Don’t call it a comeback. Or do, either way, American Classic is bringing back their lightweight magnesium race wheels. Thanks to a few vendor changes, the new Mags are completely reworked except for the extrusions and will offer an impressively light race ready wheelset. The Mags will have the roadies excited, but the promise of new carbon mountain bike wheels should be good news to those who prefer to ride offroad as well.
Details after the break.
Available around late July or Early August, the Mag wheels use a magnesium rim to get the weight down to a feathery 1148g per pair. Not bad for a wheelset without any carbon. The rims will still require the use of Koolstop All Weather pads which are included with the wheels, and can not be ridden in salty conditions. Otherwise, the new Mag wheels should prove to be plenty durable for race day use.
Mags will be sold with Shimano 10/11 or Campy 11 compatible freehubs, and are laced with AC Race Blade spokes. Retail is set for $1599.
Still in the prototype stage, American Classic has their sights set on carbon mountain wheels with a new 27.5 and 29″ carbon wheel. Aimed at AM/Enduro type riding, the rims will still be XC light at 380g, or 460g for 27.5″ and 29″.
American Classic is still finalizing the shape and dimensions of the rim, but the prototype measures 33mm externally wide, and 28-29mm internally. The rims are designed to be tubeless compatible with the use of rim tape. More on these in the future.
