Review: American Classic Wide Lightning wheelset

[Iwan Kemp]

Although not the first to launch properly wide rims, American Classic's Wide Lightning were the first to offer extra width in a light and strong rim. Billed for anything from XC to Enduro, we put them to test to see for ourselves how they hold up after months of real-life use.

 

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[Cylon]

Great review. I recently bought a set of the Wide Lightnings and I think you pretty much nailed it. The extra traction and comfort that comes with 29mm wide rims is game changing, even more so when they weigh as much as a decent carbon wheelset for a fraction of the price.

 

The only downsides to the Wide Lightnings are the AC hubs, which as mentioned in the review, take some getting used to in technical terrain, especially if you're used to hubs that have more points of engagement. They are great on flats and downhills though due to the fact that they fully disengage, unlike DT Swiss hubs for example. I also noticed a small ding in the rim after their maiden voyage at Breedstnek which could simply have been due to bad luck but I'm worried that these light aluminium rims are a little soft. Time will tell I guess.

[mtbride]

Awesome wheelset for the price, I came from a Giant hub, so the engagement is quicker than that so for my not an issue.

 

Only issue is I managed to dent the rear rim running too low pressures obviously. Ran 1.5, learnt my lesson ... it's definitely a dent from low pressure not from a stone or anything like that.

[dirtypot]

Is it more difficult to seat the tyre onto the wider rim?

[pgp]

Is it more difficult to seat the tyre onto the wider rim?

I used a track pump to set Bontrager tyres on mine.

[JohanMalan]

Awesome wheelset!

I was surprised by their stiffness.

Feels like a legal cheat.

I am used to AC hubs, so I use them on geared and SS bikes, no problem, I actually prefer them to some of the ' faster engaging hubs, as AC hubs have pretty large bearings despite the low weight, and replacing them with proper NTN bearings results in very reliable smooth hubs.

[JXV]

I would prefer to be able to purchase these as rims only. Reason being that I want to fit similar hubs to those I already have. This offers back-up spares in an emergency and also means I can swop wheelsets without having to reset brake calipers or derailleur indexing.

Even though hub dimensions are supposed to be standardised, there are small differences between manufacturers so it is not guaranteed that a new wheelset with different hubs will be plug-and-play.

Edited May 11, 2015 by JXV

[ACM]

I have 2 bikes - both bikes have the exact same Hope Pro Evo hubs. Plus I'm using the same fox fork on both - slightly different models. Still, when I swap wheels I have to reset callipers. So, I don't think plug & play is a given, even if you use the same kit on both bikes.

[Lance Roberts]

Does the wider foot print of the tyre on the ground not add more rolling resistance?

[Captain Fastbastard Mayhem]

Does the wider foot print of the tyre on the ground not add more rolling resistance?

Short answer. No

[Captain Fastbastard Mayhem]

Longer answer. The increased width of the tire allows you to run a lower pressure, which then allows the tire to absorb more of the irregularities on the trail without having multiple small rebounds which slow the bike down incrementally. The effect of a wider contact patch is minimal.

[Pikey]

Longer answer. The increased width of the tire allows you to run a lower pressure, which then allows the tire to absorb more of the irregularities on the trail without having multiple small rebounds which slow the bike down incrementally. The effect of a wider contact patch is minimal.

Excellent explanation.At last I understand,could never wrap my brain around why wider would not = a lot more rolling restitance. They feel bloody responsive and very quick,can transform a bike for sure. The grip for climbing and cornering I find very reassuring. And they plenty tough as well. Rock gardens included.

 

Nice write up ????

[Lance Roberts]

Longer answer. The increased width of the tire allows you to run a lower pressure, which then allows the tire to absorb more of the irregularities on the trail without having multiple small rebounds which slow the bike down incrementally. The effect of a wider contact patch is minimal.

Thanks for the explanation, I'm a lot closer to buying a set now, just waiting for EVO to get new stock in.

 

Cheers!

[Captain Fastbastard Mayhem]

Excellent explanation.At last I understand,could never wrap my brain around why wider would not = a lot more rolling restitance. They feel bloody responsive and very quick,can transform a bike for sure. The grip for climbing and cornering I find very reassuring. And they plenty tough as well. Rock gardens included.

 

Nice write up

 

 

Thanks for the explanation, I'm a lot closer to buying a set now, just waiting for EVO to get new stock in.

 

Cheers!

For an action-sequence over the top explanation of it, have a look at the comparative videos showing a 650+ tyre and a normal 29er tire going over a block of wood. 650+ tyre just soaks it up and carries on, whereas the 29er can't deform enough and deflects a bit, which causes the suspension to compress, and robs the bike of forward momentum. 

 

Bear in mind that this is a large-scale representation of what happens on the trail, and the multiple undulations will have a smaller effect on the tyre's behaviour - but one that adds up over time. 

[IH8MUD]

I did it this morning . . . . .

 

[BenGraham]

But can you get them in 26?