PI ROPE wheelset 29" FADE 6-hole Lucky Jack 31 SLS5 350 | Black Premium Edition
Can a cross-country wheelset with textile spokes that is even approved for e-bike use work? So far, there have been many attempts by well-known manufacturers, but none of them have produced 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 is that the quality of the textile spokes has been further optimized.
In collaboration with the well-known component manufacturer NEWMEN, special hubs were developed that can accommodate the special ends of the PI ROPE spokes. The durable bearings are already pressed in precisely and stress-free ex works, so that the often laborious adjustment of the axial bearing play is completely eliminated. This has resulted in a high degree of user-friendliness. The design of the freewheel is completely different from the previous model. The aim was to keep noise levels low. The result was the FADE pawl system. This involves 3 pawls engaging in a new type of tooth profile. To increase durability, the diameter was increased and the individual pawls were made short and wide. As a result, the resulting forces are distributed over a larger area and the hub is even approved for e-bike and hard enduro use.
The rims come from the renowned manufacturer Duke. With the HD (Heavy Duty) version of the Lucky Jack SLS5 installed here, even more aggressive XC racers get their money's worth and can fully attack in races without risking defects. They are still very light and guarantee unbridled propulsion.
But how have the French managed it this time? The use of the highest quality carbon fibers was a matter of course from the outset. Particularly neuralgic areas, such as the rim flange and base, have been specially reinforced, otherwise only as much material is used as is really needed. No compromises were made in the choice of resin either. This has proven itself in aerospace technology, reduces weight and at the same time increases impact resistance. As a result, there is no need for post-processing or painting after production. A new feature of the SLS5 production process is the integrated DRC (Dynamic Response Comfort) technology, which guarantees controlled deformation of the rim off-road and allows the stored energy to be used for explosive acceleration out of corners. It also improves control of your bike and significantly increases comfort.
Despite all the optimization, durability must not fall by the wayside. Duke presses so-called ImpactGuard's, highly elastic energy-absorbing inserts, into the cavities on both sides of the rim, which can absorb mechanical impacts and thus contribute significantly to stability.The pre-formed spoke holes, the spoke cores, also ensure a continuous structure of carbon fibers. This means that subsequent drilling of these is not necessary.
The makers of PI ROPE have confidence in their products and offer a 3-year guarantee 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: Cross Country XC, Down Country DC, E-Bike
Wheel size: 29" (ETRTO: 622 x 31 mm)
Rim type: clincher (clincher and folding tires)
Brake type: for disc brakes only
Brake disk mount: 6-hole
Hub material: Aluminum, steel
Rim material: Carbon
Spoke material: Vectran synthetic fiber
Inner width: 31 mm
Outer width: 37.3 mm
Rim height: 20 mm
Offset: yes, 2.8 mm
Number of holes: 28 holes (per rim)
Spokes: 56x Pi ROPE Vectran PI Protect textile spokes / straight pull (black)
Lacing pattern: 3-cross lacing
Axle standard front: 15x110 mm BOOST
Rear axle standard: 12x148 mm BOOST
Front bearing: 2x industrial deep groove ball bearings
Rear bearing: 4x industrial deep groove ball bearings
Freehub compatibility: 11-speed, 12-speed SRAM XD or 12-speed Shimano Micro Spline
Freehub type: 3 pawls, 36 ratchets
recommended tire width: 2.1" - 2.8" (53-70 mm)
max. air pressure: max. 2.5 bar (for 2.1" tire width)
tubeless capable: yes
maximum system weight: 110 kg (rider, bike, clothing and possibly luggage)
Valve hole: Presta valve (SV)
Rim color: black, UD-silk gloss
Color spokes: black
Color hubs: black
Weight according to manufacturer: 1230g
Weight self-weighed:
Scope of delivery:
1x front wheel
1x rear wheel
1x spare spoke
1x tube of maintenance oil for textile spokes
PI ROPE Protective- and Care Product for Textile Spokes - Black Premium | 10mlavailable from stock
SCHWALBE Tire Rick XC Pro 29 x 2.25 | Super Race ADDIX Speed TLR | Transparent Skinavailable from stock
SCHWALBE Tire Rick XC Pro 29 x 2.40 | Super Ground ADDIX Speedgrip TLR | Blackavailable from stock
