Flux FAQ
| Rim | Size | ERD |
|
Grappler Flux Carbon Enduro |
27.5 |
567mm |
|
Grappler Flux Carbon Enduro |
29 |
604mm |
|
Grappler Flux Carbon DH |
27.5 | 567mm |
|
Grappler Flux Carbon DH |
29 | 600mm |
|
Grappler Flux Alloy Enduro |
27.5 | 564mm |
|
Grappler Flux Alloy Enduro |
29 | 602mm |
|
Grappler Flux Alloy DH |
27.5 | 564mm |
|
Grappler Flux Alloy DH |
29 | 602mm |
e*thirteen rims are ETRTO compliant and feature hookless flanges which have been tuned over the past decade to deliver “set and forget” tubeless performance, excellent tire retention, and resilience to damage from impacts.
The compliance engineered into Grappler Flux rims does not affect tire fit or retention. Quite the opposite. With the rim and tire working together, traction is increased, and tire retention is maximized.
The 30mm inner width of Grappler Flux rims are best suited for 2.3”-2.6” tires, optimizing tire profiles for traction and speed, and allowing for a wide range of tire pressures. While they are compatible with tires slightly wider or narrower than this, there may be compromises to tire stability or profile.
At e*thirteen, we test our wheels rigorously to ensure they meet the highest performance and durability standards. In conjunction with real world testing, we perform a series of specialized assessments designed to simulate real-world conditions and provide detailed insights into how our wheels perform under stress.
Impact Testing
Our Rim Impact Test measures the energy our rims can withstand before failure, ensuring that they fail in a controlled manner that still allows riders to continue their journey safely.
Deflection Testing
We aconduct Vertical and Angled Rim Deflection Tests to gauge a wheel's ride characteristics, assessing how much the wheel flexes under different angles to optimize for both comfort and control.
Rebound Testing
Our Rebound Test quantifies how much impact energy is returned by the wheel, helping us fine-tune the dynamic feel of our products.
Through these rigorous tests combined with extensive real world testing by both our internal test team and our sponsored World Cup athletes, we ensure that every e*thirteen wheel delivers the reliability and performance that riders expect.
Previous generations of e*thirteen Plus and Race wheels prioritize exceptional strength and durability, making them legendary on the World Cup as the only wheels that perform race after race on the world’s toughest tracks. While these rims provide riders with the confidence they need to push their limits, they are also very stiff, which means a fast and precise wheel, but also one that transmits a lot of trail feedback to the rider.
e*thirteen took our rim game to the next level by addressing the desires of our pro riders and consumers, to reach the strength and resilience benchmarks set by LG1 and Grappler rims, while increasing compliance. Compliance in wheels increases comfort, reduces rider fatigue, and improves traction and tracking by decreasing wheel deflection.
Grappler Flux rims and wheels were engineered with Ride Dynamics as a priority. They strike a good balance between durability, the lateral stiffness needed for precise control, and the ideal level of vertical compliance required to create a more comfortable wheel that improves performance. Rebound energy was also tuned to blend the damping quality that takes the sting out of impacts, with a dynamic ride feel that keeps them lively out of compressions.
Several competitors have also claimed compliance in rims and some have hit the sweet spot. However, no other wheels we have tested can weigh up to e*thirteen Grappler Flux rims for performance-enhancing compliance and strength.
Other common issues with compliant rim designs are excessive flexibleness or the “tire rollover” feeling when rims twist under load, such as pushing into corners. It was paramount for e*thirteen to maintain ride quality in every way with the new Grappler Flux. After multiple seasons of testing on the World Cup, we feel the Grappler Flux ticks all the boxes. The proof is in the ride!
Flux is the result of learning from many seasons of World Cup Downhill racing. First, we built in the toughness and won World Cup overalls with the LG1 Race Carbon DH wheels. Next, we embarked on engineering a rim as tough, but with the compliance being asked for by our riders.
Riders and racers can expect Flux rims to be every bit as strong and durable as our previous, highly regarded rims. To back this up, we offer a "no questions asked" Lifetime Guarantee on all carbon rims and a 5 year manufacture defects warranty on alloy rims for the original owners. You can find more information on our warranty here.
Flux is laterally stiff, giving precise handling. The magic happens at the tire contact patch, where the rim deflects locally, absorbing chatter that would otherwise transfer to the suspension and eventually onto the rider.