Carbon wheels have gone from fringe product to mainstream acceptance in just a few short years, but that does not mean that there is not room for improvements and further innovation - far from it. Bouwmeester Composites is a young Australian firm that specializes in "low energy consumption advanced composite products", and they have spent the last 2 years researching and developing a carbon wheel for enduro racing and trail riding. The 27.5” Tammar V4.8 rim is the result of their efforts, read on to find out what sets it apart from other offerings currently in the market.
To optimise the perfect enduro/trail MTB rim, BC felt they needed to address the following design considerations:
This elaborate and detailed design and R&D process has delivered what BC claims is the first carbon rim that is optimized and specific to MTB.
The rim is a solid profile, similar to motocross rims, which BC says means that from a carbon engineering perspective the fibers are supported correctly through a properly optimized laminate. This gives the rim its superior toughness out on the trails. This is a clear departure from the currently prevalent traditional MTB rim design, which BC states is a carryover from aluminium rims and manufacturing processes adapted from carbon road rims. We would of course have to ride these wheels before pronouncing any kind of opinion as to whether or not BC have succeeded, but we can at least affirm that our initial experiences with ultra-wide rims (from other brands) have been very positive.
BC sells complete wheels only, in an effort to maintain close control over the build quality. The wheels will be available as of January 2015. Initially sold directly from the manufacturer with worldwide shipping options, BC are also looking to put in place a network of distributors in various key markets. Look for more information on the company's new website, due to go live as of January, or get in touch directly at:info@bouwmeester.com.au.
Based in the foothills of Adelaide, Australia, Bouwmeester Composites (BC) is a design and manufacturing firm specialising in low energy consumption advanced composite products.
The BC team is highly experienced in all aspects of advanced composites and every piece of BC carbon is laid by hand in Adelaide, Australia. This attention to detail is why Australian manufacturing is so critical to the performance of our end products. We believe in having 100% control over the technology and quality of the manufacturing process for the finished product.
Daniel_Layton
12/30/2014 10:14 AM
Interesting design, though it would be hard to make the commitment to a new company and new technology when comparable rims can be had for .half as much from a well established brand
Here's to hoping the technology works and the price comes down. Best of luck.
Bigburd
12/29/2014 7:31 AM
cofattire
12/29/2014 9:37 AM
Mr. P
12/30/2014 9:42 AM
I believe Specialized and another company are starting to make tires based on wider rims. But then also, the tire still deforms on the ground, the tire print on the ground is still flat like it was with thinner rims, just the angle casing is a bit wider. How the tire looks on top of the wheel has little to do with what the tire is actually doing on the ground.
P
PHRANQUY
12/31/2014 10:15 AM
chasejj
12/28/2014 9:56 AM
I could care less about the "green" ambitions. Smart production tech yes. But when you mention it in your PR you are essentially saying it is marketing and less than genuine.
That said. I love the design and cannot wait for someone to make similar rims that cost 1/2 as much. They appear to be much less difficult to mfg than a hollow cavity conventional rim.
SpokeApparel
12/28/2014 10:58 AM
wydopen
12/28/2014 6:25 AM
fast_bastard
12/28/2014 11:57 PM
wydopen
12/29/2014 6:01 AM
PHRANQUY
12/31/2014 10:19 AM
wydopen
1/1/2015 6:09 AM
Reinforcer
12/27/2014 6:16 PM
Big Bird
12/28/2014 8:25 AM
Big Bird
12/27/2014 5:48 PM
FCTRY
12/27/2014 3:59 PM