PI ROPE wheelset 28" Gravel Light Center Lock World Runner X 25 | Golden Shine
Can a lightweight gravel wheelset with textile spokes work? Can a lightweight road wheelset with textile spokes work? So far, there have been many attempts by well-known manufacturers, but none of them have produced 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 Duke World Runner X 25 rim serves as the basis. In contrast to its predecessor, its inner width has increased to a modern 24.8 mm, which means that even wide gravel tires are perfectly and safely supported. It is made from a high-quality aluminium alloy and boasts a clean finish and low weight.Of course, this rim is also designed for tubeless use in order to reduce the susceptibility to punctures. It also has an asymmetrical rim profile, which enables a more even spoke angle. This optimization has various advantages. The tension of the spokes can be better aligned on both sides, which is beneficial to their durability and the wheel as a whole. The normally direction-dependent lateral stiffness is also reduced, making the wheel more stable.
In collaboration 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 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: 28" (ETRTO: 622 x 25)
Rim type: clincher (clincher and folding tires)
Brake type: for disc brakes only
Brake rotor mount: Center Lock
Hub material: Aluminum, steel
Rim material: Aluminum
Spoke material: Vectran synthetic fiber
Inner width: 24.8 mm
Outer width: 30 mm
Rim height: 24.7 mm
Offset: 2 mm (asymmetrical)
Number of holes: 24 holes (per rim)
Spokes: 48x Pi ROPE Vectran PI Protect textile spokes / straight pull
Lacing pattern: front: 2-crossed | rear: 2-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, 11-, 12-speed SRAM XDR or 13-speed Campagnolo N3W
Freehub type: bevel gearing, 45 teeth | max. 8° free travel
recommended tire width: 28 to 53 mm
max. air pressure: 4.5 bar
maximum system weight: 120 kg (rider, clothing and possibly luggage)
tubeless compatible: yes
Valve hole: Presta valve (SV)
Color rims: black matt
Color spokes: gold (natural)
Color hubs: black matt, logos - white
Weight according to manufacturer: 1280g
Weight weighed by ourselves:
Scope of delivery:
1x front wheel
1x rear wheel
1x spare spoke
1x tube of maintenance oil for textile spokes
PI ROPE Protective- and Care Product for Textile Spokes - Golden Shine (Natur) | 10mlavailable from stock