive effect when accelerating. Of course, fast passages on asphalt or gravel are also no problem, making this rim an all-round talent.
The hookless and extra-reinforced rim flange ensures robustness. This can withstand even the hardest punctures, preventing damage to this exposed area. Furthermore, the air pressure can be lowered, which significantly increases comfort and grip. In addition, the enormous inner width gives the tire perfect support, which prevents it from buckling in fast bends and creates more riding stability.
The rims have an asymmetrical rim profile, which enables a more even spoke angle. This optimization allows the tension on both sides to be better aligned, which is beneficial to the durability of the spokes and the wheel as a whole.
The high-quality workmanship and the well thought-out choice of materials mean that you can forgive the occasional riding mistake and keep the rims looking like new even after many kilometers.
In cooperation with the well-known German component manufacturer NONPLUS COMPONENTS, special hubs were developed to accommodate the special ends of the PI ROPE spokes.
Extra-large bearings support the black anodized hub body on a 17 mm axle. On the rear wheel, two more support the freehub body. Micro-gap end caps seal everything and keep dirt or water away from the inside of the hub. In addition, a unique venting system prevents the build-up of negative pressure due to temperature fluctuations in the hub. As a result, no moisture is sucked into the ball bearings, which ensures a significantly longer service life and noticeably smoother running of the bearings.
The freewheel mechanism is technically exceptional. The bevel gearing has a contact surface that is approx. 400 % larger than conventional spur gearing
spur gears and therefore enables maximum power transmission with minimum wear. Together with the hard anodized surface, the very elaborately manufactured back of the tooth ensures low abrasion and thus additionally increases durability. The 45-fold toothing results in a maximum free travel of 8°. This means you always have optimum propulsion in every riding situation.
The makers of PI ROPE have confidence in their products and grant a 3-year guarantee on all material and manufacturing defects as well as a 2-year crash replacement.
technical data
Area of application: Gravel
Wheel size: 28" (ETRTO: 622 x 25 mm)
Rim type: clincher (clincher and folding tires)
Brake type: for disc brakes only
Brake disc mount: Center Lock
Hub material: Aluminum, steel
Rim material: Carbon
Spoke material: Vectran synthetic fiber
Inner width: 25 mm
Outer width: 30.4 mm
Rim height: 30 mm
Offset: yes, 2 mm
Number of holes: 24 holes (per rim)
Spokes: 48x Pi ROPE Vectran PI Protect textile spokes / straight pull
Lacing pattern: 3-crossed
Axle standard front: 12x100 mm thru axle
Rear axle standard: 12x142 mm thru axle
Front bearing: 2x industrial deep groove ball bearings
Rear bearing: 4x industrial deep groove ball bearings
Freehub compatibility: 11-, 12-speed Shimano Road, 12-speed Shimano Micro Spline, 12-speed SRAM XDR, 13-speed Campagnolo N3W
Freehub type: tapered toothing, 45 teeth | max. 8° free travel
recommended tire width: 28 - 55 mm
max. air pressure: 61 psi / 4.2 bar (for 28 mm), 41 psi / 2.8 bar (for 55 mm)
tubeless capable: yes
maximum system weight: 120 kg (rider, bike, clothing and possibly luggage)
Valve hole: Presta valve (SV)
Rim color: UD-silk gloss black, gray decals
Color spokes: gold (natural)
Color hubs: black
Weight according to manufacturer: 1165g
Weight self-weighed: 1148g (wheelset), 532g (front wheel), 615g (rear wheel)
Scope of delivery:
1x front wheel
1x rear wheel
1x spare spoke
1x tube of maintenance oil for textile spokes