Rim profile & aerodynamic CFD optimisation: Paul Lew
Finite Element structural Analysis: Performance Engineering Solutions (UK)
Materials and rim layup: Proprietary low FAW carbon composite – Paul Farrell
Spokes & nipples: Sapim CX-Ray. Polyax nipple
Hubs: Nex-GenSports star ratchet centerlock 12mm thru axle (options available)

DUE TO OVERWHELMING DEMAND, WE ARE PROUD TO RELEASE THE LATEST HIGH-PERFORMANCE VERSION IN THE V7 CARBON COMPOSITE GRAVEL WHEELSET SERIES.

AERODYNAMICALLY OPTIMISED GRAVEL WHEELSET USING A PROPRIETARY MIX OF CARBON COMPOSITES TO VISUALLY APPEAL TO THE MORE CONSERVATIVE BUYER WITHOUT COMPROMISING THE STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY AND PERFORMANCE OF THE WHEELSET.

BACKGROUND

All mass produced carbon composite wheel rims are constructed in one of two ways using an intermediate “sporting grade” modulus of carbon fiber thread. Almost exclusively P.A.N. (propylene+ammonia) based fibers are used and as a general rule ‘the better the PAN the better the fibre’ is true.

Japanese Toray is an industry leader but despite common claims, not all wheels use Toray fibres. Many cheaper inferior fiber grades are now commonplace. Visually they are impossible to tell apart to the consumer.

All composite components are manufactured using multiple layers of pre-cut fibres in either woven or uni-directional form. All other parameters being equal, the number of layers
and orientation of the fibres determine the final mechanical properties of the product once cured in a mould which is heated and thermally activates and sets the epoxy resin surrounding the fibres.

Cutting the required fibre shapes and ‘laying up’ to create the final structure has traditionally been done exclusively by hand and is therefore intensely labour dependent and final quality depends on skill established over many years.

Recently expensive semi-automated equipment has been developed to build up parts of the rim structure using the tape winding method. This has many advantages including highly accurate and repeatable fibre orientation, consistent fibre overlap and most importantly, the fibres are kept under tension (which is not possible using hand layup). Nex-Gen rims use the automated tape winding process.

The Nex-Gen full carbon rim has a lower weight compared to similar quality rim dimensions from other reputable brands. Still exceeds 150J ISO impact without fracture compared to </= 140J for other pure carbon composite rims before fracture.

ADVANTAGES AND BENEFITS

• Reduced weight
• Increased damage tolerance
• Increased impact resistance
• Reduced maintenance
• Incredible strength to weight ratio
• Dampens vibration
• Disperses energy