Low and Wide Makes for a Beautiful Set of Wheels
We recently came across an in-depth review of the 9th Wave Flex 35 wheels on Pianeta Mountain Bike. In case you are looking for a summary of the article in English, here it is.
The 9th Wave Flex wheels, ridden to victory by Henrique Avancini at the 2023 marathon world championship, are designed for off-road riders, particularly those who prefer cross country or marathon racing.
The most striking feature is their flexibility, which comes mainly from the low (18mm) and wide (35mm) rim profile. The rims are made of carbon and come in a range of options, including the top-of-the-line Ninefold Superlight configuration.
These wheels are not the lightest on the market, at roughly 1365 grams per wheelset, but they prioritize riding performance and comfort over weight. The wide rims allow lower tire pressures, which improves traction even with semi-slick tires. The lower profile also gives a smoother, more cushioned ride, particularly on rough terrain.
During the test, the Pianeta Mountain Bike team tried different tire pressures and found that the ideal range is narrower than on 30mm rims. The Flex 35 worked best at around 1.2 to 1.3 bar in front and 1.1 to 1.2 bar at the rear.
Long rides on rough mountain trails bring out the best of the Flex 35. With good impact absorption, they make rides less tiring on the hands and arms. Their lateral stiffness is slightly lower than some wheels with higher profiles, but they are forgiving on descents and technical trails.
The reviewers’ verdict: the Flex 35 suits riders who spend long hours on challenging, technical terrain, with a mix of performance, comfort and fun.
There is also a YouTube video review that shows the wheels in more detail:
For the full test, read the review on Pianeta Mountain Bike.
Note: The Flex is no longer in production. We can still build it to order on request. Its successor is the Yarrow SL29. Read how the low rim works in our Flex SL article.
