We saw American Classic’s 2014 lineup at Eurobike but missed getting pics of a couple of the new ones, like the Hurricane (above) and Victory 30. So, with news that all of the new alloy models are in stock and shipping, we thought we’d post a little update. The big news across the range is that everything’s now 11-speed compatible, most are road tubeless and there are a wealth of disc brake options. Oh, and all disc brake wheels can even be outfitted with thru axles and an XD Driver Body! AC’s done a really good job of future proofing their lineup with new hub castings and a plethora of builds, as you’ll soon see.
The Hurricane is a mid-high end wheelset that’s available for rim or disc brakes, both tubeless ready with tape preinstalled. The disc brake version comes in at 1646g (768g F/878g R) and is laced up with 32 spokes. What’s particularly interesting is that they’re available with standard QR or 15mm front/12×142 rear thru axles. Retail is $849.
The rim brake Hurricane is 1580g (736g F/844g R) and is only available with standard quick release. Retail is $799. Rims on both are 22.3mm wide outside (18.1mm inside) and 24mm deep.
The Argent is the lighter, deeper wheelset that’s looking really, really good for cyclocross. Even though the Hurricane is built to be a little tougher with more spokes and a 250lb rider weight limit, the Argent holds its own with a 230lb limit and 24 spokes laced two cross. Weight for the disc brake set is 1531g (708g F/823g R) and retail is $1,499. They’re also tubeless ready with preinstalled tape and can run any of the axle options.
If the Argent’s the high end, the Victory 30 brings tubeless down to a very affordable price point. They’re just $560 for the set. Rims are 22.7mm wide (18.1mm internal) and 30mm deep. Weight is just 1547g (654g F/893g R), pretty good for the price.
Not shown, the new ACRD 2218 road rims are also available and come in 24 and 28 hole. The numbers in the name refer to width (22.3mm outside, 18mm inside) and depth (18mm). They’re all black and come in at 375g. Those can be mated to their updated disc brake road hubs, which are now available in 24/28/32 hole drillings and are all 11-speed ready. Both the rims and hubs are in stock now, too.
Wide Lightning mountain bike wheels push rim widths all the way out to 32mm (29.3mm inside) with a rounded 22mm deep profile. Weight is 1569g (727g F/842g R) for the 29er set and 1512g (698g F/814g R) for 27.5″. QR or 15mm/12×142 thru axles available, just let them know what format you need when you order. Retail is $850 and word is they’re selling briskly. Both wheel sizes are laced 3x 32 hole, so they should be plenty stout for those weights.
The carbon rimmed wheels we saw at the tradeshow will all be available just after January 1.
