Local South African cycling equipment distributor, Aero Agencies, has recently launched their own brand of rims and hubs: Zero.
Rims:
Available in 25mm (MT25) and 30mm (MT30) inner widths, and only in 29″ diameter.
The rims are constructed from KLM41 aluminium, a “super” alloy – a combination of aluminium, manganese and niobium.
As you can see from the pic above, the graphics are subtle and classy, and are not stickers, so they should stay looking nicer for longer.
Hubs:
There are 2 versions of their hubs – BOOST and non-BOOST.
The non-BOOST hubs have a 60t drive ring, engaged by 4 individually-sprung pawls, making for a 6-degree freehub engagement angle.
The BOOST hubs sport a 3-degree engagement angle due to a 120t ratchet ring in the hub shell. That’s fast enough for anyone.
The BOOST hubs are branded SL Zero 6.0 and the non-BOOST hubs are SL Zero 4.0.
The fit and finish of the hubs is superb and quality is great – down to the small details such as the freehub pawls and springs.
As far as the built–up wheels go, they’re not super-light, weighing in at around 1900g for the set, but the built up very easily.
I especially enjoyed that the joints of the rims had no deformities and there were no bumps or woobbles in that area.
Tubeless tape went on smoothly and tyres were easy to install, seat and inflate with a regular floor pump.
Overall I’m really happy with the first impressions of these wheels and am looking forward to riding them personally and building them for my customers.
Pricing:
Laced together as in the pictures above, with DT Swiss Competition double butted spokes and black Pillar brass DSN nipples, including rim tape, tubeless valves and nationwide delivery, these will cost R9 795.00.
As with all the wheels I build, these come with a lifetime warranty on spokes and workmanship.
Conclusion:
An affordable, high quality combination of high engagement hubs, sturdy and refined alloy rims which provide a good tubeless experience.
These wheels may not be for weight-weenie racing snakes, but will suit the majority of South Africa’s cross-country, gravel and trail riders extremely well.
