We were teased of several new full carbon clincher rims from Tennessee-based NOX Composites last spring, and it looks like now the last road versions have made it through production and is ready to head out to customers. The new S36R is being touted as a premium, do-it-all carbon road race clincher targeting reduced rolling resistance, reduced drag, better braking, and more stiffness. The new rim’s designation means it is symmetric, 36mm deep, and rim brake only, and at that depth sits on the shallow end of medium depth all-purpose road wheels. They follow up on the similar shaped A36D rims that have been out since the start of last summer. Check out the full details after the break…
As part of the new trend of wide rims for fat tires for road, gravel, and cyclocross riding, the S36R gets a big 20.5mm internal width (28mm external) with NOX’s fully-molded bead hook. This width is also NOX’s driver for lower rolling resistance, spreading out the tire for less energy lost in tire casing deformation while riding. Additionally to make them roll even faster, they are compatible with being set up tubeless with rim tape.
From an aero standpoint, NOX calls the rim a tapered parabola, which gets its widest point mid way through its depth (not at the brake track), much like the familiar Firecrest rims. This NOX says is proven to offer the “best compromise of aerodynamics and excellent cross wind performance.”
For better braking the S36R uses “world-class, friction impregnated resins” which essentially amounts to mixing an abrasive into the resin that permeates the 3K weave brake track, so the rims end up with embedded extra friction that cannot just wear off over time. NOX says stiffness is their specialty, and this rim is built to last. It is also why NOX offers this premium rim with drilling for more spokes than often seen in rim-brake carbon wheels, as they like to work with customers to select spoke type, count, and lacing tailored to each rider’s weight and riding style.
The rim, available now, comes in at about 410g, is available in 20, 24, 28 & 32 hole drilling, and retails for $480 a piece (the same pricing as the A36D.) Complete road wheel builds start at $1430 with about a two week lead time
