Interbike 2014: Velocity add wide, light MTB rims

30/27mm wide Blunt SS under 400g…

Freely admitting that they’ve struggled with dent- and ding-prone rims in the past, Velocity have set out so create the XC/trail holy grail.  Aiming to build a light, wide, and sturdy XC/trail rim, the company has added a new engineer to their staff and invested more energy in computer modeling than ever before.  The result – the new Blunt SS – is said to be lighter, stronger, and (5mm) wider than the Blunt SL it looks set to replace.

26.6mm between bead hooks (and 30mm outside), the Blunt SS should make the most of mid-width tyres without exposing too much sidewall or putting knobs where they weren’t intended to be.  The simple external arc hides a substantial nipple seat and thick, short bead hooks.  Tubeless compatibility was engineered in from the start, with a high bead seat but no dedicated bead locking features.

When asked about the hookless geometry currently en vogue among the carbon set, Velocity’s Matt Ruiter noted that the SS’s mini-hook acts as an I-beam-style reinforcing feature, bringing much of the strength of a thicker wall without the weight.  For a wheel that is more likely to be run with non-tubeless tyre beads than high-dollar carbon sets, it also holds non-tubeless tyre beads in place than those that go without.

Velocity believes that the Blunt SS will be the first wide/light rim-only option on the market- and we can’t think of any similar alloy rims available for those who prefer to build their own wheels.  Rim-only weights are quoted at 395g and 425g in 27.5 and 29er sizes.  Complete Blunt SS Pro Disc wheelsets will hit the scales at 1,475g/1,550g; Comp Disc at 1,590g/1,680g.  Prices have not yet been set.

velocityusa.com