Syncros Silverton SL One-Piece Carbon Wheels - Sea Otter 2018
Syncros launched a production carbon wheelset today that are molded almost entirely in one piece. It's called the Silverton SL and the pair reportedly weighs only 1250 grams. The concept of molding carbon spokes to a hub and rim was pioneered by Lighweight, a German boutique wheelmaker that closely guarded its constructed methods. Syncros, however, wanted to bring a similar wheel design to full production, which was no small task.
The "spokes" pass through the hub flanges and carry the loads to the opposite side of the rim.
Head engineer Benoit Grelier explained that Syncros threw out their preconceptions about carbon wheels. Beginning with computer models, the design team set a goal to exceed the stiffness and strength of the top three carbon wheel makers' XC/trail hoops. In the end, Syncros decided that a hybrid between the classic five-spoke molded wheel and the classic multi-spoke build was the most efficient way to use carbon.
They settled on a 26-millimeter inner-width rim (31mm outer width) with a 35 millimeter deep profile. The hub flanges are molded to ovalized carbon spokes that are bonded to the outer sides of the rim. To keep the carbon filaments as straight as possible, the left-side "spokes" cross to the right side of the
They settled on a 26-millimeter inner-width rim (31mm outer width) with a 35 millimeter deep profile. The hub flanges are molded to ovalized carbon spokes that are bonded to the outer sides of the rim. To keep the carbon filaments as straight as possible, the left-side "spokes" cross to the right side of the
Mastermind of the Silverton SL wheel, Benoit Grelier.
Aluminum inserts bonded inside the hubs ensure bearing alignment and proper freehub operation.
After molding and curing, the left and right-side hub flanges and spokes are spread and the hub in inserted.
After molding, the hub flanges and spokes are pulled outwards and the carbon hub is inserted between the flanges, which tensions the spokes. The hub and wheel assembly are bonded in a final step and after the bearings, axles and DT Swiss freehub are installed, the wheels are true and need no further tension adjustments for the rest of their lives.
So far, Syncros only plans to make the Silverton SL Wheels for XC racing, but, when pressed, they said that there is no reason that the system could not be adapted for trail, enduro, or even downhill use. The issue was not whether it was possible or practical, it was the lead time required to vet the system's key components to work together in a more hostile environment.
A complex mold design allows the wheel to be molded in one piece.
Hookless bead flanges and wrapped carbon spokes.
So, how much will a pair of one-piece carbon racing wheels cost? Syncros says $3500 for the pair. Silverton SL wheels will start shipping to dealers this fall, and Scott plans on spec'ing them on its upper-end Spark and Scale models for 2019. Do you need a pair? Well, that's up to you and your wallet. Scott says that the boost in control and steering precision was what convinced them to make the Herculean effort to produce Silvertons in their Taiwan factory. It's a safe bet we'll be riding them soon, so keep an eye out for the full review.
Scott's Spark XC racer will be debuting Silverton SL wheels next season.
MENTIONS: @SeaOtterClassic
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Curious about the claimed 100% increase in power transfer. I’m assuming they are talking about power loss through the spokes and rim in relation to the hub when pedaling hard. Are we really rotating the hub inside the spokes and loosing significant power when we stand up and mash on the pedals?
This wheelset is unique for Sure. Interesting to see where it goes. Remember how much enve wheels where when they first came out?
This whole attitude of every part needing to fit the needs of the one reader who's looking at them needs to end. Not everything is for you, not everything fits your needs, and not everything appeals to you. Does that disqualify it as a decent product? Fuck no.
These wheels are very unique though.
Which one will i buy first? The cranks because they are a proven design and now a cool material.
This wheel set is aimed for elite racers (or the well to do riders with extra cash in their pockets) This didn't have the average rider in mind.
If a racer improves his race time or wins races with this then it was worth it in the perspective of the racer. Sure if something brakes you'll most likely have to replace the whole thing but I don't think a person who wants to buy this is worried about that. To use this only during race runs this could make the difference between being on the podium and not being on the podium.
I'm stoked to see stuff like this even if it's not something I'd ever want to get.
Is it rad? Hooooly shit yes.
Its throbbing when I look at it, like the surgeon himself is saying "don't do it brah"
Answer: Ocean Fill.
Keep in mind the spokes get tensioned by the spreading of the hub flanges. Unless you can unbond the flanges from the hub before repairing the spoke it's done for.
Or maybe it strong enough to cope with a missing spoke. Anyone keen to do that test?
Let us see what happens when a stick gets in there. You can build a 1200g normal wheel for 1/2 the price that can be rebuilt if spokes break.
...or you talking road wheel?
Looks like a silly race day only product and a marvel of engineering. I'd take the CC ti wings or an unno frame in the realm of totally absurd halo products, but I appreciate the nerdtastic effort that must have gone into this.
The rims were 420g. The newer rims weren't out yet. The new lightweight 25mm inners are 310g, so take 220g grams off my wheelset and there you have it.
You could got 28mm inner and still save 140g over my current set.
www.ebay.com/i/271909837343?chn=ps
when you hit something hard rim bends to the point as to cause the spokes to get loose and be tension free. the ones on the upper side stretch to the point of either breaking or shearing, or pulling the nipple out of the rim. Also this happens to various degrees as spoke tension is something you can adjust on your preference, spoke thickness and material, some prefer less tension for more forgiving ride,
On a carbon rim like this one it a broken spoke will render the wheel useles. Plain stubit
I'm 220lbs. I would gain more power to weight ratio by skipping lunch for a week and dropping 5 lbs, rather than saving 600 grams on my wheelset. And $3500 no less.
I wonder if Nino Will be riding these soon???
Why not, makes no difference to him not like he pays for any of his equipment