​Industry Nine Hush 32 Carbon: 32-inch wheels with Boost and weighing 1,512 grams

Whilst many manufacturers are initially adapting existing 29-inch designs to the larger format, Industry Nine made a conscious decision to develop a completely new model. The Hush is based on a carbon rim developed specifically for 32-inch wheels, rather than a modified 29er design. The aim was to retain the familiar handling characteristics of modern mountain bikes whilst capitalising on the advantages of the larger diameter.

​Conclusion from the editor’s perspective

The Hush 32 Carbon demonstrates that the 32-inch trend is increasingly evolving from an experimental niche into a platform to be taken seriously. Weighing in at 1,512 grams per set, the new Hush wheels are certainly competitive. Industry Nine’s approach of building the wheels with just 24 spokes is particularly exciting. Only practical use will tell whether this actually proves its worth off-road, or whether the stiffness is compromised by the large diameter. The deliberate focus on XC and trail riding is interesting, as this is precisely where large wheels are likely to demonstrate their advantages most clearly in terms of rolling efficiency and speed. Stefan Frey, BIKE editor

Designed for trail and XC

The Hush is not aimed exclusively at racers. Industry Nine positions the wheelset in both the In both the cross-country and trail segments. What is particularly interesting is that the developers experimented with different numbers of spokes and hub standards. Following extensive testing, they finally opted for a design featuring 24 spokes, a 2:1 lacing pattern, the Boost standard and the SOLiX hub platform.

The advantages of 32 inches

Industry Nine points to similar observations made by other manufacturers who are already experimenting with the new format. Larger wheels provide greater momentum, better rolling performance, a smoother ride and more stable handling on rough terrain.

The challenge lies in harnessing these advantages without compromising on stiffness and handling precision. According to internal tests, the Hush achieves a level of impact resistance and vertical compliance that is said to be comparable to tried-and-tested 29-inch systems. The differences are minimal only in terms of lateral stiffness.

Carbon fibre production by WR1

The carbon rims aren’t manufactured just anywhere in the Far East, but in Kamloops, British Columbia. There, the company manufactures WR1 (We Are One Composites), Industry Nine’s in-house carbon division, handcrafts all Hush rims. The rims are laminated entirely by hand and then built up using the familiar Industry Nine components.

SOLiX hubs and system spokes

The current model is used as the hub base SOLiX platform is used. At Industry Nine, this forms the heart of numerous high-end wheelsets and is combined with the well-known aluminium system spokes. This results in a very direct transfer of force between the hub and the rim.

As with many Industry Nine products, customisation is a key feature here too. The wheels can be assembled in a range of colour options and are aimed particularly at custom bike projects and OEM partners.

Industry Nine Hush 32 Carbon - Technical Specifications

• Scope of application XC and Racing
• Wheel size: 32″
• Rim material: Carbon
• Inner rim width: 30 mm
• Rim height: 26 mm
• Wheel weight: 442 g according to the manufacturer
• Tyre width: 2.0″ to 2.6″
• Spokes: 24 Industry Nine aluminium system spokes, 2:1 lacing pattern
• Hubs: SOLiX Mountain System, 605 attachment points and a 0.59° engagement angle
• Installation dimensions: 15 × 110 mm at the front / 12 × 148 mm at the rear
• Brake disc mount: Centre Lock
• Free-wheels: SRAM XD, Shimano Micro Spline or HG
• Weight: 702 g front / 810 g rear / 1,512 g per set according to the manufacturer
• Colours: Black, silver, gold, orange, red, purple and bronze for hubs and spokes
• Price: from 1,957.11 euros

Conclusion from the editor’s perspective

The Hush 32 Carbon demonstrates that the 32-inch trend is increasingly evolving from an experimental niche into a platform to be taken seriously. Weighing 1,512 grams per set, the new Hush wheels are certainly competitive. Industry Nine’s approach of building the wheels with just 24 spokes is particularly exciting. Only practical testing will reveal whether this actually proves its worth off-road, or whether the stiffness is compromised by the large diameter.
The deliberate focus on XC and trail riding is interesting, as this is precisely where large wheels are likely to demonstrate their advantages most clearly in terms of rolling efficiency and speed. Stefan Frey, BIKE editor