Sram relies on 650B wheels

The search for a balance between extremes has led Sram to integrate 650B wheels into the range for the 2013 model year. According to the component manufacturer from Chicago, the wheels, also known as 27.5-inch wheels, offer fast acceleration, effortless climbing, pinpoint steering precision and good control on the downhill. Sram wants to pack all of these features into the new "Rise 40 650B" wheelset.

As a middle ground between 29 and 26 inches, Sram is launching the "Rise 40 650B" wheel at the Sea Otter Classic Festival. "It is undisputed that larger wheels offer an advantage in terms of speed, rolling resistance and traction. But 29-inch wheels are not for every rider or every riding style. 650B wheels can be the answer, offering the perfect balance for riders who want to take advantage of the big wheels without losing the feel of the lively 26-inch wheels," says Sram wheel product manager Bastien Donzé.

Sram does not specify any weights, but the structure of the wheelset is familiar from the 26-inch counterpart of the Rise 40 wheel: double-crossed stainless steel spokes connect the hub to the aluminum rim 24 times at the front and rear. The front hub is convertible between quick-release and 15-millimeter thru-axle mountings, while the rear hub makes room for a quick-release or an X-12 thru-axle. The hub bodies are made of aluminum, the freehub body is lightweight and therefore made of aluminum.

Sram has not yet provided any information regarding the availability of the "Rise 40 650B" wheelset.

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