After two mountain bike models (Traibike Rascal and Enduro Bike Rail), the guys from Revel Bikes are now also entering the wheel business. With the brand new RW30 enduro/trail rim, Revel claims to have virtually reinvented the wheel. Not very surprising, as the young bike brand is backed by Enve founder Jason Chiers and former Rockshox development manager Jeremiah Starkey.
Lifetime guarantee and 100% recyclable
The highlight of the wheels is the carbon, or more precisely the manufacturing process. This is because the manufacturers dispense with environmentally harmful epoxy resin during production and replace it with a sustainable polymer-nylon mixture. For the carbon rims, unidirectional carbon fibres from Germany and Japan are impregnated with this polymer. The hope is that this will result in significantly lighter and more durable wheels that are also 100 per cent recyclable. In addition, the so-called fusion fibre is said to be much more resistant to impacts than conventionally manufactured carbon products, which is why Revel - like Santa Cruz on its reserve roundels - gives a lifetime guarantee on all rims. This is because where epoxy resin is brittle and can break, the polymer-nylon mixture is said to shine with flexibility and thus ensure a cushioned ride.
Revel is offering its new rims in 27.5-inch and 29-inch sizes with 28 or 32 holes for 699 US dollars each. The weights are 440 grams for the 27.5-inch rim and 470 grams for the 29-inch rim. Measured against the price - not a top value. The RW30 rims are also available as a complete wheelset with hubs from Industry Nine. The wheelset is available in two different versions. The US-Americans are asking USD 1975 for the version with Industry Nine 1/1 hubs. The more expensive Hydra hub with Spaim D-Light spokes is available for 2200 US dollars.
In Germany, Revel bikes are available via Traffic Distribution available.
Max Fuchs
Editor
