Nukeproof Launches New Horizon Pro Wheel Range
Press Release: Nukeproof
After what seems like an eternity of design, development, and testing, Nukeproof launches its all-new Horizon PRO wheel range.
Nukeproof has a proud history of creating high-performance hubs and wheels, from the legendary carbon-shelled Atom Bomb hubs in the 1990s to the more recent Generator, Neutron, and Horizon wheelsets.
Launched in 2020, the current Horizon V2 wheelsets have elevated Nukeproof wheels to the next level of performance. The V2 has been tested at the highest level, between the tape at both the Enduro and Downhill World Cup with the Nukeproof-SRAM Factory team. It has gone on to become a huge favourite with ranks of privateers and riders. Key reasons include the strength, reliability, and serviceability of the V2. But here at Nukeproof, we are always looking for the next step in performance.
Welcome to the Horizon PRO:
Designed as an all-new wheelset created for riders who are looking for the ultimate alloy trail wheel. Using the Horizon V2 as a base, our designers took a fine-tooth comb to the Horizon V2 to make several incremental improvements. The main aim of the PRO was to reduce rotational mass and make a lighter wheelset for trail and enduro riders and racers.
The result is a ground-up design and an all-new front and rear wheel. The PRO wheels are lighter, more compliant and use an all-new high-performance rapid-engagement ratchet hub for the rear wheel. In raw terms, the Horizon PRO offers riders a 9-10% (depending on wheel size combination) weight reduction over our Horizon V2 wheelsets.
All the improvements make the Horizon PRO perfect for trail and enduro riders searching for the ultimate alloy wheelset.
New Nukeproof Horizon PRO Hub:
At the heart of the Horizon PRO is an all-new hub housing the new 54T engagement ratchet mechanism. Why move to a ratchet system? For both size and weight. The compact dimensions of the ratchet system allow for a reduction in the overall size of the hub. Less material means a reduction in mass. There are also performance benefits from a ratchet system. A fast and smooth engagement provides a more responsive ride and also reduces lost energy in the hub.
To further reduce the overall dimensions of the hub, we chose to use double butted straight-pull spokes (2.0mm-1.8mm-2.0mm). These spokes allow for the optimizing of the hub shell dimensions by machining away any unrequired material.
With the new ratchet system, engagement of each tooth is simultaneous. This evenly distributes the force across a larger surface area and reduces wear, ensuring reliability.
The result is a sleek shell that looks stunning, hugs the axle and is strong and reliable.
Hand-Built and Tensioned:
To further reduce weight, we have reduced the spoke count of the wheels to 28. This is thanks to the increased tension and strength by using straight pull spokes (vs a J-Bend).
Each Horizon PRO wheel is laced by hand in a 3x spoke pattern. The Horizon PRO rim is made from dynamically aged magnesium-silicon enriched alloy blend. This alloy produces the stiffness and hardness like 7-series alloy, but with the ductility and yield properties of a 6-series alloy. Each rim is sleeved to join to ensure a strong and consistent level of strength around the rim. Overall, this offers an incredible blend of stiffness, compliance, strength, and weight.
Both 29” and 27.5” wheels are available.
The Horizon PRO rim is designed to offer maximum strength, comfort and grip from 2.3" to 2.5" tires. Numerous lab and trail tests led to the use of a 30mm internal width rim to optimize the tire profile of most modern tires.
Available in 12x148mm Boost only. To support spare parts for riders, the front and rear wheels share the same rim and straight-pull spoke design. Each rim has a tough anodized black sandblasted finish with silver decals to match the hub.
Enduro ABEC 5 Bearings:
After testing various brands of bearings, Nukeproof chose to use Enduro ABEC 5 bearings in the rear wheel. These bearings have the “LLU/LLB” seal type, which uses two lips that make light contact in a groove to create a labyrinth where the water or dirt has a more difficult time penetrating.
LLU seals are similar, only the contact pressure or interference fit is greater to seal better. Enduro bearings have 80% grease fill on both sides, whereas most other bearings have 35% grease fill on one side. This delivers full coverage, so there are no dry areas as well as avoiding metal on metal contact or wear. Note: the axle may feel tight when new but will free up when ridden.
What's Included in the box?
All wheels are sold individually, allowing riders to pick wheels to suit their frame. The tubeless valve supplied is compatible with Nukeproof ARD and other tire inserts, and the presta valve cap has a core remover built in. All riders need to do is fit a tire of choice, add sealant, and go ride.
To back riders up a full range of spare parts, hub, freehub conversions kits, spokes, rims, and maintenance tools are available.
When?
Horizon PRO wheels are available now and will be heading out to Nukeproof retailers over the coming weeks (US availability mid-June). If you are interested, check out your local Nukeproof retailer or online.
Front - SRP: £229.99 / USA $299 / Europe €264.99
Rear - SRP: £369.99 / USA $399 / Europe €429.99
Weights:
Front - 27.5: 823g (without valves) // 29: 863g (without valves)
Rear - 27.5 MS: 943g (without valves) // 29 MS: 988g (without valves)
For more information please visit www.nukeproof.com
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Also, I hate straight-pull spokes for tension service. Nothing like having them try to rotate while you’re adjusting the nipples, so now you get to pull out another tool to do a simple adjustment.
It's not hard to true straight pull spokes. Knipex pliers in one hand, spoke wrench in the other. Grip the spoke with the pliers, spin your spoke wrench. Yeah it's another tool, but it's a few minutes of your time. Also I've had J-bend break at the bend a few times (not that it's common), but never had that problem with straight pull.
Back when I started riding mtb I also rode with a guy who had Shimano wheels where the head of the spokes protruded the side of the rim and the nipples would be near the hub. Not sure whether it was a commercial product or a prototype. He is a nephew of Bart Brentjens and most of the stuff he was using was a hand me down. But it seemed like a clever idea to me. Weight (of the nipples) closer to the hub, no drills in the rim to tape. Minor downside nowadays would be that the brake rotor and cassette would be in the way for a quick tune up, but nothing that should add more than a few minutes to the job. Especially with tubeless tires nowadays, I can still see this make a lot of sense. Anyone here had experience with these wheels and/or is anyone aware why they quit making these (if they ever got beyond the protype stage)?
My favorite bearing is the one that hasn’t been destroyed by a pressure washer..
Here’s a quick way to get downvoted-
Enduro bearings are a commonly used bearing for many Mtn bike hubs, as are pressure washers.
Use a pressure washer tight to any wheel bearing, and it becomes cheap junk.
Reading through it I was thinking "house brand DT Swiss hubs with run of the mill alloy rims. Most of the weight savings is from the hub choice and going down in spoke count."
My exact first thought as well.
All joking aside, the cheap Neutron V2s I picked up as backups have held up fine. The front only cost me $124CAD (~$90USD). They set up tubeless perfectly with the included valve. Insane value.
Pretty sure j-bend is almost never the weak point re: high tension. A spoke hole is going to give long before either a J or a straight spoke breaks at the head, leading to another spoke breaking, and usually at the threads, which is the same for both straights and Js.
They're a pain in the ass and only exist to make it easier for robots to build wheels
Weight savings?