Built By Jerry | XPLOR XL

XPLOR XL: The XPLOR XL is a 28 hole version of the XPLOR model to allow a better weight carrying ability. If you are a rider over 190 pounds, or if you are going to be doing bike packing or loaded touring, I would suggest the XL option. Everything else is the same as the 24 holed XPLOR, just a nod to the additional security of 28 spokes.

My all-road specific rim (vs. pure gravel), the XPLOR is 40x30mm wide external with a 24mm internal width and a deeper hookless bead designed for better tire retention at higher pressure than a mountain bike style bead found on the gravel wheels. If you like all day rides on a wider road tire, or rolling gravel, or you want to do a fast group ride on a road slick as well as hit some rocky gravel with a 43mm casing, the XPLOR does it all.  

For 2021, rims are now constructed using graphene doped Toray T800 carbon fiber. Graphene doping is a new process using wherein a very small amount of graphene (under 2%) is added to the T700 carbon matrix during processing. Scientific testing has demonstrated significant increases in strength and impact resistance results from the graphene doping process. Our testing has shown this to be true in practice, allowing pretty significant weight reductions in the rim construction.

The XPLOR is aero optimized for 28-30 road tires at a width appropriate 70 PSI max inflation pressure (if you are determined to run 25mm tires at 90SPI, check out the VAM or MIDL). A 28mm slick will usually measure 30mm on the wide rim. The 24mm width is also great for a fat gravel tire from 35 to 45mm for maximum flotation and grip.  The 40 deep gets you the aero gain of a deep section wheel but at a lighter weight. Up here in New England, a lot of our riding is hilly and in the Midwest it's really windy, so in our opinion the shallower, lighter wheels are the better balance for an all-roads wheel.

The XPLOR XL is built in a 28 hole, 3-cross configuration. Designed for heavier riders or for more adventuresome exploring or bike packing durability, this 28H version can also be built with a stiffer spoke like the Sapim CX Sprint for better flex management.