If you make tires, they need something to mount to, so Clement’s come up with the Ushuaia. Like their tires, it’s named after a city, this one being the southernmost city in the world. Ushuaia is the capital of Terra del Fuego, Argentina, and borders the Martial mountain range.
The wheels are thoroughly modern, yet retail for just $650 a set. The rims are a cyclocross-and-gravel friendly 23mm wide inside, 26mm wide externally. Depth is 25mm. Claimed weight is 1,650g, very respectable for the price point and technical features, which make for user friendly hubs and rims…
The sleeved alloy rims are hookless and tubeless ready, coming with tape and valve stems.
The hubs use sealed cartridge bearings and will work with QR, 12mm or 15mm front thru axles, and 12×142 rear thru axle. The flanges are angled to provide a more direct line from spoke to rim, helping reduce tension on the 28 double butted J-bend spokes. They’re seated with top-hat style nipples for a stronger connection with the rim. Inside are 36 points of engagement catching either a standard SRAM/Shimano 10/11 speed freehub body or XD Driver Body.
They’re available with Centerlock or 6-bolt disc brake hubs.
Clement has been slow to introduce tubeless ready tires, but noy they’ve got several options for gravel and ‘cross. The Strada USH borders on being a solid road touring tire that could head off road if needed. Available in a 700×32 for $75, a $20 premium over the non-tubeless ready version. 341g. Look for a 650×42 later this fall.
The meatily treaded BOS cyclocross tire is finally shipping. They come in at a claimed 397g for the 700×33 120tpi tubeless ready clincher, also available in a tubular.
The other tubeless ready options are:
- Xplor MSO 700×36 – 450g – $75 – available now
- Xplor MSO 700×40 puncture protection (not tubeless) – 485g – available now
- Xplor MSO 700×50 – 766g – available September
- Xplor MSO 650×42 – weight TBD – available November
- PDX 700×33 – 350g – available now
- MXP 700×33 – weight TBD – available now