Atomik Carbon’s newest wheelset is… aluminum? That’s right. This is their first wheelset using an aluminum rim instead of carbon. Because of that, the new wheels are also their most affordable…
Using a 6069- T6 aluminum rim extrusion, the AL345 rims measure 30mm internally with a 34.5mm external width. The rims have a small hook, and a low 18mm profile. Available in both 27.5 and 29″ diameters, the rims have a claimed weight of 460g and 475g respectively.
“Our goal was to make the performance of Atomik’s carbon rims and wheelsets available to more riders by offering an affordable, premium aluminum option,” says co-owner and founder Wayne Lee. “We decided to pair the AL345 with Industry Nine’s 1/1 hub for a complete wheelset that offers unparalleled performance and value without any compromises.”
Each wheel runs 32 double-butted Sapim Race 2.0/1.8 spokes and can be built to a set of Industry Nine 1 / 1 hubs which provide nearly all axle and hub options including the availability of Shimano Micro Spline freehubs. You also have your choice of hubs from DT Swiss, Chris King, Race Face, Hope, Project 321, and Profile Elite hubs as well as different spoke options including the ultra-light BERD spokes if you want to pay the upcharge for custom builds.
Pricing starts at $680 for complete wheels with DT Swiss 350 hubs or $699 for the I9 1 / 1 hubs, and all wheelsets include free shipping worldwide. The aluminum rims are also backed by a two-year limited warranty.
Carbon Upgrade Program
Bought the AL345 wheels and decide you want to upgrade to carbon rims? Atomik is hoping to incentivize customers to do just that with their Carbon Upgrade Program which is good for first two years you own your AL435 wheelset. Basically, if you decide you want to upgrade to Atomik Carbon rims, all you have to pay for is the price of the rim itself. Atomik will then cover all labor, new Sapim Race Spokes, brass nipples, and return shipping – all at no cost to you on top of the price of the rims.
