When it comes to boutique wheelsets, there aren’t many as boutique as the semi-custom, alloy-spoked, anodized-rainbow wheelsets of Industry Nine. They’re exceptional performers on the trail and on the showroom floor, and also exceptionally pricey. Which is why I9 also makes a line of more affordable, alloy-rimmed and steel-spoked wheelsets built around the Hydra and 1/1 hubs. Between the two wheelsets, carbon wonder-wheel and affordable-alloy, however, there is a performance gap.

At least, there was  a gap. Now, that gap is properly filled by carbon-rimmed versions of the Hydra S and 1/1 wheelsets. Manufactured in conjunction with Reynolds, the new carbon wheelsets from I9 offer a less-expensive alternative to I9’s highest-end wheelsets, providing an option for those who still want to the benefits of modern carbon rims and I9’s excellent hubs, but without the complication of unique alloy spokes, or the price tag that comes along with them.

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