Hydra Trail 270 29in Boost Wheelset
Style & Size:
Quantity
Why We Like The Hydra Trail 270 29in Boost Wheelset
If you're one for following trends in the industry, chances are you've already gotten some of the low-down on Industry Nine's new Hydra hubs, but chances are you haven't yet had the opportunity to saddle yourself up with a pair. Fortunately for you, the wait is over, and we're stoked to spread the hype with Industry Nine's new Hydra Trail 270 29in Boost Wheelset. These steamrolling hoops combine the classic Trail rim we know and love with I9's new Hydra freehub that offers some intensely quick actuation. We could say they telepathically communicate with you to transfer power to the trail before you even know that you put it out, but that would be taking away credit from the meticulous engineers in Asheville, NC, who spent two-and-a-half years tinkering with this hub to dial in near-instantaneous 0.52-degree engagement, for the snappiest wheelset we've ever laid our hands on.
The Hydra hubs build on Industry Nine's previous drive system, which is pretty easy to spot if you take a peek at the internals. You'll spot a similar pawl layout that we've seen before in the Torch, and the same pristine CNC machining coming straight from Asheville, North Carolina. Like the old Torch hub, the Hydra features a 6 pawl design, but the drive ring amps things up to a 115-tooth drive ring, as opposed to the 60-tooth used in the Torch, creating a whopping 690 points of engagement, blowing the 120 points of engagement of the Torch out of the water. These 690 points of contact translate directly to the snappiest hubs we've ever seen, with only 0.52-degrees of engagement, propelling you forward just about the instant you put any power down. Furthermore, the engineers opted to keep things simple for those of us who tinker on our bikes at home, making the hub fully serviceable without any proprietary tools.
For your all-mountain endeavors, I9 laces up the Hydra hub with its Trail 270 rims to make this slick set of hoops. I9's Trail rims remain the same as we saw in combination with the Torch in years past. Stiff and reliable aluminum construction, moderately wide 27-millimeter internals, and a profile optimized to hold up to hits on the trail make these rims ideal for just about any wagon-wheel riding application you can throw their way. They come available in either the ultra-stiff 32-spoke option, ideal for riders who want impeccable tracking, or who weigh a little more, as well as a 24-spoke variety for lighter riders who covet a more compliant wheel. Both options lace up with I9's direct-thread straight-pull spokes that thread directly into the hub shell for a solid, flex-free junction that stays reliable on the trail.
Details
- I9 takes the snappy Hydra hub to quick-rolling Trail hoops
- Moderate width rims reduce rolling resistance for speed
- Hydra hub offers 690 POE and 0.52-degrees of engagement
- Premium alloy construction outlasts time itself
- Direct-thread straight-pull spokes lace up for stiff power
- 32-and-24 spoke options offer stiffness or compliance
- 27mm internal width accommodates 2.2-to-2.5in tires
- Machined for precision in Asheville, North Carolina
- Item #NIN004B
- Rim Material
- aluminum
- Wheel Size
- 29in
- Rim Type
- Hooked
- Rim Width
- [inner] 27mm, [outer] 31mm
- Brake Compatibility
- 6-bolt disc
- Hubs
- Industry Nine Hydra
- Front Axle
- 15 x 110mm Boost
- Rear Axle
- 12 x 148mm Boost
- Spokes
- direct-thread straight-pull aluminum
- Spoke Count
- 24, 32
- Max Rider Weight
- [24-spoke] 210lb, [32-spoke] 230lb
- Claimed Weight
- [24-spoke pair] 4lb 7.7oz (1580g), [32-spoke pair] 4lb 12oz (1700g)
- Includes
- 2 valve stems, tape installed, 2 spokes
- Manufacturer Warranty
- 2 years
- Activity
- trail
Reviews
Q&A
What do you think about this product?
Overall Rating
5 based on 1 ratings
Review Summary
Fits True To Size
Screen reader users: the following list provides a visual scale to illustrate the product fit. Please refer to the heading above for the fit type in text.View
Selecting an option will reload the available reviews on the pageNovember 3, 2021
Just what I wanted -
- Familiarity:
- I've put it through the wringer
- Size Bought:
- 29 24h
- Height:
- 5' 9"
- Weight:
- 162
After getting a Yeti SB100 with GX and riding a bit with it I thought the DTs 1900 (25mm inner) and the DHF/Aggressor combo was a bit too much for someone like me, who rides mostly singletrack and trails here in Minnesota (Elm Creek, Cuyuna, etc). The bike is excellent (coming from a 26er 2005 Rocky Mountain Slayer 50 with DHF/Aggressor) but it felt like it could use a setup that would be bit lighter for faster climbing and longer, more XC-style rides. While everybody may want carbon, including me, I just wanted a solid and strong rim that was light. For around 1550g for the set it competes with carbon hoops and while they may not have the same riding feel (I haven't ridden carbon MTB wheels, so ignorance may be bliss in my case) they compare with most of them in terms of weight. I also wanted to experience the instant engagement that everybody has been raving about. While I was leaning towards Onyx (Minnesota!) a friend in the industry told me I would end up loving Hydra's buzz and performance, and they are lighter than the Onyx, which is what I was looking for. He wasn't wrong. The sound is very cool and the instant engagement is amazing. I don't think I would ever not want future hubs to not have similar or the same performance. I am hooked. Being 162lbs heavy and around 172-175 with gear, I thought the 24 holes would be perfect, especially since I like to ride fast but don't do huge airs, drops, or ride gnarly and rocky terrains. I paired them with Rekon 2.4 and Rekon Race 2.35 and the difference is very noticeable. Not only the instant engagement allows for faster acceleration and an overall better and smoother ride up or down, the way I can handle the wheels especially while descending is amazing, it just feels easier. I feel like the rider input is translated a lot quicker and without as much effort. The weight savings make it such a fast and nimble wheel and the bike feels just like that: faster and more nimble, with much better acceleration. The laser engraved graphics and the quality of the spokes are insane. The attention to detail is there in spades. The quality is superb and I don't hesitate a second to recommend i9 to other friends and fellow riders. I honestly can only say great things about this wheelset. For a second I thought I should have spent more money for a higher end component SB100 but I am glad I went this route and invested on this wheel upgrade for the most modest SB100 model. After selling the stock wheel-tire combo the SB100 came with and being able to get these on a 20% one item discount promo deal, I ended up setting myself back around $750 for the black hub and black spokes version, but the difference in performance is definitely worth the investment, so I couldn't be happier. Highly recommend if you want a strong, fast and versatile trail wheelset for singletrack, trail, and long rides. Competitve Cyclist's service and shipment was extraordinary, as per usual. Thank you for this amazing set!
Need Expert Advice?
Our Gearheads Can Help
February 17, 2021