PI ROPE wheelset 28" Road Light Center Lock Baccara Ultra SLR2 36 | Golden Shine
Can a lightweight road bike wheelset with textile spokes work? Up to now, there have been many approaches from 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. This offers optimum 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.
With the installed Baccara Ultra SLR2 rims, Duke has broken the limit. A sensational 345 g on the scales with a rim height of 36 mm is unrivaled. Nevertheless, no compromises have been made in terms of safety: based on the already very light SLR2 rims, the French have 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 using SLR2 manufacturing technology. No reworking or painting is necessary after the manufacturing process and the special look is retained. 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 component manufacturer NONPLUS COMPONENTS, special hubs have been developed that can accommodate the special ends of the PI ROPE spokes. The current Road hubs with pawl freewheel and 33 ratchets also have durable bearings pressed in precisely and without tension, so that the often tedious adjustment of the axial bearing play is completely eliminated. A unique venting system prevents the build-up of negative pressure due to temperature fluctuations in the hub. As a result, no water is sucked through the ball bearings, which ensures a significantly longer service life and noticeably smoother running of the bearings. 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: Road bike
Wheel size: 28" (ETRTO: 622 x 21 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: UD Carbon
Spoke material: Vectran synthetic fiber
Inner rim width: 21.0 mm
Outer rim width: 26 mm
Rim height: 36.0 mm
Offset: no
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, 12-speed SRAM XDR or 13-speed Campagnolo N3W
Freehub type: 3 pawls, 33 ratchets
recommended tire width: 23-53 mm
max. air pressure: 7.5 bar with 28 mm tire width
maximum system weight: 95 kg (rider, clothing and possibly luggage)
tubeless compatible: yes
Valve hole: Presta valve (SV)
Color rims: black, UD carbon satin finish, logos - grey
Color spokes: gold (natural)
Color hubs: black matt, logos - white
Weight according to manufacturer: 985g
Weight weighed by ourselves:
Scope of delivery:
1x front wheel
1x rear wheel
1x spare spoke
1x tube of maintenance oil for textile spokes