If fat bikes are your thing, then you’ve probably considered a new wheelset at some point. If not for the lighter weight, for the ability to easily run tubeless alone. If you’re into fat bikes, then there is a good chance that you’ve already seen the Reynolds carbon fat bike rim, just not in this configuration. First shown as a collaboration between Borealis and Reynolds, the Borealis Elite wheelset we covered out at Interbike.
Now that same rim will be available as part of an incredible build straight from Reynolds complete with Industry 9 hubs…
According to Reynolds, this is the same rim we saw out in the desert – an 85mm external/80mm internal hookless bead carbon rim with a 28mm depth. Drilled with 32 holes, the rim uses an aggressive ramp and bead lock to hold the tire in place at super low pressures. Supposedly able to be seated with just a floor pump with a single layer of tubeless tape, the Reynolds Dean rims are meant to be run tubeless with as little extra weight in the form of tape and rim strips as possible.
Reynolds points out that this is designed to be a true “all season” fat bike wheel with a double wall construction. Combined with greater impact resistance through the hookless bead and their MR5 carbon layup, this should make it durable enough to withstand rock and root strikes that are inevitable in the summer months when running low pressures.
With the Borealis hubs no longer an option, Reynolds Dean wheels will ship with Industry 9 hubs and Sapim spokes with a claimed weight of 2150g. Wheels will be sold for $2,650 for the set in 150mm front and 177 or 197mm rear axle configurations with Shimano 10/11 or SRAM XD free hub bodies. That price includes tubeless tape and valves and your choice of blue, yellow, or white decals.
