PI ROPE wheelset 28" Gravel FADE Center Lock Lucky Jack SLS4 26 | Golden Shine
Can a robust gravel wheelset with textile spokes work? So far, there have been many attempts by 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 ideal 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.
The Lucky Jack rims from Duke form the ideal basis for this exceptional wheelset. The clever French have succeeded in improving the Lucky Jack even further compared to the SLS3 version. In doing so, they have once again pushed the seemingly technically possible boundaries. A 26 mm wide rim with a weight of only 285 g is a direct challenge to the competition.
How did they achieve this? They took a closer look at the individual elements of the rims and looked for ways to optimize them. In particular, a new resin was used. This not only made it possible to reduce weight, but also to increase impact resistance. Similar to the SLS3 production process, no post-processing or painting is necessary after production.
The rims have an asymmetrical rim profile, which enables a more even spoke angle. This optimization of the spoke angle has a number of advantages. The spoke tension on both sides can be better aligned, which is beneficial to the durability of the spokes and the wheel as a whole. The normally direction-dependent lateral stiffness is also adjusted, making the wheel stiffer in itself.
In cooperation with the well-known wheel and component manufacturer NEWMEN, special hubs have been developed that can accommodate the special ends of the PI ROPE spokes. As with its predecessor, the current FADE hubs with pawl freewheel feature durable bearings that are pressed in precisely and stress-free, so that the often tedious adjustment of the axial bearing play is completely eliminated. Thanks to the slim shape in the middle section, the hub saves weight and is also more aerodynamic.
The makers of PI ROPE have confidence in their products and offer a 3-year warranty on all material and manufacturing defects as well as a 2-year crash replacement.
technical data
Area of application: Gravel
Wheel size: 29" (ETRTO: 622 x 25.6 mm)
Rim type: clincher (clincher and folding tires)
Brake type: for disc brakes only
Brake rotor mount: Center Lock
Hub material: Aluminum, steel
Rim material: Carbon
Spoke material: Vectran synthetic fiber
Inner width: 25.6 mm
Outer width: 31.5 mm
Rim height: 19 mm
Offset: 2.6 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 BOOST
Rear axle standard: 12x142 mm BOOST
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 SRAM XDR, 13-speed Campagnolo N3W
Freewheel type: 3 pawls, 33 ratchets
recommended tire width: 1.3" - 2.4" (34-61 mm)
max. air pressure: max. 2.5 bar (for 2.1" tire width)
tubeless capable: yes
maximum system weight: 110 kg (rider, bike, clothing and possibly luggage)
Valve hole: Presta valve (SV)
Rim color: UD-silk gloss black, black decals
Color spokes: gold (natural)
Color hubs: black
Weight according to manufacturer: 1030g
Weight self-weighed:
Scope of delivery:
1x front wheel
1x rear wheel
1x spare spoke
1x tube of maintenance oil for textile spokes