PI ROPE wheelset 28" Road FADE Center Lock Baccara X 48 | Black Premium Edition
Can a lightweight road 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 in 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 X-series, the French company is primarily addressing the comfort-conscious long-distance cyclist. The enormous inner width of 23 mm means that even large-volume tires are given their optimum shape, filtering impacts from the ground better and providing more grip. The rim height of 48 mm enables a very stiff wheel and at the same time, thanks to the special rim profile, excellent aerodynamic values.
Thanks to the SLR2 manufacturing technology developed by Duke, the weight has been reduced by approx. 10% compared to its predecessor, while at the same time increasing durability and stability. The use of highly modular carbon fibers also improves the inherent damping, which in turn has a positive effect on riding comfort. The modified design also enables unrestricted tubeless use.
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
Application: Road bike
Wheel size: 28" (ETRTO: 622 x 23)
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: 23 mm
Outer width: 29.4 mm
Rim height: 48 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 to 53 mm
max. air pressure: 6.5 bar (with 32 mm tire width)
maximum system weight: 120 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: 1240g
Weighed weight: 1233g (SRAM XDR)
Scope of delivery:
1x front wheel
1x rear wheel
1x spare spoke
1x tube of maintenance oil for textile spokes
CONTINENTAL Tire Grand Prix TR Tubeless 28" | 700 x 32C BlackChili blackavailable from stock
PI ROPE Protective- and Care Product for Textile Spokes - Black Premium | 10mlavailable from stock
