Industry Nine Announce Hydra Grade 300 V2 Alloy Wheelset
PRESS RELEASE: Industry Nine
Industry Nine is proud to announce the Hydra Grade 300 v2 wheelset, designed to deliver on the biggest hits, deepest sends, and eMTB rips. The standout feature of this wheelset is the all-new Grade 300 alloy rim, incorporating hollow bead wall technology—a triple cavity design that reduces pinch flats and enhances impact resistance.
Increasing the bead wall width 78% helps eliminate concentrated tire pinch points found in conventional hook-shaped rims that can lead to pinch flats. Additionally, the triple cavity rim section enhances the structure’s strength and support, significantly reducing the severity of impact deformations.
In-house testing revealed that the new Grade 300 v2 impressively outperformed the previous generation rim. Regarding bead shelf deformation, the Grade 300 v2 exhibited a 79% improvement under moderate impact and a 65% improvement under severe impact. In terms of bead wall deformation under the same impacts, the Grade 300 v2 showed a 72% improvement under moderate impact and a 66% improvement under severe impact. Furthermore, the associated spoke tension drop at the impact site was also reduced, with a 62% improvement under moderate impact and a 71% improvement under severe impact. Industry Nine confidently asserts that the Grade 300 v2 is the strongest alloy rim they have ever offered.
Built on the Hydra 32h system hub and spoke chassis, the Grade 300 v2 wheelsets feature the iconic .52° engagement freehub system combined with direct-thread hubshells utilizing a one-piece machined alloy spoke, creating a ride quality and customizable aesthetics unlike anything on the market.
The Hydra Grade 300 v2 is the most robust alloy-rimmed wheelset in the Hydra custom alloy line. It is specifically designed for downhill bikes, bike park builds, and eMTB use.
Details
• Intended Use: DH, Big Hits, eMTB
• Sizes: 29'' | MX | 27.5''
• Hole Count: 32
• Inner Width: 30mm
• Recommended Tire Size: 2.3'' - 2.6''
• Weight: 27.5” 1990g | 29” 2090g | MX 2040g
• MSRP: $1430 (Starting)
• Learn More: Industry Nine
• Intended Use: DH, Big Hits, eMTB
• Sizes: 29'' | MX | 27.5''
• Hole Count: 32
• Inner Width: 30mm
• Recommended Tire Size: 2.3'' - 2.6''
• Weight: 27.5” 1990g | 29” 2090g | MX 2040g
• MSRP: $1430 (Starting)
• Learn More: Industry Nine
A note on Hydra axles:
Industry Nine prioritizes rider feedback, making continuous improvements in our products a focus. When a small percentage of riders reported durability issues with our one-piece axle, we initiated a revision and testing process. The revised axle integrates a washer to mitigate the stress riser on the driveside axle shoulder on Boost and Superboost hubs. After confirming the revised design's reliability and observing no repeat issues during testing, we integrated the improved two-piece axle into our full-scale Hydra production. From June 2023 to current builds, every Hydra Boost and Superboost wheelset and hubset has utilized the revised two-piece axle.
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Carbon rims are not the end all for rim design honestly. Running carbon rims for the average person means running inserts to protect your investment... i have gone through a few carbon rims. An aluminum rim with an insert feels about the same as a carbon rim with an insert. The weight difference and stiffness difference is negligible compared to the difference an insert makes in feel.
Finally switched to carbon, the rims are about the same weight, but with no insert and a double down tire, my rear wheel is considerably lighter. Year and half in and I've bashed the shit out of these rims = zero issues, straight and true. Plus, if I do destroy one, the no questions asked free lifetime replacement has me covered.
Just for the durability alone carbon makes so much sense.
Interesting to hear about the I9 rims on the trail. I have only worked on a set, but the alloy spokes themselves true up really well, even with rim damage. Much more solid than regular spokes
Although I don’t know what the warranty is like on that
L x
I personally, would not spend money to buy a i9 "DH specific" hub which is designed for 11/12sp cassettes.
They have all been said: Over-priced, Over-hyped, Over-problematic... I'm Over it
Cool new wheels! Site error listed below:
The grade 300 v2 wheel weights are exactly the same as the Enduro 300. This PR says they should be higher.
For example 27.5 should be 1990g not 1800g. You might want to check and make sure the numbers are correct.
industrynine.com/wheels/mountain/grade-300-v2
Beyond that, though, I’ve had zero problems. That first set of wheels was the Enduro 305s on Torch hubs. (Everyone seems to like the Torch hubs). About the strongest, stiffest, truest aluminum wheels I’ve ever had. I think those cost about the same as these, so factoring in inflation, these new ones are actually a better value.
Second set of wheels are Hydra hubs laced to We Are One Union rims for three seasons. Again, zero problems. No broken axles, no broken bearings. Maybe the wheel builder put in a better axle ahead of time, I don’t know. I’m not heavy, and I’m not light (180-185 pounds with riding gear?). I ride a lot. Maybe I take better care of my stuff, maybe I’m Mr. Smooth out there, maybe I’m just not as rad and gnarly as the rest of you, but I hear of all these bad axles and bearings, and it’s like you’re all from another planet based on my experience.
So…..i9 is okay, but charges as much or more than much better options. And if you want pretty colors, Hopes are a better buy. Or get some SLX or XT hubs for waaaaaay less money and deal with bearing service once in a while.
for a 200$ more expensive than a previous but anyway.