Bike Ahead Three Zero XC Pi Rope: XC wheelset with 1132 grams & 30 mm rims
Lukas Niebuhr
· 13.03.2025
Bike Ahead Composites from Würzburg is expanding its range of wheels with a new top-of-the-range model. The Three Zero XC Pi Rope is a high-end wheelset for use on cross-country and marathon MTBs, characterised by its low weight and innovative components. With a total weight of just 1132 grams, it is one of the lightest wheelsets in this segment.
The rims have an inner width of 30 millimetres, which provides a wide contact surface for the tyres. According to the manufacturer, this improves traction and allows lower tyre pressures. All components of the wheelset are manufactured in Germany, which Bike Ahead emphasises as a quality feature.
XC wheelset from Bike Ahead: Patented Safe-Wing design
The carbon rims of the Bike Ahead Three Zero XC Pi Rope are manufactured by hand in the Allgäu factory. A special feature is the patented safe-wing design of the rims. This is characterised by a wide, flat design with rounded rim flanges.
The manufacturer expects several advantages from this: The wide support of the tyre should enable lower air pressures and thus ensure maximum traction in all driving situations, while preventing buckling in bends. In addition, the special shape should minimise damage to the tyre carcass in the event of punctures, as the force can be distributed over a larger area.
Innovative production technology
A special technique is used to manufacture the rims. The rim holes are pierced before the carbon fibre is baked and not drilled afterwards. According to Bike Ahead, this prevents damage to the carbon fibres and guarantees increased stability. The rims are not painted. Instead, the rims are given a matt, shimmering look through a multi-stage polishing process and subsequent surface sealing.
High-quality hubs and textile spokes
The hubs of the Three Zero XC Pi Rope wheels are made by Nonplus Components from Winnenden. They feature a patented freehub system with a 400 per cent larger contact surface compared to conventional systems.
A special conical toothing with 45 teeth is designed to ensure loss-free power transmission and minimise wear. The hubs also have self-adjusting bearing play, which is realised by end caps with compressible O-rings.
Innovative spoke technology
Another special feature of the wheelset are the textile spokes made by Pi Rope from Chemnitz. These are said to weigh just 2 grams each and are made from the high-performance material Vectran - a fibre material made from liquid crystalline polymers.
Each spoke is braided from 300 individual filaments and cut to length by hand. The rims of the Three Zero XC have been specially equipped with larger nipple seats for this spoke technology. 28 black spokes are used per wheel.
Application area and variants
The Three Zero XC Pi Rope is primarily designed for cross-country and marathon use. It complements the existing Three Zero line from Bike Ahead, which also includes a Enduro version belongs. The wheelset is available with freewheels for Sram XD and Shimano Micro Spline. Tubeless valves, sealing tape and a wheel bag are included in the scope of delivery.
XC wheelset from Bike Ahead: Details & costs
- Price: 2999 Euro
- Field of application: MTB, cross country and marathon
- Total weight: 1132 grams (manufacturer's specification)
- Rims: Bike Ahead Three Zero XC Carbon
- Inside rim width: 30 millimetres
- Number of spokes: 28 per wheel
- Spokes: Pi Rope textile spokes, 2 grams per piece
- Hubs: Nonplus Components
- Freewheel options: Sram XD, Shimano Micro Spline
- Freewheel system: Tapered toothing with 45 teeth
- Special features: Patented Safe-Wing rim design, self-adjusting hub bearing
- Manufacture: 100 per cent Made in Germany
- Guarantee: 3 years Crash Replacement
Lukas Niebuhr
Working student
