New XC and Freeride Wheelsets from Syncros

SEA OTTER CLASSIC 2010 – Syncros is upping their wheelset count with new alloy rim models for everything from hard core XC use to full on downhill and freeride.

Earlier this year they announced the ultralight sub-1400g carbon wheelset, and at Sea Otter they showed off their new DS25, DS28, DS32 and FL25 wheelsets along with cutaway versions of their hubs to show the impressive bearing layouts.

Shown above is the FL DS25, their lightweight XC wheelset with 25mm width rims.  The number in the model name generally corresponds to the rim width, with the wider numbers getting beefier spokes and hubs to accommodate rougher riding.  The FL DS25 uses Syncros’ FL hub with wideset bearings and a minimal hubshell.  Check it, and the others, after the break…

The FL DS25 wheelset’s FL hubs have wide, wide-set bearings with either 9mm QR (above) or 15mm thru-axle options (below).

The rear hub on this wheelset only comes in standard QR option.

The rest of what you need to know.  Combined wheelset weight: 1698g, MSRP is TBD.

For the nasty trails and drops, you’ll want to look at Syncros’ FR wheelsets.  They combine 15mm or 20mm front axle options with 150×12 or standard QR axles for the rear, and the DS28 and DS32 have wider rims to handle bigger tires.

All of Syncros’ alloy rims come in their matte black “grunge” finish, and the rims use their “True Track Technology” construction whereby the rims are joined at the ends with a sleeve rather than pins, resulting in a stronger junction.  Then, they’re stress relieved and hardened with concentrically drilled holes and straight 14 gauge spokes.  DS25 weight is 2,232g / set and the DS32 is 2,710g / set (20mm and 135×10).  MSRP is TBD.

Besides wider rims, the FR DS32 steps up to some seriously beefy hubs with four bearings surrounding the large diameter axle.

Syncros says all of their rims, even the carbon ones, can run a Stan’s NoTubes conversion kit to run them tubeless. Rumor has it 29er versions are in the works for their XC-oriented wheelsets, too.