First look: New XTR tubeless wheelset
- By VeloNews.com
- Published Aug. 27, 2002
While we thought 2003 couldn’t get any brighter for Shimano and its highly redefined XTR group, the Japanese manufacturer surprised us again this morning with the announcement that it would be producing its first XTR-level wheelset.
Sources report the wheelset should go for around $850 and be available about the same time as the component group (around January, 2003.) Vital stats include: total wheelset weight of 1650 grams, both 24 spoke count in a paired lateral crossover pattern and, most significantly, are both tubeless and traditional-tire compatible.
Although the wheels were not submitted to receive Mavic’s UST certification, Shimano PR Faceman Chris DiStefanoexplained, “The wheels are ready to safely accept any tire on the market.”
In addition, the wheels use Shimano’s new Center Lock disc brake hubset for use with its new XTR-level disc brake caliper and lever. The splined interface accepts the rotor much like freehub accepts the cassette–just slide the rotor on and cinch-down using a single lock-ring.
As expected, the wheels will also use an XTR-level precision bearing assembly with Titanium axles and freehub body tominimize weight. Extra icing on the cake are the two included wheel bags.
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