Industry Nine - Wheels & Components For Sale

2024 Industry Nine Hydra Grade 300 V2 Review - A TPC Quick-Take

The Industry Nine Hydra Grade 300 V2 wheels, announced in May 2024, are the latest evolution in I9's downhill and eMTB wheel technology. Building on the success of previous models, these wheels offer enhanced durability and performance features.

Main Features and Improvements:

• Available in 27.5", 29", and MX (mixed) sizes
• 30mm inner rim width (unchanged from previous model)
• New Hollow Bead Wall technology with triple cavity design
• Hydra hub system with ultra-fast 0.52° engagement (690 points, improved from 3° in previous model)
• Customizable with 11 anodized color options for spokes and hubs

Beefed-Up Performance:

Industry Nine's in-house testing revealed significant improvements over the previous generation:

• 79% improvement in bead shelf deformation under moderate impact
• 65% improvement in bead shelf deformation under severe impact
• 72% improvement in bead wall deformation under moderate impact
• 66% improvement in bead wall deformation under severe impact
• Reduced spoke tension drop: 62% improvement under moderate impact, 71% under severe impact

Design & Tech:

• Hollow bead technology with 78% wider bead wall to reduce pinch flats and enhance impact resistance
• Triple cavity rim design for improved overall strength and support
• Aluminum spoke chassis with direct-thread design for reduced weight and increased lateral stiffness
• Updated graphics for more color-neutral aesthetics

Tubeless Performance:

Like its predecessors, the Grade 300 V2 is designed for easy tubeless setup. The tight tire fit and optimized rim design typically allow for tubeless inflation without requiring an air compressor.

Hydra Hub Technology:

• Evolved from the Torch hub system, known for its durability and high torque capacity
• Improved engagement (0.52° vs 3° in previous model) for near-instant power transfer
• Distinctive sound, which can be modulated with different freehub lubes

Weight (Grade 300 V2):

• 27.5": 1990g
• 29": 2090g
• MX: 2040g

Price:

MSRP: $1,430 USD (starting price)

Pros:

1. Exceptional impact resistance and durability
2. Easy tubeless setup
3. Highly customizable aesthetics
4. Near-instant hub engagement
5. Made in the USA with high-quality craftsmanship

Cons:

1. Premium price point
2. Proprietary spoke system requires specific replacement parts
3. Some users report frequent bearing replacements in previous models (not specifically addressed in V2)

Rider Considerations:

• While these wheels have impressive technological advancements, the high price point puts them in competition with some carbon options.
• The new two-piece axle design (implemented from June 2023) aims to address previous durability issues, but long-term performance remains to be seen.
• The extensive color options for spokes and hubs remain a unique selling point for I9 wheels.

Bottom Line:

The Industry Nine Hydra Grade 300 V2 wheels are an evolution in alloy wheel technology, offering improved impact resistance, durability, and performance over previous models. They’re pushing alloy wheels into carbon territory. They're tough, they're pretty, and they're ready for war. Perfect for the rider who bombs DH trails or pushes their e-MTB to the limit. But let's be real, they're not cheap. If you've got the cash and want bombproof wheels that'll turn heads, these could be your jam. Just remember, all the bling in the world won't replace skills - but it might make your excuses sound better.

Industry Nine FAQs

What’s special about Industry Nine hubs? Industry Nine hubs are known for their high engagement. The Torch hub offers 120 points of engagement, while the newer Hydra hub has 690 points of engagement (one every 0.52°), providing near-instantaneous power transfer.

What are Industry Nine System Wheels? System Wheels are Industry Nine's premium offering, featuring a unique hub, spoke, and rim structure designed to work together for optimal performance. They use straight-pull aluminum spokes instead of traditional J-bend steel spokes.

How do Industry Nine System Wheels differ from traditional wheels?

• They use larger diameter, straight-pull aluminum spokes instead of steel.
• Spokes thread directly into the hub and have a ball-end tip interfacing with the rim.
• They eliminate the need for spoke nipples, reducing potential weak points.
• The spokes can be anodized in various colors for customization.

What rims are used in Industry Nine System Wheels? In 2020, Industry Nine partnered with We Are One, a Canadian company, to produce carbon rims to Industry Nine's specifications.

What does "compliance" mean in relation to these wheels? Compliance refers to the wheel's ability to flex slightly under force. Industry Nine aims for "perfect compliance" - enough vertical (radial) compliance for a smooth ride, but with high lateral stiffness for precise handling.

Are Industry Nine System Wheels good for aggressive riding? Yes, models like the EN315 are designed for aggressive, gravity-oriented riding and enduro racing. They have a balance of stiffness and compliance suitable for challenging trails.

How much do Industry Nine System Wheels typically weigh? Weight varies by model, but as an example, the 29" EN315 carbon wheelset weighs about 1790 grams with rim tape.

Can I customize the colors of Industry Nine System Wheels? Yes, one of the unique features of System Wheels is the ability to customize spoke colors, even down to individual spokes.

How do Industry Nine Hydra hubs sound? Unlike the loud, buzzing sound of the Torch hubs, Hydra hubs produce a softer, more pleasant hum.

Are Industry Nine System Wheels hand-built? Yes, Industry Nine System Wheels are hand-built. Fanatik Bike Co. is the only authorized external builder of these wheels outside of Industry Nine themselves.

What tire widths are compatible with Industry Nine rims? This varies by rim model. For example, the EN315 rim is designed for 2.3-2.6" wide tires.

How do Industry Nine System Wheels perform in terms of durability? These wheels are designed to be highly durable. The unified system approach and quality components result in wheels that stay true longer and require less maintenance.

Can I mix and match different Industry Nine rims in a wheelset? Yes, when ordering custom-built wheels, you can choose different rim models for front and rear to suit your needs. 

Are Industry Nine System Wheels tubeless-compatible? Yes, these wheels are designed for tubeless setups.

How do Industry Nine wheels compare to other high-end wheel brands? Industry Nine wheels are believed to be among the best in the industry, offering a combination of innovative technology, customization options, and performance that sets them apart from many competitors.

Browse our Industry Nine product listings pages, curated by Industry Nine wheel models & variants: Industry Nine i9, Industry Nine Enduro S, Industry Nine Trail S, Industry Nine Trail 270