Ellsworth teased us with these at Sea Otter (check that post for close up detail photos), and as of yesterday, they’re officially available for sale in three configurations: XC, 29er and All-Mountain…and they’re light!
Here’s the PR on these wheels, straight from the source:
CROSS COUNTRY: The optimal wheels for your Truth, Epiphany or other XC ride, Ellsworth’s XC wheels feature 24 spokes with special 2 cross lacing and Ellsworth’s patented Quad Butted Spokes. Our spoke design minimizes windup from breaking and pedaling with the least amount of spoke mass. Compatible with the standard QR and the new 15mm QR, these are the only wheels you’ll need for XC riding or racing.
The XC rims are Ellsworth’s proprietary, 29mm wide, tapered wall rim that is extruded from xxx9 Aluminum. Ellsworth’s 29mm rim weighs the same as other manufacturer’s 23mm wide rims but gives you the extra strength, durability and control of a wider rim.
The XC rim’s higher width to weight ratio also provides a larger contact patch between your tire and the ground for the same amount of weight. And since xxx9 Taper wall aluminum weighs less than rubber, you can save additional rolling weight by running a narrower tire while still getting the traction and control of a wider, heavier tire.
Configurations:
Front Axle-Standard QR and 15mm QR
Rear Axle-Standard QR
Front Rim-24 spokes, 2 cross
Rear Rim-24 spokes, 2 cross
Actual Weight: 1,495 grams
Hit ‘more’ for specs and photos of the 29er and All-Mountain wheelsets…
(Editor’s Note: These are the only images they sent.  Our previous post has better and bigger pics)
ALL MOUNTAIN: The best wheels for your Moment or other freeride bike, these wheels are at home on XC singletrack, technical terrain or a freeride park. All Mountains feature 32x Quad Butted Spokes with 3-cross special lacing to create a wheel that rolls and tracks like no other. With more spokes and less weight than its competitors and multiple axle configurations, it is a true take anywhere, ride anything rim.
The 29mm wide cross section on our Taper Wall Rims makes this wheel bombproof without the weight. Constructed of xxx9 Aluminum, the wide cross section easily accommodates wider tires for better traction, cornering and stability on rough terrain. The overall result is a lighter wheel in an extremely durable package with more ground contact and better torsional rigidity.
Configurations:
Front Axle-Standard QR, 15mm QR and 20mm through axle
Rear Axle -Standard QR, 12mm bolted, 12mm thru axle and Syntace x12 QR
Actual Weight: 1,695 grams
29er WHEELS:
(They look the same as the XC Wheels. -Editor) Ellsworth’s 29″ XC wheels feature 24 spokes with special 2 cross lacing and Ellsworth’s patented Quad Butted Spokes, up front, and 32 three cross Quad Butted Spokes in the rear. The Ellsworth 29″ wheel is the stiffest, lightest, widest 29″ wheel we tested. Compatible with the standard QR and the new 15mm QR, these are the only wheels to equip your 29er with.
The rims are Ellsworth’s proprietary, 29mm wide, tapered wall rim that is extruded from xxx9 Aluminum. Ellsworth’s 29mm rim weighs the same as other manufacturer’s 23mm wide rims but gives you the extra strength, durability and control of a wider rim. 29″ wheels are big, and the stiff, light design of these wheels makes all the difference on the larger wheels.
The Ellsworth 29″ rim’s higher width to weight ratio also provides a larger contact patch between your tire and the ground for the same amount of weight. And since xxx9 Taper wall aluminum weighs less than rubber, you can save additional rolling weight by running a narrower tire while still getting the traction and control of a wider, heavier tire.
Configurations:
Front Axle-Standard QR and 15mm QR
Rear Axle-Standard QR
Front Rim-24 spokes, 2 cross
Rear Rim-32 spokes, 3 cross
Actual Weight: 1,745 grams
