Description
PI ROPE wheelset 28" RL Baccara Ultra 36 FADE Center Lock | Black Premium Edition
A light road bike wheelset with textile spokes, can that work?
So far, there have been many approaches from well-known manufacturers, but all of them have produced unsatisfactory results. The young and extremely innovative think tank PI ROPE from Chemnitz, Saxony, has made the impossible possible in cooperation with Chemnitz University of Technology. The result is a textile spoke made of braided Vectran synthetic fibers.
The material is extremely robust, resistant to aging and weathering, and has better mechanical properties than its steel counterpart. The tensile strength and damping is many times higher, but the weight of the fibers is five times lower. This offers optimal conditions for a very light, but nevertheless hard-wearing impeller, since the rotating masses are minimized in the important outer areas and the flexibility of the Vectran textile spokes prevents permanent, plastic deformation at high peak loads.
Thanks to the new black PI PROTECT coating of the Vectran yarn before the braiding process, the properties of the textile spokes are improved. The treated surface not only looks good, it also offers better UV protection and reduces the impact of adverse weather conditions.
In addition, the abrasion resistance against external damage, such as that caused by stones and branches on the trail, increases. Mechanical loads that occur are better absorbed and ensure greater durability. The resulting increase in rigidity is particularly noticeable when cornering. Another plus, the processing of the textile spoke could be qualitatively optimized again.
In cooperation with the well-known impeller and component manufacturer NEWMEN, hubs were specially developed that can accommodate the special ends of the PI ROPE spokes. In the current FADE hubs with pawl freewheel, as in the predecessor, long-lasting bearings are pressed in stress-free and precisely, so that the often tedious adjustment of the axial bearing play is completely eliminated. Thanks to the slim shape in the middle part, the hub saves weight and is also more aerodynamic.
With the installed Baccara Ultra SLS2 rims, Duke has broken the limit. A sensational 345 g on the scales with a rim height of 36 mm are unrivaled. Nonetheless, no expense was spared when it came to safety.
Starting with the already very light SLS2 rims, the French managed to reduce the weight by more than 10%. Material was only saved in non-critical areas. The durability and stability are convincing. Together with the high profile, this guarantees you a stiff wheel and excellent aerodynamics. Nevertheless, comfort is not neglected. The special arrangement of the carbon layers is able to soften the peaks of impacts from the ground. This prevents premature signs of fatigue in the arms and hands.
The unique finish is achieved through the SLS2 manufacturing technology. No reworking or painting is necessary after the manufacturing process and the special look is retained.
The rims are provided with an asymmetrical rim profile, which allows a more even angle of the spokes. This optimization of the spoke angle brings with it a multitude of advantages. The spoke tension on both sides can be better adjusted to each other, which is beneficial to the durability of the spokes and the entire wheel. The lateral stiffness, which is normally directional, is also adjusted so that the impeller itself becomes stiffer.
Technical specifications:
Area of intended use : road bike, gravel
Wheel size: 28" (ETRTO: 622 x 21 mm)
Rim Type: Clincher (clincher and folding)
Brake type: only for disc brake
Material hub: aluminum, steel
Material rim: UD carbon
Material spoke: Vectran synthetic fiber
Inner width rim: 21.0 mm
Outer width rim: 26 mm
Rim height: 36.0 mm
Number of holes: 24 holes (per rim)
Spokes: 48x Pi ROPE Vectran PI Protect textile spokes / straight pull (black)
Spoke pattern: front: double crossed | back: crossed twice
Axle standard front: 12x100 mm thru axle type
Axle standard rear: 12x142 mm thru axle type
Brake disc mount: Center Lock
Front bearing : NEWMEN 2x BB_CB_17x26x5_CN_LULH
Rear bearing : NEWMEN 2x BB_CB_17x26x5_CN_LULH, 2x BB_CB_15x24x5_CN_LULH
Freewheel compatibility: 10-, 11-speed Shimano Road, 11-, 12-speed SRAM XDR or 13-speed Campagnolo N3W
Freewheel type: 3 pawls, 36 detents
recommended tire width: 23-53 mm
Max. air pressure: 7.5 bar with a tire width of 28 mm
maximum system weight: 95 kg (driver, clothing and possibly luggage)
tubeless capable: yes
Valve hole: Presta valve (SV)
Color rims: black, UD carbon satin finish, logos - grey
Color spokes: black
Color hubs: black matt, logos - white
Weight according to the manufacturer: 1060g
Weight weighed: 1048g (set, SRAM XDR), 480g (front wheel), 569g (rear wheel, SRAM XDR)
Scope of delivery:
1x PI ROPE wheelset 28" RL Baccara Ultra 36 FADE Center Lock | Black Premium Edition
1x spare spoke
1x tube of care oil for textile spokes
