Last week, Industry Nine, based in North Carolina, unveiled their latest wheelset, the Hydra Grade 300 v2. This new wheelset is engineered to withstand extreme conditions and is particularly suited for downhill biking, bike park setups, and eMTB riding.
The standout feature of the Hydra Grade 300 v2 is the Grade 300 alloy rim, which incorporates innovative hollow bead technology. This triple cavity design not only reduces pinch flats but also enhances impact resistance, elevating the performance of alloy rim wheelsets to levels comparable to carbon rims.
One of the key advantages of the hollow bead wall design is the absence of concentrated pinch points typically found in traditional hook-shaped rims. Moreover, the triple cavity rim section enhances the overall strength and support of the wheelset, significantly minimizing impact deformations.
Industry Nine conducted rigorous in-house testing on the Grade 300 v2, which demonstrated remarkable improvements over the previous generation rim. The new wheelset exhibited a 79% enhancement in bead shelf deformation resistance under moderate impact and a 65% improvement under severe impact. Additionally, there was a 72% enhancement in bead wall deformation resistance under moderate impact and a 66% improvement under severe impact. The associated spoke tension drop during impacts was also significantly reduced, showing a 62% improvement under moderate impact and a 71% improvement under severe impact.
Industry Nine proudly claims that the Grade 300 v2 is their strongest alloy rim offering to date. The wheelset is built on the Hydra 32h system hub and spoke chassis, featuring the iconic .52° engagement freehub system. The direct-thread hubshells with a one-piece machined alloy spoke contribute to a unique ride quality and customizable aesthetics.
Here are some key details about the Grade 300 v2 wheelset:
- Retail Price: Starting at $1430
- Intended Use: DH, Big Hits, eMTB
- Sizes Available: 27.5″, 29″, MX
- Hole Count: 32
- Inner Width: 30mm
- Recommended Tire Size: 2.3″ – 2.6″
- Weight: 27.5″ 1990g, 29″ 2090g, MX 2040g
The Hydra Grade 300 v2 stands out as the most durable alloy-rimmed wheelset in Industry Nine’s custom alloy line, specifically catering to the demands of downhill biking, bike park constructions, and eMTB enthusiasts. To explore more about this impressive wheelset, visit Industry Nine’s official website.
