Asheville, NC-based Industry Nine is launching a new wheelset they’re calling Torch Trail S. The wheels are using a revised version of their Torch hubs that is designed to be used with straight-pull steel spokes, a first for I9.
Previously, I9 hubs were available in either a “Classic” version for j-bend steel spokes (which Jeff recently reviewed) or as part of a complete wheel that used I9’s own straight aluminum spokes.
The rims are 24.5mm wide, which should provide a decent footprint for larger trail tires (2.20-2.40″). They will come from I9 with the tubeless tape and valves installed, all you have to do is add tires and sealant and you’re ready to shred.
Industry Nine uses the same end caps as their other Torch hubs, so you’ll be able to configure these wheels to a wide variety of axle standards from traditional QR to Boost 148.
Weights for complete wheelsets are 1,635g for the 27.5″ and 1,690g for the 29″. That’s about a 60-90g weight penalty over their aluminum-spoked counterparts, but still quite light for a trail wheelset. Just one colorway is available: black hubs and rims with silver spokes and etched silver graphics. That should look sharp on just about any bike.
The new Torch Trail S wheels look to bring the high-level performance that I9 is known for down to a more attainable price point. These wheels will retail for $845 which is significantly less than the $1,195 MSRP for the aluminum-spoked version.
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