PI ROPE wheelset 29" Light 6-hole Lucky Jack 31 SLS5 285 | Black Premium Edition
Can a cross country wheelset with textile spokes, an inner rim width of 31 mm and a weight of less than 1000 g 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 cooperation with the 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 and 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 rims come from the renowned manufacturer Duke, and even the SLS5 "normal version" of the Lucky Jack raises the bar even further in the direction of impossibility. A 31 mm wide rim weighing less than 300 g is more than a direct challenge to the competition.
But how did the French manage it this time? The use of the highest quality carbon fibers was a given from the outset. By using slightly more material than in the Ultra version, the maximum recommended system weight could be increased slightly. Nevertheless, only as much is used as is really needed, and no compromises were made when selecting the resin. This has proven itself in aerospace technology, reduces the 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 grant 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
Application: Cross Country XC
Wheel size: 29" (ETRTO: 622 x 31 mm)
Rim type: clincher (clincher and folding tires)
Brake type: only for disc brakes
Brake rotor 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: tapered toothing, 45 teeth | max. 8° free travel
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: 100 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: 960g
Weight self-weighed: 946g (wheelset), 434g (front wheel), 512g (rear wheel)
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
