New Ibis carbon and alloy wheelsets rolling in
For the 742 and 942 models, Ibis retained the 41mm outer/35mm inner widths of the 741/941 rims, but says it increased impact strength, reduced weight, and maintained lateral stiffness (click to enlarge).
If you didn’t know any better, you might think Ibis is primarily a wheel maker. That’s especially true after recent news from the California company that it’s expanding its line of MTB hoops to nine, adding new carbon and alloy models.
New offerings in carbon include the 742, 942, 735 and 935. The aluminum wheels are called 738 and 938. And in case you’re wondering, the first number indicates wheel size, as in 9 equals 29er and 7 is 27.5, while the second number is the outer rim width (kinda sorta).
Here’s the full breakdown on all the Ibis wheels new and old (click to enlarge).
For the 742 and 942 models, Ibis retained the 41mm outer/35mm inner widths of the 741/941 rims, but says it increased impact strength, reduced weight, and maintained lateral stiffness. Claimed weights are 1630 grams for the 742 and 1690 grams for the 942. Both wheelsets will retail for $1800.
The new 735 and 935 feature 35mm outer and 29mm internal rim widths, and are geared toward lighter trail bikes that see more XC time. They are also aimed at riders looking to save weight, but want to the benefits of a wide rim. This new wider, shallower rim profile also has increased impact strength and lateral stiffness. Claimed weights are 1540 grams and 1590 grams respectively, and have the same $1800 price tag.
The carbon wheels now come with made-in-USA Industry Nine Torch Hubs that feature a 60-tooth ratchet with 6 out of phase pawls (click to enlarge).
The asymmetric rim design features 5mm of offset (except for 2.5mm on the 735 and 935). This, says Ibis, allows higher spoke tensions that are nearly equal from one side of the wheel to the other. This, combined with a section height that is reduced to 19.5mm, makes the wheel stronger yet better able to distribute the loads of localized impacts from rock strikes or hard landings.
Ibis is also introducing a new hybrid carbon layup, strategically combining layers of high-toughness carbon/epoxy prepreg with its original carbon composite, increasing strength and impact durability. As a result, the 742 and 942 wheels are claimed to net a 30 percent increase in impact strength, but a 7.5 percent decrease in weight, compared to previous Ibis rims.
The first number represents wheel size (29 or 27.5), while the second is outer rim width (click to enlarge).
The carbon wheels now come with made-in-USA Industry Nine Torch Hubs that feature a 60-tooth ratchet with 6 out of phase pawls, resulting in a 3-degree engagement. Spokes are Sapim CX-Ray. Rotor attachment is center lock and the hubs are equipped with Enduro bearings and come with either Shimano or SRAM XD drivers.
The 742/942/738/938 rims are especially suited for low pressures (10-18 psi) that’s typical when running 2.8” plus tires. You can also run 2.25-2.5” tires and get a rounded profiles inflated in the 18-25psi range depending on rider weight and riding conditions.
The new alloy wheels sell for $549 (click to enlarge).
The main storyline with the alloy rims is price. MSRP is $549. Other highlights include an inner rim width that’s the same 35mm as the widest carbon Ibis wheel. Rotor attachment is 6-bolt.
The rims also share the 5mm asymmetric spoke drilling, tubeless ready capability, and equal spoke tensions with a wide profile. Hubs are Ibis branded, built by a small CNC shop in Taiwan and featuring a 36-tooth 4 pawl freehub (Shimano or SRAM) with 10-degree engagement.
The alloy wheelsets come with house brand hubs (click to enlarge).
Both the rims and hubs are black anodized and laser etched, and spec’d with Enduro bearings, and are currently available in boost spacing.
Availability is set for May 15. For more info visit www.ibiscycles.com.
Read our review of the Ibis 941 wheels here.
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