Derby Rims proudly inform us that their new Sol Rider carbon rims have survived a 3 year battering by DH racers, free riders and mechanical testing. Hence, the “unbreakable” claim, and the 5 year free warranty replacement they offer with the purchase of any rims in the Sol Rider line-up. Why are they so tough? It’s all down to Derby Rims’ new Solstice layup… we have the details.
Derby Rims Sol Rider
Derby Rims are offering Sol Rider in a variety of widths and wheel sizes for All-Mountain, Criss-Country and gravel riding, each in a 28 or 32 spoke count option. With that in mind, here’s the line-up:
- 27.5″ x 35i
- 29″ x 30i
- 29″ x 35i
- 700c/29″ x 25i
Across the Sol Rider range, the new rims have a symmetrical profile with angled spoke and water drain holes.
| Rim | Claimed weight (+/- 10g) | Internal Width (mm) | External Width (mm) | Depth (mm) | ERD (mm) |
| 27.5″ x 35i | 465 | 34.5 | 40 | 30.5 | 542 |
| 29″ x 30i | 485 | 30 | 36 | 30.5 | 582 |
| 29″ x 35i | 485 | 34 | 40 | 31 | 584 |
| 700c x 25i | 445 | 25 | 31 | 32.5 | 578 |
Derby Rims Solstice Layup
So what on earth makes Derby Rims new Sol Rider hoops tougher than their original MTB carbon rims, which themselves have a 0.5% damage rate over 3 years? That would be the proprietary Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) hybrid layup of carbon-fiber and plastic fiber composites. Not only does it maker them tougher, but it also gives rise to a much smoother ride feel.
The plastic fiber layers microscopically stretch between alternating layers of carbon fiber in the Solstice layup. When flexed excessively by hard impacts the Sol Rider’s rim wall flex tolerance prevents micro-fracturing, the initial separation of an internal layer’s carbon fibers. In turn, this prevents further separation of internal layers and ultimately, rim failure.
With the engineered flex, you may well expect the rims to offer more compliance, and thus a smoother ride feel than the original carbon rims.
“These are the smoothest carbon-fiber composite rims I’ve ever ridden” – CAT-1 masters DH-racer Kevin Dwyer.
Pricing & Availability
All Derby Rims in the Sol Rider range retail at $740 USD per rim. Derby offer a 5-year free damage replacement policy for original owners and a lifetime extended replacement warranty including secondary owners.
Derby Rims offer an entire rainbow of decal color customization options, or you can go sticker free for a proper stealth look.
