Last Thursday, North Carolina’s Industry Nine announced the new Hydra Grade 300 v2 wheelset. This wheelset is designed to take the “biggest hits, deepest sends, and eMTB rips”. The star of the wheelset is the Grade 300 alloy rim. It incorporates hollow bead technology – a triple cavity design that reduces pinch flats and enhances impact resistance.
The hollow bead wall design elevates the performance of alloy rim wheelsets to the levels you typically associate with carbon rims. With the innovative shaping, you get wider bead walls that improve impact resistance.
But it also eliminates the concentrated pinch points found in conventional hook-shaped rims. Additionally, the triple cavity rim section enhances the structure’s strength and support, significantly reducing the severity of impact deformations.
Grade 300 v2 In-House Testing
Industry Nine’s in-house testing showed that the new Grade 300 v2 “impressively outperformed” the previous generation rim. When it comes to the conversation of bead shelf deformation, the Grade 300 v2 exhibited a 79% improvement under moderate impact and a 65% improvement under severe impact.
Additionally, the Grade 300 v2 showed a 72% improvement when testing the bead wall for deformation under moderate impact and a 66% improvement under severe impact.
Furthermore, the associated spoke tension drop at the impact was reduced as well. There was a 62% improvement under moderate impact and a 71% improvement under severe.
Industry Nine confidently asserts that the Grade 300 v2 is the strongest alloy rim they have ever offered.
Hydra Hub
The new Grade 300 v2 wheelset is built on the Hydra 32h system hub and spoke chassis. The wheelsets feature the iconic .52° engagement freehub system.
This is combined with direct-thread hubshells utilizing a one-piece machined alloy spoke. This creates a ride quality and customizable aesthetics unlike anything on the market.
Grade 300 v2 Details and Retails
Retail: $1430 (starting)
- Intended Use: DH, Big Hits, eMTB
- Sizes: 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 is the most robust alloy-rimmed wheelset in the Hydra custom alloy line. It is specifically designed for downhill bikes, bike park builds, and eMTB use.
Check them out at the link below.