Built By Jerry | XPLOR

XPLOR: 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.  

Very similar to the Enve AR 3.4, 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. At 1,400gr with tape and valves (DT240) or 1,430gr on I9, they are best in class 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.

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 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 built in a 24 hole, 2-cross configuration. I have found 24 spokes to be the optimal set up for performance oriented riding up to about 190 pound rider weight for almost any use. For heavier riders or for more adventuresome exploring or bike packing durability, I also offer the XPLOR XL, which is a 28H version and can be built with a stiffer spoke like the Sapim CX Sprint for better flex management.