Ghisallo has been making wood rims since 1946 in Italy. They’ve always done tubulars and have made wood-only clinchers since the ’50s. Those were limited to about 4.5 bar (65psi).
Now, they’re launching their Ultimate line of carbon fiber reinforced wood clinchers, which can handle up to 7-8 bar (~100 to 116psi). The carbon provides the structural strength to keep the air pressure from pushing the sidewalls out and breaking the wood. They’ll run €120 per rim, which includes their nipples and washers.
They also have new 29er mountain bike tubulars…
Another of the five wood color options.
A standard wood 700c tubular.
Mountain bike 29er rims are €93, and they’re available through Wheel Fanatic for the US. Ghisallo’s reps said they’re very laterally stiff and take advantage of wood’s natural damping characteristics.
