Sea Otter is always a great chance to see new kit for the coming model year. Even when it’s just a few months into the current calendar year! While there have been plenty of new semi-fat bikes on show, and new suspension systems from Fox, boutique US rim and hub manufacturer Kappius Components also had a few new things to show off.
29″ Full Carbon Clincher Mountain Bike Rim
While 27.5+ is gaining traction, Kappius already believe that a wide rim is the ticket for mountain biking. Having spent close to 12 months on their 30mm wide rim – I would agree. But now they have launched a 46mm wide full carbon clincher rim, with a massive 40mm internal width – the KR-29-XCW.
More than just being wide, the spoke bed is offset by 5mm, with 2.5mm and 7.5mm alternating from hole to hole. Currently the rims are available in 32h drilling.
The rims are designed to run 2.2-3.2″ tyres, although anything narrower than 2.4″ should have pretty short edge knobs as they will be standing up a little more than on a narrower rim.
The rims are tubeless compatible, and given the ease of inflation with their 30mm rims, their profile should hold the tyres super tight at low pressures and inflate easily. Weight is a highly respectable 435 grams +/- 15g. Pricing is set at $USD699, and they should be available from late April.
The aim of the wide rim is to increase the tyre volume and contact patch and shape – all for better trail feel. Basically it increases the width of your tyre without actually going up a tyre size. Even comparing a Kappius 30mm rim with a 2.2″ Maxxis Ikon and an ENVE XC rim with the same tyre, the benefits of a wider rim are visible.
Read our review of the Kappius KW1.5 Wheel Set
Boosted Kappius
In addition to the KR-29-XCW, Kappius are also offering Boost 148mm and 110mm compatible KH-1.5 rear hubs. This new hub width standard, introduced initially from Trek Bicycles, will be offered by multiple manufacturers on new frames in 2015. If you’re looking to upgrade your stock wheel set, Kappius have you covered with hubs and full wheel sets all with their 240 point engagement magnetically driven drive system.