PI ROPE wheelset 28" Gravel FADE Center Lock Baccara RX 36 | Black Premium Edition
Can a lightweight 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.
Thanks to the 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 influence of negative weather conditions.
In addition, the abrasion resistance against external damage, such as that caused by stones and branches on the trail, is increased. Any mechanical loads that occur are better absorbed and ensure greater durability. The resulting increase in stiffness is particularly noticeable when cornering. Another plus, the processing of the textile spokes, has been further optimized in terms of quality.
The rims come from the renowned manufacturer Duke. With the RX rims, the French company is launching an extremely versatile range of rims on the market. The lightweight and robust carbon rims with an inner width of 25 millimetres cut a fine figure on road bikes as well as all-road and gravel bikes. They can best demonstrate their aerodynamic properties with 29 - 30 millimeter wide tires. But they also provide sufficient support for wide gravel tires and up to 2.4" wide tires on beach racers thanks to their large inner width. The hook profile of the rims ensures a secure fit of the tires.The low weight is achieved by optimizing the use of materials, reinforcing particularly stressed areas and saving material in uncritical areas. In addition, the amount of resin used has been further reduced without sacrificing stability.
Thanks to the SLR2 production technology developed by Duke, there is no need to rework or paint the rims during the production process. This alone can save up to 10% in weight and achieve a very high surface quality. The use of highly modular carbon fibers also improves the inherent damping, which is particularly beneficial for riding comfort. The rims are definitely top of the class in terms of load capacity. With a maximum system weight of 125 kg, you can take a little more luggage with you.
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 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 more stable.
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 have durable bearings that are pressed in precisely and without tension, 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 at 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.
If you would like this wheelset with natural-colored (Golden Shine) textile spokes, please contact our service team at [email protected].
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: Carbon
Spoke material: Vectran synthetic fiber
Inner width: 25 mm
Outer width: 31.5 mm
Rim height: 36 mm
Offset: 2 mm (asymmetrical)
Number of holes: 24 holes (per rim)
Spokes: 48x Pi ROPE Vectran PI Protect textile spokes / straight pull (black)
Spoking 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 SRAM XDR or 13-speed Campagnolo N3W
Freewheel type: Freewheel type: 3 pawls, 33 ratchets
recommended tire width: 28 mm to 61 mm (2.4")
maximum tire pressure: 4.0 bar (with 38 mm tire width)
maximum system weight: 125 kg (rider, clothing and possibly luggage)
tubeless capable: yes
valve hole: Presta valve (SV)
Rim color: black matt
Color spokes: black
Color hubs: black matt, logos - white
Weight according to manufacturer: 1160g
Weight self-weighed: 1160g (wheelset), 530g (front wheel), 630g (rear wheel)
Scope of delivery:
1x front wheel
1x rear wheel
1x spare spoke
1x tube of care oil for textile spokes
PI ROPE Protective- and Care Product for Textile Spokes - Black Premium | 10mlavailable from stock