Industry Nine’s S-Series rims are the brand’s top-performing aluminum option, and an excellent choice for riders seeking i9 quality at a more affordable price point. The brand just gave this highly-regarded rim a major update, incorporating an all-new Hollow Bead Wall design. For both the Trail-S V2 and Enduro-S V2 rims, this new design is intended to improve strength and impact resistance while reducing the risk of pinch flats.
Hollow Bead Wall Technology
The primary change here is the Hollow Bead Wall design. Industry Nine claims this has been specifically engineered to be stronger and more impact-resistant. While it sounds counterintuitive that a hollow structure would be stronger than a solid one, the general idea is that it works kinda like an I-beam, reducing weight while maintaining strength with less material. Not only does the hollow structure absorb impact, but the wider surface area is claimed to disperse load more effectively, thereby increasing strength.
Industry Nine’s Hollow Bead Wall design increases the bead wall width to 4mm, helping reduce the likelihood of pinch flats. Given that a wider bead is less “sharp” than a narrower one, it doesn’t cut through the tire casing quite as easily in a pinch-flat scenario. Additionally, part of the added bead wall width is a small hook, which Industry Nine says “creates a better tubeless seal and tight lock on the tire bead for added security when the turns get extra wild.”
Industry Nine S-Series
The S-Series consists of two rim options, the Trail-S and the Enduro-S. The naming makes it somewhat obvious, but these options feature slightly different designs to cater toward their respective intended uses. The Trail-S has a slightly narrower 28.5mm internal width, a 28-hole count, and lighter weight, geared toward trail and all-mountain riding. The Enduro-S has a 30mm internal width, a 32-hole count, and a slightly heavier weight, geared more towards durability for hard-hitting enduro-style riding.
Trail-S Specs:
- WHEEL SIZE: 29″
- HOLE COUNT: 28
- INTERNAL WIDTH: 28.5mm
- RIM DEPTH: 21mm
- TIRE SIZE: 2.2″ – 2.5″
- LACED TO: 1/1, Hydra2, or rim only
- RIM WEIGHT: 510g
- 1/1 WEIGHT: Front: 870g, Rear: 1000g, Total: 1870g
- HYDRA2 WEIGHT: Front: 885g, Rear: 1020g, Total: 1905g
Enduro-S Specs:
- WHEEL SIZE: 29″ & 27.5″, or MX
- HOLE COUNT: 32
- INTERNAL WIDTH: 30mm
- RIM DEPTH: 21mm
- TIRE SIZE: 2.3″ – 2.8″
- LACED TO: 1/1, Hydra2, or rim only
- RIM WEIGHT:
- 27.5″: 540g
- 29″: 580g
- 1/1 WEIGHT:
- 27.5″: Front: 895g, Rear: 1035g, Total: 1930g
- 29″: Front: 960g, Rear: 1090g, Total: 2050g
- HYDRA2 WEIGHT:
- 27.5″: Front: 900g, Rear: 1035g, Total: 1935g
- 29″: Front: 955g, Rear: 1090g, Total: 2045g
Industry Nine S-Series: Options and Pricing
The Trail-S and the Enduro-S rims and wheels are both sold as rim-only, front and rear wheels, and complete wheelsets laced to the brand’s 1/1 or Hydra2 hubs with steel J-bend spokes. When purchasing directly from Industry Nine, riders can choose between 6-bolt and Centerlock rotor interfaces, front and rear axle spacing, and freehub bodies. Industry Nine also offers custom wheels, allowing buyers to choose from the full range of hub spacings, pick between 12 hub (Hydra2 only) and nipple colors, and upgrade to ceramic bearings. S-Series wheels are covered by Industry Nine’s 2-year warranty against defects in materials and workmanship.
- Rim-only: $125
- I/I Hubs: 4-degree engagement
- Front: $260
- Rear: $485
- Complete: $745
- Hydra2 Hubs: 0.41-degree egagement
- Front: $360
- Rear: $585
- Complete: $945
Industry Nine S-Series: Availability
The new Trail-S and Enduro-S rims and complete wheelsets are available now. All of the wheels are built to order and ship in two weeks. Head to the Industry Nine website to learn more or to place an order.
