“What wheels are those?” That question was a common occurrence almost every time I headed for the woods on the Factor 327 wheelset, and in each case required a brief explanation about where these stealthy carbon hoops were born. In a nutshell, Factor is an offshoot of
Novatec, and Novatec is an offshoot of JoyTech. Based in Taiwan, JoyTech produces millions of hubs each year, with a strong focus on the OEM market. Novatec's focus is on the higher end side of the market, which is where the Factor carbon wheels fit in.
Factor 327 Details• Intended use: all-mountain / enduro
• Wheel size: 27.5"
• Rims: carbon fiber, 23mm internal width
• 3° between engagement points
• Driver: Shimano or SRAM XD
• Hub options: 9/15/20mm (front); QR, 10,12x135, 142x12mm (rear)
• Weight (
actual, w/ rim strip): 1830 grams
•
novatecusa.net/factor Aimed at satisfying the needs of all-mountain riders and enduro racers, the Factor 327's carbon fiber rims measure 30mm externally, 23mm internally, and use a traditional bead hook design rather than the hookless design that's become more prevalent over the last few seasons. Those rims are laced up to Novatec hubs with 28 spokes for the front wheel and 32 for the rear using bladed J-bend spokes. Equipped with a Shimano-compatible freehub body and the tubeless tape that provided by Novatec, our test set of 27.5” wheels weighed 1830 grams. MSRP is $1800 USD.
ConstructionAccording to Novatec, the high compaction carbon fiber used to construct the Factor 327's rims is reinforced with Matrisilk, fibers that are intended to increase the carbon's strength and durability, similar to the function of rebar in a concrete structure. The extra deep rim profile (they measure 32mm tall) is also designed to add stiffness, and allows slightly shorter spokes to be used.
Novatec's XD602SB rear hub may not have the catchiest name, but it's not lacking when it comes to desirable features. One of the hallmarks of a high end wheelset is a quick engaging hub, and by using 60 engagement teeth combined with 6 double-toothed pawls, Novatec is able to achieve a very quick 3 degrees of rotation between engagement points. The pawls are slightly offset, so that three pawls engage at a time, while the double teeth on each pawl are intended to keep them from slipping at inopportune moments, like when you're putting everything you've got into beating your buddy to the top of a steep hill. There's a thick rubber seal in place to help keep water from making its way into the pawls, and our wheelset came with a more-than-generous helping of grease to keep everything rust-free.
InstallationSetting up the Factor 327 wheels tubeless didn't pose any major problems – the various tires used during testing fit snugly, but not inordinately so, and in all cases it was possible to get everything seated and sealed using a floor pump. The deeper dish profile does require a slightly longer valve stem, but there are plenty of options currently on the market, although it's not a bad idea to toss a valve extender into your pack to prevent the worst-case-scenario of going to fix a flat only to find out that your tube's valve stem isn't long enough.
On the TrailThere's no doubt about it, this is one seriously stiff set of wheels. I'd previously been running a pair of aluminum wheels with similar dimensions and a similar weight, and within the first few hundred yards of rugged trail the difference in stiffness was immediate noticeable. Now, it is possible for wheels to be
too stiff, but that wasn't the case with the Factors – they never felt overly harsh, although the fact that they were mounted to a bike with 150mm of travel did help out. More than anything, they felt extremely precise and responsive, no matter how hard they were pushed through corners or plowed through rough terrain. Stomping on the pedals to sprint out of a turn or power up a hill was always met with a crisp transfer of power, and the freehub pawls clicked smoothly, without slipping or emitting any pops of complaint. With a weight of 1830 grams this isn't the lightest carbon (or aluminum) wheelset out there, but all the same it never felt sluggish or unwieldy when accelerating from a standstill.
Regarding durability, we didn't hold back during our time on these wheels – they were used by multiple riders on some of the steepest and chunkiest trails around, with conditions ranging from moon dust to deep mud, and emerged relatively unscathed. I was certain that there would be some water or grit behind the freehub body, but the rubber seal worked perfectly to keep the elements at bay. The rear wheel did develop a slight wobble after a not-so-smooth landing, but a few minutes on the truing stand got everything straightened out again. I also managed to slightly burp the rear tire once after landing a little sideways into a turn, but the tire stayed mounted to the rim, and held enough air pressure to finish the run. Other than that instance, there weren't any issues running 2.3" tires around 25 psi.
Pinkbike's Take | If I were writing this review a few seasons ago, this would be the point where I wholeheartedly endorsed the Factor 327 wheelset. After all, they're stiff and reliable, with an excellent ride quality out on the trail, and they've got the looks to match. The trouble is, they're a little late to the party, and there are a number of wider, lighter, and less expensive carbon wheels on the market. However, that doesn't mean they should be ruled out completely, and for riders who prioritize strength and durability over rim width and weight these may fit the bill. - Mike Kazimer |
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At which point... the 630's are going on the dirt jumper
@manchvegas You might have been a little off, but no one can judge a New Hampshirite. Live Free Or Die,
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00RDG1MQ0?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00
Get a nice set of Notubes Arch or Flows for $450 and live happy thereafter.
Nox Composites... look em' up. And why the heck hasn't PB reviewed a set?!
Just like he said, these wheels seem like too little, top late to the carbon party. Especially for the $$
My first LB set came with hope2pro, but after riding aluminium set with novatec hubs I figured that the price difference is not worth it. Want to order my second carbon set now and cant decide which novatec hubs to get.
My suggestion would be to spend a bit extra on the hope set, I think it is an extra 100-150; to replace my novatec 772 rear is already 50... Plus I already had to replace both sets of bearings. If you don't mind fiddling with the novatec's it will probably save you a little.
Roval Fattie SL's : 30mm internal width, DT Swiss hubs, 1580gr's, $1500
-OR-
Novatec 327s: 23mm internal width, NOVATEC hubs, $1880gr's, $1800
Hmmmmmmmm.....
recently ordered a l-b 38/32i AM 27.5 wheel set built with BHS hubs, will cost me $800 all in and weigh 200g less
there perfect. o no wait they cost more than carbon. oops my bad sorry. best stick to the lead hope wheels then, plus should help stave of radiation sickness if you ride alot of granite.
Had the Enduros. Now on the newer Ltd. version.
Stiff, light, strong and they feel great.
Hubs are ultra reliable and a breeze to service.
23mm internal may not make very one happy but they've been perfect with the Vigilante/Ardent tire combo I run (and many other tires I've tried too).
Look great too - those French have a way with style.
All my bikes have carbon wheels and I'm a heavier rider, no issues ever.
360 degrees / 60 engagement teeth = 6 degrees between each engagement point. Offset one of the sets of pawls by 50% and you get your 3 degrees.
www.zelvycarbon.com
Carbon is still too expensive in wheels. I got my Superstar carbon AM wheels for under £400 during one of their 'offer code' periods. Lighter than these too.
www.blackhawkwheelco.com
sign me up.
As an example, SRAM Rail 50 - Described by sram as 'An alloy wheel that does what other alloy rims can't'.
'WIDE ANGLE rim design for superior stability' - Capital letters their choice in it's description - 'WIDE ANGLE™
Take corners as fast as you want. SRAM wheels have a wider rim profile without significant added mass. This profile holds tire shape better, preventing tire roll and giving you superior comfort and traction around corners.
19mm XC Racing
21mm Trail
23mm All-Mountain'
'TAPER CORE Profile' - Capital letters their choice in it's description. 'TAPER CORE™
Strong in the right places. The sidewalls of SRAM rims are reinforced along the wings to withstand major impact. But the sidewalls then taper in along the center—reducing overall mass. The result is a very light rim with excellent dent resistance.'
'SOLO SPOKE design with stiff steel spokes' - Capital letters their choice, and also no other wheel has stiff spokes!
Wow, 23mm internal width . . . . stiff spokes . . . . thicker material used . . . . Innovations each and every one I'm sure you will agree. All on an Alloy rim no less. And that is just the first wheel that came up on google. I imagine most others would just prove you completely wrong @Matt76
Also 27.5 - its boring!