On Tuesday 25 February Kuroshiro presents his first product: ensō685.
ensō685 is a new generation of composite 85mm Fat Bike rim. This product was created in collaboration with Alchemist ® Ingegneria, an Italian company specializing in custom composite components.
ensō685 is 100% Made in Italy.
The basic goal for ensō685 was defined as early as 2012: to produce a composite 85mm Fat Bike rim with an actual weight of 399 grams: as you will see after reading the “40 Below” technology, the goal has been achieved.
Wheels have a great technological impact on fat bike ride quality and performance in proportion to their size.
There is a huge weight advantage in tubeless technology due to the size of the tube for fat wheels.
In addition, tire pressures are lower and the ability to use them tubeless is important to optimize grip in critical conditions and reduce rolling resistance.
In addition, tire pressures are lower and the ability to use them tubeless is important to optimize grip in critical conditions and reduce rolling resistance.
technical features
1. SP-line ® (patent pending)
85 mm. rim width is today the optimal compromise between weight, tire stability and compatibility with virtually all fat bike models.
2. Allterra design
Some fat bike rims eliminate the bead lock for the rubber to save weight.
85 mm. rim width is today the optimal compromise between weight, tire stability and compatibility with virtually all fat bike models.
2. Allterra design
Some fat bike rims eliminate the bead lock for the rubber to save weight.
In theory, this does not compromise performance and safety, but this is only true on very soft ground.
Kuroshiro engineers decided to keep the heel block in place.
Kuroshiro engineers decided to keep the heel block in place.
The construction of the heel block is achieved with an optimized Alchemist ® proprietary process. This process creates an extremely strong and precise lock on the rubber heel. Kuroshiro maintains heel lock to ensure the toughness and impact resistance needed to tackle roots, rocks and jumps on solid ground.
3. Reinforced spoke interface
ensō685 has a super-existing radius interface.
A special design is used to put more material where the spoke holes are placed, to distribute stress more efficiently.
This solution completely eliminates the need for reinforcement washers, allows
ensō685 has a super-existing radius interface.
A special design is used to put more material where the spoke holes are placed, to distribute stress more efficiently.
This solution completely eliminates the need for reinforcement washers, allows
A wheelset built with lightweight fat bike hubs, high tension spokes, aluminum nipples and ensō685 rims has a weight less than 1.600 grams, which is on par with 29-inch XC racing wheels.
4. 40 Below technology.
40 Below will probably be the most talked about feature of Kuroshiro ensō685's unique design.
The reinforced spoke passage area is so strong and precise that a rim and nipple interface can be designed that is 'almost' sealed.
Under tests in various conditions the ensō685 rim without sealant and without tape takes more than 7 minutes to deflate. Considering the low pressure of the tires used, and the incredible efficiency of modern sealants, ensō685 finally offers a Tubeless tapeless design.
The reinforced spoke passage area is so strong and precise that a rim and nipple interface can be designed that is 'almost' sealed.
Under tests in various conditions the ensō685 rim without sealant and without tape takes more than 7 minutes to deflate. Considering the low pressure of the tires used, and the incredible efficiency of modern sealants, ensō685 finally offers a Tubeless tapeless design.
Kuroshiro ensō685 is 100% made in the Alchemist ® factory not far from Venice, Italy Just like other Italian composite 'toys' (Ferrari and Lamborghini for example), this rim is not cheap: the recommended retail price per rim is 899 € .
Kuroshiro offers a two-year warranty on ensō685 and an accident replacement policy. Delivery will begin at the end of March 2014 through a selected distribution network which will be published on www.raceware.com.
