News

First Look | SRAM Bring RAIL 50 Tech to New RAIL 40 Wheels

01.05.2015
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“RAIL 40's have a perfect ratio of strength and stiffness, with the lightness and rolling ability to climb back to the top”

Working forward from the requirements of terrain and rider, SRAM has now created these new, lower price point RAIL 40 wheels, made with lightweight aluminum and starting at an impressive €336.00 per wheel. We’re stoked to get a first look.

Manoeuvrability, increased durability, unparalleled stiffness and enhanced steering precision. These are the four main points boasted with SRAM’s new RAIL 40’s. A step down in price from their bigger brother, the RAIL 50’s, SRAM are adamant the same technologies have been integrated into this more affordable wheel set, taking the same rims and TAPER CORE™ engineering, without sacrificing quality.

“RAIL 40's have a perfect ratio of strength and stiffness, with the lightness and rolling ability to climb back to the top”
RAIL 40’s claim to have a perfect ratio of strength and stiffness, with the lightness and rolling ability to climb back to the top

SRAM’s Reinforced Sidewalls

The sidewalls of the rims are reinforced to withstand major impacts, but taper in towards the centre to reduce overall mass. This should result in a very light rim with excellent dent resistance, and hopefully less time spent laboriously checking for damage after each trail run!

“TAPER CORE™ technology ensures the wheels are strong in the right places.”
“TAPER CORE™ technology ensures the wheels are strong in the right places.”

Machined to reduce mass, prevent tire roll and provide superior traction around corners, we’re excited to see if these wheels can withstand some of our most aggressive All-Mountain/Enduro riders, with SRAM classifying them as a new benchmark for stiffness in its category.

SRAM SOLO SPOKE™

Single length (SOLO SPOKE™), straight pull, double-butted spokes add to overall stiffness of the wheel. As all the spokes are the same length, wondering if you have the right front/rear/drive-side/nondrive-side spoke handy is a thing of the past, and repairs should be much easier, demonstrating just how rider friendly SRAM wheels have become.

“One size fits all. SRAM wheel design eliminates the need for different spoke sizes.”
“One size fits all. SRAM wheel design eliminates the need for different spoke sizes.”

BOOST Technology

BOOST is a new wheel and drive-train specification that provides a huge array of benefits including: increased wheel stiffness and durability, better riding efficiency and improved frame geometry with shorter chain stays, to name a few.

For more info on BOOST and its benefits, view our in-depth analysis here: enduro.com

"BOOST is readily available, giving a whole range of rider benefits"
“BOOST is readily available, giving a whole range of rider benefits”

Facts:

  • Wheel sizes: 27.5”, 29”
  • Width: 23mm
  • Weight: 1810g (27.5”) or 1900g (29”)
  • Material: Aluminium
  • Tubeless-ready: Yes
  • Price: from €336.00 per wheel

More info: sram.com

Words & Pictures: Andrew Richardson

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