Whisky Parts Co just debuted new disc specific 30mm deep carbon rims for cyclocross and gravel racing.
It’ll come laced into three new wheel builds and available separately, and is one of the first non-mountain-bike carbon clincher rims that’s made specifically for disc brakes. That said, it’s tested tough enough for XC use, but since it’s not a true tubeless rim, we don’t see many people putting it into service on the trail.
Rims are a combination of UD and 6K/3K woven carbon fibers. The woven carbon is placed at the spoke bed and rim bed for improved strength and stiffness against the pulling and pushing pressure. They’re slightly asymmetric to line up better with the disc brake offset.
Rims are drilled for 32 spokes. The internal sidewall is pretty low, which should make tubeless conversions fairly simple.
The rim width is 25mm external, 18mm internal. That makes them look pretty good with Ritchey’s fat 35c ‘cross tires:
Weight is about 460g, and they said they’re made super burly. So strong, in fact, they say they were busting hub axles in testing before the rims failed. Standalone rims will sell for $600 each.
The top of the line wheelset comes with Hope Pro Evo 2 straight pull with DT Swiss Super Comp spokes. The straight pull version of that hub is specific to QBP for now. Retail is $1,900 and will come with 15mm thru axle front and standard QR rear, but 12mm thru axle rear kits are available. 1870g for the set on our scale.
Next down is DT 350 hubs, also with triple butted Super Comp spokes. Retail is $1,700. The third set uses SRAM X9 hubs with Competition spokes for $1,500. Both of these come with QR axle parts only, but any axle parts available aftermarket will work as they should.
All wheels will come stock with 10-speed free hub bodies for now, and 11-speed parts will replace them as a rolling change as they become available. It may require a redish, though. All are available to order now, but aren’t up on the website yet.
For those resisting the change or just wanting to lighten up their current cyclocross bike, there’s a new Whisky No.7 straight carbon fork for cantilever brakes.
This one’s also available now and is online. It uses the same full carbon fiber construction of their other forks, has a 350lb rider weight limit and carries a 5 year warranty.