PI ROPE wheelset 29" Light 6-hole Rathe UL 265g | Golden Shine
Can a cross-country 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, 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.
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 Rathe UL rims from Porte are made from high-end UD fibers and impress with their first-class mechanical properties and extremely low weight. They are the ideal basis for a feather-light cross-country wheelset.
With the UL version, the Belgians have upped the ante and significantly reduced the weight compared to the SL models. The weight reduction was achieved by reducing the rim flange diameter by 0.3 millimetres, among other things. As a positive side effect, this also increases the inner rim width to 30 millimetres and gives modern cross-country tires a better shape and a more stable fit at low air pressures. This effect is further enhanced by the low height of the rim flanges, which give the tires even more volume compared to other rims with the same inner width. A reinforced rim base and the asymmetrical cross-section provide the necessary rigidity in the wheel, allowing the spoke tensions on both sides to be equalized. The rims have already proven their stability in two independent test bench tests and also in racing.
In order to guarantee the safety of their components, all Porte components have undergone extensive tests according to ISO standards in Germany, in addition to intensive off-road riding. These tests are also repeated regularly during the manufacturing process.
The makers of PI ROPE have confidence in their products and grant a 3-year warranty on all material and manufacturing defects as well as a 2-year crash replacement.
technical data
Area of application: Cross Country / Marathon
Wheel size: 29" (ETRTO: 622x30 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: 30.6 mm
Outer width: 35
Rim height: 21 mm
Offset: yes, 2 mm
Number of holes: 28 holes (per rim)
Spokes: 56x Pi ROPE Vectran PI Protect textile spokes / straight pull (gold)
Axle standard front: 15x110 mm BOOST
Rear axle standard: 12x148 mm BOOST
Front bearing: Industrial deep groove ball bearing
Rear bearing: Industrial deep groove ball bearing
Freehub compatibility: 11-speed, 12-speed SRAM XD or 12-speed Shimano Micro Spline
Freehub type: tapered teeth, 45 teeth | max. 8° free travel
recommended tire width: 2.2" - 2.7" mm (55-69 mm)
max. air pressure: 2.8 bar
tubeless capable: yes
maximum system weight: 90 kg (rider, bike, clothing and possibly luggage)
Valve hole: Presta valve (SV)
Color rims: black, UD-silk gloss
Spokes color: gold (natural)
Color hubs: black, logos grey
Weight according to manufacturer: 913g
Weight weighed by ourselves:
Scope of delivery:
1x front wheel
1x rear wheel
1x spare spoke
1x tube of care oil for textile spokes
Note:
Detailed pictures show the wheelset partly in the version with black spokes.
PI ROPE Protective- and Care Product for Textile Spokes - Golden Shine (Natur) | 10mlavailable from stock
THM CARBONES Crank Set Clavicula XC MTB BCD 104 1-speed | BOOSTavailable from stock
SRAM RED Chain 12- / 13-speed Flattop | HollowPin 126 links | silveravailable from stock