Raceface has broadened its Turbine wheelset range with a new R 35 derivative. For enduro bike riders who seek a wide rim wheelset within budget, this alloy R 35 will be a welcome new alternative.
Constructed from 6069-grade aluminium, Raceface’s product engineers are responding to consumer demand for wider rims. As such, the R 35 features a very roomy 35mm internal width, to ensure that most contemporary trail tires form to their optimum contact patch and casing structure when mounted and inflated.
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Available in both 27.5- and 29in wheel sizes, the new Turbine R 35 offers both 12x148mm and 12x157mm rear hub spacing options, depending on the frame you are riding.
Cassette body options tally Shimano’s Microspline, XD and HG and lacing the R 35 rims to Raceface’s latest evolution of its Vault hub, are 28 Sapim D-Light spokes.
Rear hub internals are a crucial feature of any wheelset’s drive performance and the R 35 does not disappoint. Its Vault hubs have no less than 120 points of engagement, ensuring that for every three-degrees of rotation, rider power input is converted to wheel torque.
The Vault’s internals feature six dual-tooth pawls, which are individually tensioned. Its external structure is also oversized, with a broad flange to ensure superior bracing for the spokes, enabling stronger wheelset build, especially in the 29er size. R 35’s bigger Vault hub structure also has an ability to accommodate larger bearings, which should improve durability.
Raceface is targeting the R 35 at budget-conscious enduro riders, who run tires in the 2.4- to 2.8” width range and desire a robust wheelbase at a reasonable price. Weight ratings classify at 1766g for the 27.5” wheel size R 35, whilst the slightly larger 29” version is 1853g.
The Turbine R 35 alloy wheelset is priced at $900.