NAHBS 2015: WTB gives new Ci24 carbon mountain bike rims a fat chance

Written by Tyler Benedict Mar 07, 2015 3:00 a.m. ET

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Spotted on Chris Chance’s new Yo Eddy hardtails are a couple WTB Ci24 carbon fiber mountain bike rims. Word is they chose to show them off with Chance’s bikes to celebrate the fact that both brands have been on the dirt for a long, long time.

But, like the new bikes, these rims aren’t looking too far into the past. Built with a 24mm inside width, they’re coming in 29″ and 27.5″ sizes for sure, and these particular ones have 32 holes. Other than that, specs and details are being held until the Taipei show later this month. But hey, we’ve got pics!

As with their Frequency rims, the number in the model name refers to the inside width of 24mm. We know they have a UST bead shape, but all other information unknown.

Curtis from Fat Chance said they only received the rims, so they had White Industries build them up to their CLD (Center Lock Disc) hubs using WTB spokes. Weight for the wheelset was right at 1,550g.

Stay tuned for more.

WTB.com

Tyler Benedict

11,186 articles

Tyler Benedict is the Founder of Bikerumor.com. He has been writing about the latest bikes, components, and cycling technology for almost two decades. Prior to that, Tyler launched and built multiple sports nutrition brands and consumer goods companies, mostly as an excuse to travel to killer riding locations throughout North America.

Based in North Carolina, Tyler loves family adventure travel and is always on the lookout for the next shiny new part to make his bikes faster and lighter.

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Tequila

9 years ago

As a person who has been riding for 20 years and has a current stable of four bikes, including an XX1 Pivot LES 29er, I find the bike industry’s complete abandonment of the 26″ size to be quite frustrating.

From a business standpoint I suppose I can understand. It costs money to tool up to produce each size of wheel, and with more OE bikes being 27.5 or 29 inch wheels, it doesn’t pay to try to supply a 26 inch wheel to a manufacturer.

But how many people buy a new bike each year? I have and still ride a Schwinn Homegrown along with a Cove GSpot, both from the 1990s. I also have a Blur LT C, all of which have apparently been abandoned by the industry.

I’m not going to stop riding. But if car companies stopped using 10w-40 (and they have) because bearing tolerances improved to the point you need a 0-W20 and Valvoline stopped making 10-weight oil, there would be a huge outcry.

WTB and everyone else – WT … ‘F’ill in the last letter.

chasejj

9 years ago

Nice rims. I will need to build some wheels and these look just about perfect if the price is reasonable.
All these small companies have the same factories making their rims in slightly different variations and charge insane prices. Enve is the lone US maker but charge 4X what is a reasonable cost for a CF rim.
There are limits to what people will pay for parts. No rim should cost more than $200. When they are $800, I will not ride on them for fear of breaking them. Makes cycling too stressful if I have to think about my rims everytime I ride over a rock.

Psi Squared

9 years ago

Apparently the cost of Enve rims is within the “limits” of what people will pay for rims because
Eve doesn’t appear to have any problems selling rims. Oh well.

Hank Hill

9 years ago

Enve does appear to have problems selling rims…. to chasejj

chasejj

9 years ago

PSI- As usually you stalk my posts with weak counter arguments.
ENVE makes an excellent product, but their pool of buyers is the same Mercedes/BMW/Ferrari set of Dentists and Wealth Mgrs.. More power to them. But they easily lose interest and run to the next fad eventually.
I can justify an expensive frame and forks and shocks, but rims are wear items to me , like tires, cassettes,chains and brake pads. There have to be limits and a value equation assigned to the purchase of wear items.

Psi Squared

9 years ago

“…but rims are wear items to me….” The important part to notice there is the “to me” part. Don’t confuse your opinion with fact. I don’t think you understand Enve buyers as well as you might think. I’ve met more than a few Enve wheel owners who don’t fit the stereotype you’re putting forth.

As to limits and “value equation” assigned to the purchase of wear items, that’s a personal decision. You’ll have to accept there are rides that you don’t share your values or fit your stereotypes.