SRAM has presented two interesting new products during Eurobike. One extremely light, but stiff RISE 60 wheel and a SRAM XX1 Quarq Power Meter. Of course, while the light wheels are especially good for trails and cross country, could the Power Meter be interesting for an Enduro racer. We had a closer look at both products.

The SRAM wheels are available as 27,5° and 29° and weigh 1385 g and 1430 g.
The SRAM wheels are available in both 27.5° and 29° and weigh 1385g and 1430g respectively.

SRAM working together with ZIPP wheel, produced over 290 carbon rims, tested by experts before they found the final shape of the Rise 60 rims. Their goal was to find the perfect balance of stiffness, weight and price, and the result is this 21 mm wide carbon rim. The SRAM Rise 60 tries to combine great rolling speed with precise handling and long lasting quality.

During development it was especially important to test, test and test. SRAM had to find the perfect mix of stiffness, stability and width. Additionally, SRAM concentrated on the durability of the wheel, any rim can be destroyed with enough force, but it is important that the wheel doesn’t bend and that it carries on rolling.

The carbon rims come without horn, which is 5mm high and 2mm thick and guarantees perfect fitting.
The carbon rims are beadless, the side walls are 5mm high and 2mm thick and guarantee perfect fitting.
Rise 60 wheels come with six decals.
Rise 60 wheels come with six decals.
The extremely slim flank flexes the wheel at extremely massive input.
The extremely slim flank requires massive forces before it starts to flex.

The hubs were especially developed by SRAM. They come with extremely fine pickup (6,9°) and a high-quality bearing, as well as enabling easy assembly by using a single spoke length. Naturally, the wheels are produced with the predictive steering technology and are RockShox RS1 fork compatible.

The SRAM Rise 60 wheels come with 24 identically long spokes at the front and back wheel.
The SRAM Rise 60 wheels come with 24 identical long spokes on the front and back wheel making repairs easier.
Free running guarantees transfer of direct force onto the pedal.
Fast engagement guarantees transfer of direct force onto the pedal.
The end caps can be swapped without tools.
The end caps can be swapped without tools.

One can buy the 29″ wheels from November this year, aspiring customers of the 27,5″ version will have to wait until January 2015. The wheels will cost something between €1700 and €1800 EUR, depending on size and equipment.

Next to the Rise 60 wheels, SRAM presented the XX1 Quarq Power Meter. This enables bikers to keep an eye on their performance and helps them to coordinate their training. It’s not only made for professionals, even amateurs can use it to work on their weaknesses.

The SRAM XX1 crank incl. Quarq Power Meter weighs 689g and is priced at 1325 EUR (GXP-Version).
The SRAM XX1 crank incl. Quarq Power Meter weighs 689g and is priced at €1325 (GXP-Version).

The SRAM XX1 Quarq Power Meter comes in a 170mm version as well as in an 175mm version with a q-factor of 156mm and 168mm available, with a 0.5 % tolerance.

The Quarq power Meter is connected with a total of seven bolts to the crank.
The Quarq power Meter is connected with a total of seven bolts to the crank.

Because of a sensor inside, it is not necessary to fix a magnet in order to use the Power Meter. It is water proof (IPX7) and is delivered with ANT+ radio technology. The integrated battery comes with a total capacity of 300 hours.

Naturally, the SRAM XX1 crank comes with X-SYNC™ technology.
Naturally, the SRAM XX1 crank comes with X-SYNC™ technology.

More information on the products: www.sram.com

Text & Photos: Christoph Bayer


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