German wheelset manufacturer Pi Rope is launching three new gravel wheelsets as part of its Sierra series. The models differ in rim height and intended use, but share the same technical foundation, comprising Toray T1100 carbon and the SLR5 manufacturing process. The series is priced between 2,985 and 3,075 euros and saves between 60 and 100 grams per wheelset compared with the existing Baccara WRX range.
Toray T1100 Carbon and SLR5 Production
All three Sierra rims use Toray T1100 carbon fibres instead of the T800 material found in the slightly more affordable Baccara WRX series. The new SLR5 manufacturing process for road and gravel wheels applies the carbon laminate precisely where stability and weight demand it. SpokeCore technology forms the spoke channels during the carbon construction process, rather than drilling them afterwards. This preserves the fibre structure in the spoke mounting area and improves stability at this high-stress point.
DRC – Dynamic Response Comfort – is the name of the technology that allows for controlled vertical flex in the rim. On rough surfaces, the rim can absorb shocks more smoothly without feeling spongy. This is designed to improve comfort on longer journeys and traction on uneven terrain.
Sierra 27 for Adventure Gravel
Weighing in at 900 grams, the Sierra 27 wheels are the lightest option. The rim is 27 millimetres high and has an internal width of 29 millimetres. The rim weighs 280 grams. The wide internal width accommodates gravel tyres between 36 and 60 millimetres (max. 2.4 inches). The hooked rim profile ensures compatibility with a wide range of tyres.
The maximum system weight for this ultra-light wheelset is just 105 kilograms. The Sierra 27 is suitable for adventure gravel, hard-packed terrain and routes with significant elevation gain. The low rotating mass makes a noticeable difference when accelerating and climbing, as the Pi-Rope wheels have already proven their worth (reviewed here).
Sierra 42 with an aerodynamic profile
The Sierra 42 features a 42-millimetre-high profile with an internal width of 28 millimetres. The rim weighs 375 grams, whilst the complete wheelset weighs from 1,090 grams. The rim is approved for a system weight of up to 110 kilograms. The manufacturer specifies the optimum tyre width as 40 to approximately 55 millimetres (2.2 inches).
The asymmetrical rim profile balances out the spoke angles and allows for a more harmonious balance of spoke tension on both sides. This helps to ensure the durability of the wheelset when used with wide gravel tyres and on varying terrain. The Sierra 42 is suitable for fast gravel rides, firm surfaces and routes with limited elevation gain.
Sierra Aera 48 with a corrugated sidewall
The Sierra Aera 48 combines a rim height of 48 millimetres with an inner width of 28 millimetres and an outer width of 35.9 millimetres. The rim weighs 390 grams, whilst the wheelset weighs from 1,120 grams. The maximum system weight is 120 kilograms.
The Aera-Relief features a corrugated sidewall. This design is intended to reduce disruptive air turbulence and lower aerodynamic drag. At the same time, the design promises improved performance in crosswinds. Gusts and changing wind directions are said to affect the wheel less abruptly. The optimum aero tyre width is between 40 and 45 millimetres.
NONPLUS hubs and Vectran spokes
All three wheelsets feature NONPLUS Road/Gravel hubs with a Centre Lock mount for disc brakes. The hubs feature NON Abrasion for minimised wear, NON Stop for low rolling resistance and NON Gap for direct power transfer. The axle dimensions are 12x100 millimetres at the front and 12x142 millimetres at the rear.
Pi Rope Vectran spokes are made from braided high-tech fibre. Each spoke is heat-treated, cut to the exact length and individually tested. The spokes reduce vibrations on rough terrain and lower the rotating mass of the wheel. In the configurator, you can customise the hub colour, spoke colour and freehub.
Availability and contents of the package
The three Sierra wheelsets are now available in 28-inch size. The Sierra 27 costs 2,985 euros, the Sierra 42 is priced at 3,059 euros and the Sierra Aera 48 at 3,075 euros. All prices include VAT but exclude delivery costs.
The package includes the complete front and rear wheelsets, pre-fitted tubeless rim tape with valves, a spare spoke and 10 millilitres of spoke lubricant. Pi Rope offers a three-year warranty against material and manufacturing defects, as well as a two-year crash replacement guarantee. The colours Black Premium and Golden Shine are available.
Technical specifications:
Pi Rope Gravel Light – Duke Sierra 27:
- Material: Toray T1100 carbon
- Wheel size: 28”
- Rim height: 27 mm
- Internal width: 29 mm
- Wheel rim weight: approx. 280 g
- Wheel set weight: approx. 900 g
- Rim profile: Hooked
- Technology: SpokeCore, SLR5 manufacturing
- Optimal tyre width: 40 mm to 2.2″
- Compatible tyre width: 36 mm to 2.4″
- Hubs: NONPLUS CL SP
- Brake mount: Centre Lock
- Centre-to-centre distance: 12 x 100 mm / 12 x 142 mm
- Max. system weight: 105 kg
- Freewheel: Campagnolo N3W, Shimano, Shimano MS, Sram XDR
- Colours: Black Premium, Golden Shine
- Price: 2,985 euros
Pi Rope Gravel Light – Duke Sierra 42:
- Material: Toray T1100 carbon
- Wheel size: 28”
- Rim height: 42 mm
- Internal width: 28 mm
- Wheel weight: approx. 375 g
- Wheel set weight: from 1090 g
- Rim profile: Hooked, asymmetrical
- Technology: SpokeCore, DRC, SLR5 manufacturing
- Optimal tyre width: 40 mm to 2.2″
- Compatible tyre width: 36 mm to 2.4″
- Hubs: NONPLUS CL SP
- Brake mount: Centre Lock
- Centre-to-centre distance: 12 x 100 mm / 12 x 142 mm
- Max. system weight: 110 kg
- Freewheel: Campagnolo N3W, Shimano, Shimano MS, Sram XDR
- Colours: Black Premium, Golden Shine
- Price: 3,059 euros
Pi Rope Gravel Light – Duke Sierra Aera 48:
- Material: Toray T1100 carbon
- Wheel size: 28”
- Rim height: 48 mm
- Internal width: 28 mm
- Outer diameter: 35.9 mm
- Wheel rim weight: approx. 390 g
- Wheel set weight: from 1120 g
- Rim profile: Hooked
- Surface: Aera Relief (corrugated sidewall)
- Technology: SpokeCore, DRC, SLR5 manufacturing
- Optimal Aero tyre width: 40 mm to 45 mm
- Compatible tyre width: 36 mm to 2.4″
- Hubs: NONPLUS CL SP
- Brake mount: Centre Lock
- Centre-to-centre distance: 12 x 100 mm / 12 x 142 mm
- Max. system weight: 120 kg
- Freewheel: Campagnolo N3W, Shimano, Shimano MS, Sram XDR
- Colours: Black Premium, Golden Shine
- Price: 3,075 euros
Sebastian Brust
Editor