Not that anyone suggested otherwise, but it turns out that Tim Krueger is a very busy guy. While continuing to launch new models for Advocate cycles, Tim and his crew have also been getting ready to launch Red Bear Products. Positioned as a wheel goods distributor, Red Bear holds the exclusive distribution rights for both Kuroshiro and Bouwmeester wheels and rims in the US.
The move should make the products easier to access here in the states including Kuroshiro’s new 100mm fat bike rim…
Building on the original enso 685, the enso 6105 actually uses the same center section, but with wider edges for the full 105 mm width. During the development process Kuroshiro and Alchemist found a few areas of improvement, including adding a robot to drill the spoke holes to precise tolerances. The result was smaller holes for each spoke which meant better sealing (again without tubeless tape) and fewer of the individual carbon strands cut which allowed for higher spoke tensions. Otherwise the Alpha Ridge 2 tubeless function remains the same.
Mauro from Kuroshiro added that he also quickly realized that the 200 pound weight limit was not high enough for the US market. The changes in the spoke holes with additional testing proved the rims up to 220 lbs, and when built with nipple washers the weight limit goes as high as 240 lbs. Coming in at 525 g, the enso 6105 rim sells for $950 which is the same price for all of the Kuroshiro rims including the 685, 747, and 950.
A number of complete builds will also be available including the “American” build which includes Industry Nine hubs.
Red Bear will also carry Bouwmeester’s unique carbon wheels which use a very thick single wall design that Tim liked quite a bit when he reviewed them when he wrote for us. Currently available in 27.5″ wheels, complete sets weigh in at 1,780g with DT Swiss 240 hubs, and will sell for $2,850.
