PI ROPE wheelset 29" Light 6-hole Bike Ahead Two Six | Black Premium Edition
A cross country wheelset with textile spokes and a weight of only about 900g, can that work? So far, there have been many approaches from well-known manufacturers, but all of them have produced unsatisfactory results. The young and extremely innovative think tank PI ROPE from Chemnitz, Saxony, has made the impossible possible in cooperation with the Technical University of Chemnitz. The result is a textile spoke made of braided Vectran synthetic fibers.
The material is extremely robust, resistant to aging and weathering, and has better mechanical properties than its steel counterpart. The tensile strength and damping is many times higher, but the weight of the fibers is five times lower. These are optimal prerequisites for a very light, but nevertheless hard-wearing wheel, as the rotating masses are minimized in the important outer areas and the flexibility of the Vectran textile spokes prevents permanent plastic deformation at high peak loads.
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 impact of adverse weather conditions.
In addition, the abrasion resistance against external damage, such as that caused by stones and branches on the trail, increases. Mechanical loads that occur are better absorbed and ensure greater durability. The resulting increase in rigidity is particularly noticeable when cornering. Another plus, the processing of the textile spoke could be qualitatively optimized again.
In cooperation with the well-known German component manufacturer NONPLUS COMPONENTS, hubs were specially developed that can 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 carry the freewheel body. Microgap end caps seal everything and keep dirt or water out of the inside of the hub. In addition, a unique ventilation system prevents the creation 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 smooth running of the bearings.
The freewheel mechanism is technically exceptional. The conical gearing has a contact surface that is approx. 400% larger than conventional ones
Spur gear teeth and thus enables maximum power transmission with minimal wear. The very elaborately manufactured tooth back, together with the hard anodized surface, ensures low abrasion and thus also increases durability. The 45-fold toothing results in a maximum idle travel of 8°. This means that you always have optimal propulsion in every driving situation.
In order to undercut the magic sound barrier of 1000 grams, only one rim comes into question for this wheelset - the ultra-light "TWO-SIX" from the Würzburg carbon forge BIKE AHEAD COMPOSITES. True to the motto: "Boundaries are there to be crossed!" the rim with a weight of 265g sets a benchmark in terms of lightweight construction. However, 26 mm rim width also indicate that this is a matter of functional lightweight construction and not exaggerated minimalism. The TWO-SIX rims have been specially adapted to the requirements of the PI ROPE textile spokes and crown this lightweight icon "Made in Germany".
The makers of PI ROPE have confidence in their products and grant a 3-year guarantee on all material and manufacturing defects as well as a 2-year crash replacement.
Technical specifications
intended use : cross country
Wheel size: 29" (ETRTO: 622 x 26 mm)
Rim Type: Clincher (clincher and folding)
Brake type: only for disc brake
Brake disc mount: 6-hole
Material hub: aluminum, steel
Material rim: carbon
Material spoke: Vectran synthetic fiber
Internal width: 26mm
External width: 29mm
Rim Height: 19mm
Offset: 3mm
Number of holes: 28 holes (per rim)
Spokes: 56x Pi ROPE Vectran PI Protect textile spokes / straight pull (black)
Lacing pattern: 3-crossed
axle type front: 15x110 mm BOOST
Rear axle type : 12x148 mm BOOST
Front bearing : 2x industrial deep groove ball bearings
bearing : 4x industrial deep groove ball bearings
Freewheel compatibility: 11-, 12-speed SRAM XD or 12-speed Shimano Micro Spline
Freewheel type: conical gearing, 45-spline | max. 8° idle travel
Recommended tire width: up to 2.4"
max. air pressure: 3.2 bar (43 psi) at 2.1" | 2.5 bar (34 psi) at 2.25" | 2.2 bar (31psi) at 2.4"
tubeless capable: yes
maximum system weight: 100 kg (driver, bike, clothing and possibly luggage)
Valve hole: Presta valve (SV)
Color rims: UD matt black
Color spokes: black
Color hubs: black
Weight according to the manufacturer: 909g
Weight weighed:
Scope of delivery:
1x front wheel
1x rear wheel
1x spare spoke
1x tube of care oil for textile spokes