RaceFace have updated their mid-range all-mountain and enduro wheelset for 2021; The RaceFace Aeffect R. Most notable is the all-new J-Bend Trace hubset these alloy rims are laced to.
The 10 degree engagement rear hub is a new mid-range option for RaceFace, priced well below that of their top-end Vault hubset. And, it’s eMTB rated, laced to the all-new RaceFace Aeffect R eMTB Rear Wheel too… here’s an intro, with specs and pricing to follow.
RaceFace Aeffect R Wheelset
This is a reasonably priced wheelset from RaceFace, a far more attractive option to riders whose budgets can’t stretch to their wider alloy Turbine wheelsets or carbon Next wheelsets. Rated for trail to enduro riding, these wheels feature a 6069 alloy rim with a 30mm internal width, and an offset rim bed for even spoke tension.
- Wheel size options: 27.5″ & 29″
- Claimed weight (29”): Front – 925g / Rear – 1075g
- Internal rim width: 30mm
- External rim width: 34mm
- Spoke Count: 28 – F & R
- Wheelset Pricing: $599.00 USD / $774.98 CAD
The hookless alloy rim is offset from centre by 4.5mm with a depth of 20mm. Twenty-eight Sapim Sprint J-Bend spokes lace it to the Trace hub in a 3-cross non-interlaced pattern.
RaceFace Trace Hubset
The most notable update for the RaceFace Aeffect R wheelsets is the hubset. The all-new RaceFace Trace hubset is J-Bend style, replacing the previous straight-pull hub of old. With 32 spoke holes, the Trace is central to the enduro-rated Aeffect wheels and the new eMTB rear wheel… more on that to follow.
The rear hub sits on a steel axle with over-sized 6902 cartridge bearings for improved durability. The pawl and spring system offers 10° engagement with 36 POEs, so a much slower pick-up than what you’d experience on a Vault hub.
The RaceFace Trace hub is available as a 6-bolt rotor mount only, in boost and super boost spacing options. HG, MicroSpline and SRAM XD driver bodies are available. For a boost hubset with MicroSpline driver, the claimed weights are as follows: Front Hub – 188g; Rear Hub – 336g.
Aeffect eMTB R Rear Wheel
RaceFace have released their first eMTB-rated alloy wheel, available in 27.5″ and 29″ options. It is a rear wheel only and features the same 30mm internal rim width we see on the Aeffect R wheelset, but with a 22mm depth and laced to the Trace hub via 32 spokes rather than 28.
Those spokes are also weightier Sapim Race ones with a 2.0/1.8/2.0 butting profile. Sapim double square secure lock black/brass nipples lock the J-Bend spokes into the rim bed. RaceFace supply the eMTB rear wheel (and the Aeffect R Wheelset) with 5 spare spokes.
Pick up the RaceFace Aeffect eMTB Rear Wheel for $399.99 USD or $499.99 CAD; available in boost and super boost spacing options.
