9th Wave Dirt-SM29 Asymmetric (photo at the top)
Whenever the opportunity arises, Dutchman Peter Wouters lives mountain biking to excess. His tuned one-off bikes are legendary in the custom scene. He rides stage races and marathons. And he is one of the largest bike dealers in the Benelux countries. The 9th Wave brand is an offspring of this mix. The concept: high-end wheels at an affordable price. And indeed, the Dirt-SM29 Asymmetric wheels offer everything that is relevant for sporty biking: carbon rims with a width of 30 millimetres (inner width: 25.4 millimetres), which are manufactured in the Far East, but under strict Dutch specifications. In addition, lightweight hubs with top sealed industrial bearings and a precisely gripping freewheel as well as - for an extra 100 euros - spokes with straight, extra tensile heads. Weight here: 1415 grams. The rim holes are asymmetrical, which promises even spoke tension. The 9th Wave cost 149 euros more than the Mavic Crossmax Pro (aluminium), but are almost 100 grams lighter. The highlight for custom fans: the lettering can be painted in the colour of your choice for an extra 100 euros. In view of the relatively favourable price for carbon wheels, expectations were not too high. But the set was convincing from the very first kilometre: top acceleration, a noticeable increase in cornering grip thanks to stable tyres (wide rim) and a powerful freewheel. And the durability? The 9th Wave was pushed to the limit whenever possible. On Alpine tours, on the Isar Trail in Munich, in the trail centre in Nové M`ésto Pod Smrkem. But even the mud battle at the infamous Salzkammergut Trophy (211 km / 7049 metres altitude) was no problem for the 9th Wave. It added up to almost 2000 kilometres in the test period. No re-centring was necessary, nor did the bearings lose any of their smoothness.
CONCLUSIONS: Connoisseurs would find even cheaper wheels with a similar weight on the Internet. the 9th Wave also impress with their solid design. (Henri Lesewitz, BIKE reporter)
Price from 1149 Euro
Weight 1455 grams (29 inch)
Functionality 5 out of 6 points
Durability 6 out of 6 points
PLUS Weight, quality, tubeless-compatible, custom design possible for an additional 100 euros
MINUS Shipping only, as the dealer network in Germany is thin
SRAM NX groupset
Few gears for a lot of money - that's how you could break down Sram's 1x11 concept. The entry-level NX groupset stands out from its siblings in a pleasing way. The complete drivetrain is available for just 327 euros. The GX groupset, which is one step above, is 70 per cent more expensive, but saves a good 300 grams in weight. Which brings us to the biggest drawback of the NX: It is heavy. At over 2 kilos - the cassette alone weighs 538 grams - the groupset weighs quite a bit. However, it also proved to be surprisingly robust in the test and hardly differs functionally from the more expensive 1x11 drivetrains. The gear changes are clean and precise, albeit a little slower. The most noticeable difference: The 11-42 NX cassette does not require a special XD freehub body, but has to do without the small 10th sprocket. Otherwise, the components are fully compatible with the other Sram drivetrains and offer an inexpensive alternative to the otherwise very expensive 1x11 components, especially in combination or as individual spare and wear parts.
Price 327 Euro
Weight 2011 grammes
Functionality 4 out of 6 points
Durability 6 out of 6 points
PLUS Very inexpensive, robust, durable
MINUS High weight, gear lever not compatible with Matchmaker, no 10-speed sprocket
Brake Trickstuff Diretissima
Quadruple ball-bearing levers, four-piston caliper, all chicly CNC-machined. The stopper from Freiburg-based parts manufacturer Trickstuff should not only stand out visually from the mass-produced jumble, but also bite powerfully. Our test in BIKE 3/16 already confirmed the top function. The 2000 endurance test kilometres (incl. Hero marathon) confirm this. No pressure point shifting, no oil loss, no jerking pistons, top braking power. The bolts on the reservoir have loosened, but are Loctide-secured in the current series.
Price 399 Euro
Weight 433 grammes
Functionality 6 out of 6 points
Durability 5 out of 6 points
PLUS High braking power, defined pressure point, good stability, many custom options
MINUS Expensive, no tool-free lever adjustment
SRAM Quarq Powermeter
As a pioneer in single cranks, Sram naturally also offers a power meter for use without a front derailleur. The crank weighs just 130 grams more than a standard XX1 crank and measures with an accuracy of +/- 1.5 per cent. The power can be displayed on any Ant+ device, including leg differences. Within three worn chainrings and one battery change, the crank worked perfectly and absolutely reliably. Only the power display could be updated more quickly.
CONCLUSIONS: The Quarq crank is a precise tool that can not only be used to control training, but also to visualise differences during testing. (Peter Nilges, BIKE Test Manager)
Price 1199 Euro
Weight 700 grammes
Functionality 5 out of 6 points
Durability 5 out of 6 points
PLUS Simple, wireless mounting, no additional cadence sensor required
MINUS Price, minimum chainring size 32 teeth
Wheels Sun Ringlé Black Flag Expert AL 29
When unpacking the Black Flag wheels, in addition to adapters for the most common axle standards, quick-release skewers, tubeless valves and sealant tumble out of the box. The tubeless rim tape is already fitted, so the pressure display remains at 1.7 bar after fitting the tyres. Even if the aluminium wheels don't break any weight records, the equipment is outstanding for the price. On the rough trails of the Ammergau Alps, the advantages of the Boost construction become apparent: Straight-pull spokes of equal length on both sides combine 25 millimetre wide rims and hubs with industrial bearings to form a robust unit. This allows the CC hardtail to be manoeuvred through the bends with precision. A small dent on the rear wheel as a silent witness to the low air pressure is the only visible flaw after almost 1000 kilometres of testing. The concentricity is still outstanding, the bearings run silky smooth.
CONCLUSIONThe Black Flag wheels are not exactly lightweights. But you get a durable, stiff and customisable wheelset for racing. (Ben Mössmer, BIKE test rider)
Price 459 Euro
Weight 1802 grams (29 inch)
Functionality 5 out of 6 points
Durability 5 out of 6 points
PLUS Affordable, customisable and robust wheelset; available in dozens of variants
MINUS A little heavy
Pedals Issi Trail
Same weight, same price, same design - the Trail appears to be the colourful twin of the Shimano XT pedal. This has already proven itself many times over in tough use. Can Issi keep up? Yes and no: clipping in and out is similarly secure, smooth and intuitive, but not quite at XT level. The stance of the Japanese bike is also slightly firmer. The bearings, on the other hand, run silky smooth even after a wet season. Three axle lengths and eight trendy colours offer plenty of potential for customisation.
Price 94,90 Euro
Weight 408 grammes
Functionality 5 out of 6 points
Durability 4 out of 6 points
PLUS Three axle lengths, eight colours, two bearing variants available
MINUS Significant paint flaking on contact with rocks
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