We Are One announces new Convergence carbon fiber rims, wheels
Boston Materials ZRT composite films are featured in the twisted-shape bicycle rim, enhancing strength, durability and light weight.
Convergence carbon fiber rim. Photo Credit, all images: We Are One
We Are One Composites Inc. (Kamloops, British Columbia) has officially launched its new carbon fiber rim shape for bicycles that is using Boston Materials (Billerica, Mass., U.S.) ZRT composite film. The rim, called the Convergence, has a shape that makes it look like it’s been twisted, with a slightly angled profile around each spoke hole that’s intended to reduce fatigue on the nipples and increase durability.
According to We Are One’s in-house testing, Convergence is 32% stronger than the Canadian company’s Union 29-inch rim. A portion of that increased strength is thanks to the ZRT materials which reinforce certain areas of the rim.
ZRT is a Z-axis-oriented carbon fiber, meaning that the tightly packed fibers are oriented vertically rather than horizontally. Incorporating layers of ZRT makes it possible to increase impact resistance and absorption while still maintaining a low overall profile. In this case, the Convergence rim has a height of 18.5 millimeters, with an internal rim width of 30 millimeters.
Moreover, the composite rims enable lighter weight. A 29-inch Convergence Triad wheelset, for example, weighed in at 880 grams for the front wheel and 1,007 grams for the rear, for a total weight of 1,887 grams with tape and valve stems.
Three rim widths are available:
- Sector 28 Wide: 495 grams, 29 inches only. Recommended tire width: 2.2-2.4 inches.
- Triad 30 Wide: 505 grams (29 inches), 490 grams (27.5 inches). Recommended tire widths: 2.4-2.5 inches.
- Fuse 33 Wide: 523 grams, 29 inches only. Recommended tire widths: 2.5-2.6 inches.
Prices begin at $605 CAD and $475 USD. Convergence Wheelset with I9 Hydra Hubs is $1,999 CAD, and $1,799 USD. In the video below, the Convergence rims are put through their paces.
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