SEA OTTER CLASSIC 2010 – Specialized had these Project Black carbon rimmed wheels tucked away in their booth being prepped for use under the pros racing through the weekend.
Project Black is Specialized’s skunk works department that creates and tests items before sending them into full production. While Nic Sims, Spec’s media and team liason, was careful to say that there’s no guarantee these will make it into production and was tight lipped about any specs or timelines, he did mention that they were raced under Christoph Sauser and U23 World Champion Burry Stander all last season and at the Cape Epic. Todd Wells and Lene Byberg are racing them on 29er hardtails, too, which is the version you’re looking at here.
They’re XC-only, with 26″ and 29er versions being tested, tubeless ready but can run standard clincher tires and they’ve got some superlight skewers to complete the package. More pics, including close ups of their new 450g Renegade 29er 2.1 race tire, after the break…
Fairly standard shaping of the rim, looks like most aluminum rims, except in a glossy carbon weave.
Front hub uses a carbon shell with straight pull spokes with radial on the drive side and three-cross lacing on the disc brake side.
Skewers are absolutely minimal, and if you happen to be a sponsored pro, you’ll get your name laser etched on them.
Rear hub is straight pull, three cross lacing on both sides.
Want something crazy light and fast for hardpack race courses? How ’bout these 450g 29er Renegade tires in a 2.1 width? They’re tubeless (or 2bliss in marketing speak) and should be out soon. Price and actual release date are TBD, but Sims indicated they are ready for production (there’s already a 26″ version available).
