Now that we’re settling in on a range of “plus” tire widths, it’s time to lighten things up. HED’s on the case with their new Raptor, which lays down a hookless 45mm wide carbon rim (40mm internal width) that weighs in at just 430g. Yes, that’s lighter than some regular width rims, but includes sidewall shaping to boost lateral stiffness. That width does mean they’re recommended for the wider end of plus tires, hitting a sweet spot for 27.5×3.0. More pics and video, below…
The rim is drilled for 32 spokes and will retail for $2,100 as a wheelset built with HED’s Brickhouse hubs. Or, send in your own hubs and get a wheelset built with Raptors for $1,650.
Built with I9 Boost Center Lock hubs using an XD Driver Body, complete wheels will weigh in at a claimed 769g (F) and 895g (R).
On the high end, you can order a pair laced to Onyx ($2,280) or Industry Nine Boost ($2,225) hubs. At the moment, there’s no rim-only option, but with their BFD carbon rims going for $1,400 for a pair, being able to just send in your own hubs and have them completely built for less than $300 more, it’s not a bad way to upgrade to plus on your existing hubs.
