Nukeproof: All New Wheel Range
Since the early 90’s Nukeproof has been synonymous with creating quality hubs and wheelsets for riders. The new range is a result of many hours of research, development and testing by our team. With the result, an all-new, improved and updated Horizon & Neutron wheel range (version 2/ v2). Improvements have been made across all aspect of performance, durability and serviceability of both Horizon and Neutron wheel families. As a response to customer demand, we have changed the way we supply the wheels. Wheels now sold individually (front/ rear) to give riders versatility in a completely new set, replacement for one wheel or mix and match. As well as the wheels a full list of accessories (valves, ARD, Rim Tape etc.) and spare parts are available, forming our most complete “wheel range” to date.
Nukeproof Horizon Wheelset Range
The Horizon range is our premium performance component range, designed for riders looking for the ultimate performance from their bike. At the heart of the new wheelsets is an all-new hub. Featuring 102 points of engagement (engagement ever 3.52 degrees) the Horizon hub offers rapid engagement to allow riders to get the power down instantaneously when asked. As it’s a Nukeproof product longevity and reliability is key. The Horizon hub rolls fast and smooth using lipped Enduro ABEC 5 Bearings, which importantly protect the hub from the water and dirt on the trails. To ensure longevity, they feature 80% grease filled bearings to reduce metal to metal contact (generally bearings are 30% filled). Lastly, the hotly debated topic of how they sound? Off the shelf, they have a (nice) distinctive “buzz” to them, but as a result of an unsettled debate between our office team of personal preferences, we have also chosen to all offering a stealth pawls & springs upgrade/ option for riders that don’t want that prefer to ride in silence.
To cater to all modern drivetrains, Shimano HG, Sram XD and also Shimano Microspline freehubs are available as an option. To ensure they fit a wide variety of frames various hub widths are available: 135mm/ 142mm/ 148mm/ 150mm & 157mm and 110 & 100MM Fork Spacing.
Like most of our customers we don’t want to be limited to riding a specific gender so wanted to create the wheels with a wide range of use and appeal. Therefore, the rim had to be tough enough to withstand the abuse of racing downhill, but svelte enough to be happy on fast rolling trails. The rim is constructed using a dynamically aged magnesium-Silicon enriched alloy to give both the stiffness and harness, but ductility and yield properties (in short, the benefits of both 7 series and 6 series alloys). Rather than exposing the rim to the heat of the welding process, which can lead to potential week spots, they are sleeved. This ensures the properties of the alloy remain consistent and effective throughout the circumference. In simple terms; strong and stiff but with a nice level of compliance allowing you to feel the trail where you need it to and ultimately help improved handling and control.
In terms of rim width, we believe the 30mm rim width (internal) gives the best compromise. For most 2.3 to 2.6” tyres, it allows the tyre casing to create the best contact patch to the trail, whilst retaining strength and protection. For ease of maintenance for riders they are finished off 32 hand laced J bend spokes (laced in a 3x pattern). The wheels are therefore tested and approved the rims for downhill, enduro, all-mountain and trail use.
Nukeproof Neutron Wheelset Range
The Neutron range gets a full overall as well. Again, from Hub to the rim we’ve made improves in performance, strength and reliability. The all-new hub is designed for a smooth, fast pick up with an increase in points of engagement (36point of engagement, every 10degrees). The same freehub and width options are available on the Neutron range to ensure maximum compatibility. Strength and reliability of the wheelset are key for Neutron and 6066 alloy 29mm internal width rims are hand laced to the hubs with 32 J-Bend spokes. Again, we have developed and approved Neutron V2 Wheels for downhill, trail and enduro use. To keep them always running fresh we’ve designed all our wheelsets to be fully serviceable with a full range of spares options will be available through Nukeproof retailers.
The Neutron range gets a full overall as well. Again, from Hub to rim we’ve made improves in performance, strength and reliability. The all new hub is designed for a smooth, fast pick up with increase in points of engagement (36point of engagement, every 10degrees) . The same freehub and width options are available on the Neutron range to ensure maximum compatibility. Strength and reliability of the wheelset are key for Neutron and 6066 alloy 29mm internal width rims are hand laced to the hubs with 32 J-Bend spokes. Again, we have developed and approved Neutron V2 Wheels for downhill, trail and enduro use. To keep them always running fresh we’ve designed all our wheelsets to be fully serviceable with a full range of spares options will be available through Nukeproof retailers.
Wheels will go on sale from Friday in all good Nukeproof retailers.
Let us know what you think of Nukeproofs new wheel range in the comments below.
Photos: Laurence Crossman-Emms