PI ROPE wheelset 28" Road Light Strada 56 AERA | Black Premium Edition
As a rouleur you only want one thing: to set the pace. That's why this wheelset is made for you. Thanks to its high, corrugated sidewall, it has unique aerodynamics and you can really accelerate on flat sections and, thanks to its low weight, won't fall behind even on hilly terrain.
Until now, there have been many attempts by well-known manufacturers to bring durable wheelsets with textile spokes onto the market, 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 spoke, has been further optimized in terms of quality.
With the Strada AERA series, Duke is ushering in a new era of rims. Light, comfortable and, above all, unrivalled aerodynamics - they will give you a clear advantage in the battle against the clock. Once again, the French seem to be pushing the limits of physics without compromising on performance.
The corrugated sidewall of the rim is particularly striking. It is not only a visual eye-catcher, the AERA relief also offers functional advantages. Braking turbulence can thus be reduced and air resistance lowered by a measurable 10 %. In addition, the susceptibility to strong crosswinds or gusts is noticeably reduced, enabling smooth and predictable steering at all times.
Another new feature is the increased inner width of 24 mm. This is now standard and offers wider tires a better shape, which generates more grip and greater comfort. This also has a positive effect on aerodynamics. Thanks to the excellent workmanship and the high-quality choice of materials, the rims are approved for a system weight of 115 kg and can therefore also be used for light bikepacking. Duke has once again opted for a rim flange with hooks to guarantee a secure fit of the tire even at high air pressures.
In addition to the exclusive Toray T1100 carbon fibers, the SLR5 manufacturing process is largely responsible for the high-quality appearance of the rim. Thanks to the optimized carbon laminate, only as much material is used as is needed in the specific areas without compromising functionality, reducing the weight by around 20% compared to the SLR2 rims. In addition, reworking or painting during the production process is no longer necessary. This saves energy and also ensures a scratch-resistant surface and a natural, glossy appearance.
Another interesting feature is the integrated DRC (Dynamic Response Comfort) technology, which guarantees controlled vertical flexibility and rebound of the rim on rough terrain. This significantly improves comfort for the rider and the stored energy can also be used for explosive acceleration.
In order not to impair the stability of the carbon fibers, the spoke holes are not drilled as usual, but are formed during the layering of the individual mats. This preserves the fiber structure and eliminates weak points in the rim from the outset. In addition, the vertical and lateral stiffness can be better controlled at these points.
In cooperation 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.
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: road bike, triathlon
Wheel size: 28" (ETRTO: 622 x 24)
Rim type: clincher (clincher and folding tires)
Brake type: Disc brake
Brake disc mount: Center Lock
Hub material: Aluminum, steel
Rim material: Carbon
Spoke material: Vectran synthetic fiber
Inner width: 24 mm
Outer width: 30.2 mm
Rim height: 56 mm
Offset: no (symmetrical)
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, 13-speed Campagnolo N3W or 12-speed Shimano Micro Spline
Freehub type: tapered toothing, 45 teeth | max. 8° free travel
recommended tire width: 28 to 61 mm
max. air pressure: 5.7 bar (with 30 mm tire width)
tubeless compatible: yes
maximum system weight: 115 kg (rider, clothing and possibly luggage)
Valve hole: Presta valve (SV), recommended valve height 71 mm
Rim color: black satin finish
Color spokes: black
Color hubs: black matt, logos - white
Weight according to manufacturer: 1020g
Weight self-weighed: 1012g (wheelset), 467g (front wheel), 545g (rear wheel)
Scope of delivery:
1x front wheel
1x rear wheel
1x spare spoke
1x tube of maintenance oil for textile spokes
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PI ROPE Protective- and Care Product for Textile Spokes - Black Premium | 10mlavailable from stock
