[ChrisRobin]

I'm not opposed to going to aluminum rims after being on carbon for a while. The reviews say the wheels aren't bad at all. I also don't mind the Hydra hub.... never had any issues with my current Hydra hub or my previous Torch. What I am wondering about are those funky spokes:

-How much of a pain are they replace?
-I know they're expensive, but are they easy to get a hold of?

 

[canadmos]

We are one still has a 25% off sale going, just saying..

 

[bullcrew]

Spokes just order direct from industry nine . They are specific to use, grade 300 are thicker.
A bit pricey but good ..

J-bend is always easiest for sure but if price is right then it's worth it...
I always have almost a full set of spokes in whatever color I'm running when I go with them

I smashed a der in a rock while racing, it threw the der and chain into rear wheel and took out 7 spokes....hit truck slapped new spokes in , new rear der and was ready for round 2

 

[sundaydoug]

I always have almost a full set of spokes in whatever color I'm running when I go with them

I smashed a der in a rock while racing, it threw the der and chain into rear wheel and took out 7 spokes....hit truck slapped new spokes in , new rear der and was ready for round 2

I've ridden with a few people on lift access days with all kinds of spare parts on hand, but never anyone with a full set of spokes. Or even 7 extra spokes. Good on you, impressive.

 

[Carraig042]

When I had aluminum spokes in the past, I had very good luck. They seemd to stay true better for me than a steel spoke (aluminum) rim alternative.

 

[6thElement]

I'm not opposed to going to aluminum rims after being on carbon for a while. The reviews say the wheels aren't bad at a ll. I also don't mind the Hydra hub.... never had with my current Hydra hub or my previous Torch. What I am wondering about are those funky spokes:

-How much of a pain are they replace?
-I know they're expensive, but are they easy to get a hold of?

I've been on a set of 305 v somethings since I got them on my GG in late 2021.

The issue I've had with the spokes is if you snap one, you can't remove the rim half as the "nipple" is part of the spoke. I was stuck for a while on Burro Pass at 10800ft in late October when I snapped a spoke (didn't realize initially) and it then pierced the rim tape, killing my tubeless. I snapped a second spoke later that ride and taped the broken ends together as I didn't want to deal with trying to unmount a stubborn DD rear tyre again.

One off on a single ride, otherwise I've had no issues with them or the Hydra.

 

[bullcrew]

I've ridden with a few people on lift access days with all kinds of spare parts on hand, but never anyone with a full set of spokes. Or even 7 extra spokes. Good on you, impressive.

This is just the ones from the last couple sets I have another box full of spare hub bodies, axles and spokes, pawls bearings

 

[Jm_]

The best wheels are still J-bend, double-butted, 32 spokes, brass nipples, reliable hubs of your choice. Anything else going on with spokes and patterns is vanity. If you like colors, cut a colored straw and slip it over the spokes. They even make these now for bikes that are tighter and stay in place.

 

[jackalope]

I've used various I9 wheelsets over the years and they have been uniformly excellent ime. I've found them to be significantly stiffer and more durable than any j-bend spoked wheel regardless of nipple material, butting, gauge, etc...Replacing a spoke is a bit of a PITA, especially trail side, but I had one wheel with numerous holes in the rim tape (ie - patched with gorilla tape) hold air just fine. I do think they could/should make an improved version of the old Mavic straight pull design (spokes did not go thru the rim), but no dice so far.

 

[SuboptimusPrime]

My experience mirrors @jackalope. Several i9 wheels over the years, pretty much all of which are still in use on my bike or that of friends. I actually have never broken a spoke on any of them. I did break the rear axle on my enduro wheels (like many others) but the revised axle has been running with no issues for over a year now.

 

[djjohnr]

I've been running a rear 305 for a few years now. Never broken a spoke. Seems to transfer power better than my other j-bend spoke wheels, although there's too many variables to say for sure that it's the aluminum spokes. Definitely stays evenly tensioned longer than any other wheels I've owned.

 

[bullcrew]

I run straight gauge when not running the alloy i9...I don't mind the little extra heft

 

[roflbox]

if you saw @jackalope ride, you would go buy i9s asap

 

[jackalope]

if you saw @jackalope ride, you would go buy i9s asap

Testing the wrong the side of landers since the mid-2000s.