Iwan Kemp Posted May 11, 2015 Share 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. Click here to view the article Beerfan and Bra B 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cylon Posted May 11, 2015 Share 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. nonky and Iwan Kemp 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mtbride Posted May 11, 2015 Share 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dirtypot Posted May 11, 2015 Share Is it more difficult to seat the tyre onto the wider rim? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pgp Posted May 11, 2015 Share Is it more difficult to seat the tyre onto the wider rim?I used a track pump to set Bontrager tyres on mine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohanMalan Posted May 11, 2015 Share 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. nonky 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JXV Posted May 11, 2015 Share 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ACM Posted May 11, 2015 Share 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lance Roberts Posted May 12, 2015 Share Does the wider foot print of the tyre on the ground not add more rolling resistance? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Captain Fastbastard Mayhem Posted May 12, 2015 Share Does the wider foot print of the tyre on the ground not add more rolling resistance?Short answer. No Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Captain Fastbastard Mayhem Posted May 12, 2015 Share 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. Naas Vermaak, nonky, IH8MUD and 1 other 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pikey Posted May 12, 2015 Share 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 ???? Captain Fastbastard Mayhem, Iwan Kemp and Andrew_Smith 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lance Roberts Posted May 12, 2015 Share 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! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Captain Fastbastard Mayhem Posted May 12, 2015 Share 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. Pikey 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IH8MUD Posted May 12, 2015 Share I did it this morning . . . . . Captain Fastbastard Mayhem and Iwan Kemp 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BenGraham Posted May 12, 2015 Share But can you get them in 26? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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