“The “TRA” aka Torch Road Alloy performs in a space where a tarmac-focused wheelset might be overmatched, but a mountain wheelset would be overkill. Ideal scenarios for the TRA line-up would be in the CX start grid, fast moving, light-duty off-road explorations, or hammering out long days on Forest Service roads. The TRA chassis represents a confluence of the best characteristics from the Torch Mountain system wheelsets and the Torch Road disc platform – sturdy meets svelte. An all-new hubshell forms the foundation of the TRA chassis, allowing direct threading of the spokes to the hub; a long-standing and defining performance and durability element of Industry Nine mountain bike wheelsets. Compatible with all thru-axles and road drivetrains, the Center Lock specific hub is built off Industry Nine’s established Torch Road Disc internals, so service and support parts are already present and available in the field.”
“Machined and anodized totally in-house, the Torch Road Alloy hubs accept 24 spokes laid out in a clever yet familiar 2:1 lacing pattern. By using a differential spoke count, TRA wheelsets are able to cut weight, and balance spoke tension, yet retain power-amplifying stiffness.”
“Securing the rim to the hub are Industry Nine’s straight-pull aluminum spokes. The one-piece design integrates standard 14g wrench flats located outside of the rim to keep service intuitive, but eliminates the undersized traditional spoke nipple in favor of a more robust connection between hub and spoke. Directly tapping into the hubs courtesy of large, rolled threads the 2.9mm diameter spokes taper to 2.7mm as they exit the hub and approach the rim.”
Ultralite240 Carbon TRA – 700c
“The highest performance wheels in the TRA range. Many riders find their dream wheelset at the intersection of an i9 system chassis and a Reynolds carbon rim, and for those seeking a sublime ride experience, we’re pleased to offer this revelation. Mating our UL240 Carbon rim to the TRA chassis, this 1325g wonder defies gravity as deftly as it tracks through the serpentine turns of a ‘cross course or the long, hard milage of an off-road challenge ride.”
- Weight: Set 1,325g, Front 600g, Rear 725g
- Front Axle: QR 100mm, 9x100mm, 12x100mm, 15x100mm
- Driver: Shimano/SRAM HG, Campy 11-speed or SRAM XD-R, 60 point, 6 degree engagement, 3 pawl mechanism
- Tire Width: 33mm-55mm
- Recommended Tire Type: Tubeless or TubeType Clincher
- Bearings: Steel*
- Rim: 24mm inner width // 28mm outer width
- No Hook, Tubeless Ready
- Rear Axle: QR 135mm, 10x135mm, 12x135mm, 12x142mm
- Brake Rotor Interface: Center Lock
- Rider Weight: Recommended 240lbs/110kg
- Note: Skewers Not Included
- **Ceramic XD-15 Bearing Upgrade Available. Includes Lifetime Warranty
Ultralite235 TRA – 700c
“Perhaps the best all-arounder in the TRA range, the ULCX235 TRA is the wheelset that we heard folks say they need, without specifically asking. Riders wanted a Torch system chassis, but with the ability to mount on their dropbar bikes without compromising drive components. They wanted a wheel beyond our current road disc offerings in terms of color customization, something that could be built to look exactly the way they wanted them to, just like their Torch mountain wheels.”
- Weight: Set 1,395g, Front 630g, Rear 765g
- Front Axle: QR 100mm, 9x100mm, 12x100mm, 15x100mm
- Driver: Shimano/SRAM HG, Campy 11-speed or SRAM XD-R, 60 point, 6-degree engagement, 3 pawl mechanism
- Tire Width: 33mm-55mm
- Recommended Tire Type: Tubeless or TubeType Clincher
- Bearings: Steel*
- Rim: 23.5mm inner width // 27mm outer width
- Rear Axle: QR 135mm, 10x135mm, 12x135mm, 12x142mm
- Brake Rotor Interface: Center Lock
- Rider Weight: Recommended 220lbs/100kg
- Note: Skewers Not Included
- **Ceramic XD-15 Bearing Upgrade Available. Includes Lifetime Warranty
Ultralite235 TRA – 650b
“The answer for lightweight durability. Drop bar bikes now find themselves pushed deeper and deeper into the woods due to the trend of 650b mountain bike tire compatibility, but with a glaring blind spot of wheels designed for a mountain bike, not a drop bar bike. Concessions are made to drivetrain spec, or ideal tire fit, but all those concerns are eliminated as ULCX235 TRA answers the call.”
- Weight: Set 1,320g, Front 595g, Rear 725g
- Front Axle: QR 100mm, 9x100mm, 12x100mm, 15x100mm
- Driver: Shimano/SRAM HG, Campy 11-speed or SRAM XD-R, 60 point, 6-degree engagement, 3 pawl mechanism
- Tire Width: 33mm-55mm
- Recommended Tire Type: Tubeless or TubeType Clincher
- Bearings: Steel*
- Rim: 23.5mm inner width // 27mm outer width
- Rear Axle: QR 135mm, 10x135mm, 12x135mm, 12x142mm
- Brake Rotor Interface: Center Lock
- Rider Weight: Recommended 220lbs/100kg
- Note: Skewers Not Included
- **Ceramic XD-15 Bearing Upgrade Available. Includes Lifetime Warranty
AR25 TRA – 700c
“Ready for adventure. AR25 TRA is as ready for a fast road ride on a 25mm tire as it is for an escape overnighter mounted on a bikepacking rig dressed in 40’s. If your dropbar disc brake bike sees duty on group road rides and long all-road adventures, keep the AR25 TRA on your short list.”
- Weight: Set 1480g, Front 685g, Rear 895g
- Front Axle: QR 100mm, 9x100mm, 12x100mm, 15x100mm
- Driver: Shimano/SRAM HG, Campy 11-speed or SRAM XD-R, 6-degree engagement, 3 pawl freehub, 60 point drivering
- Tire Width: 25-55mm
- Recommended Tire Type: Tubeless
- Rim: 21.5mm inner width // 25mm outer width
- Rear Axle: QR 135mm, 10x135mm, 12x135mm, 12x142mm
- Brake Rotor Interface: Center Lock
- Rider Weight: Recommended 250lbs/115kg
- Note: Skewers Not Included
Get more details on these wheels by visiting Industry Nine’s website link below.
Yeesh, talk about your proprietary spokes. Those will be fun to find. Still, interesting design.
The spokes, while not readily available at your LBS, are ALWAYS in stock at Industry Nine. Additionally, every set of wheels i9 sells (has ever sold, for that matter) ships with four spare spokes! The technology is now proven by 12 years of product history. It won’t be the spokes that fail!
I was pretty sure of buying this wheelset as I am upgrading my Lynskey Pro GR, UNTIL I read somewhere that if I break a spoke it is not as easy to replace because they are bladed or semi-bladed only. Anyone that can clarify that for me please? ?
I did not see any ofthe prior comments. Those answer my question.
Haha no worries… I didn’t see this message until I after I had replied to your earlier one.
I have one of these wheelsets in for review – I don’t have them in front of me at this moment, but spokes are definitely custom and manufactured by Industry Nine. Semi-bladed I believe… if it were me, I’d ensure I grabbed some spare spokes at the time of purchase.
Thanks for reply. I know an honest review will take time and miles, look forward to reading your opinion. I am not in a hurry to upgrade and torn between this wheelset and a set of HED Belgium+ with DT 240’s and SapimCX spokes in 28 count. Wheel Builder has a great deal on those right now.
Hey JOM! Any date in mind when you’ll publish your review of this wheel set? I’m looking forward to hearing what you have to say about these.
Paul, this is the wheelset I’m currently reviewing… hopefully, a couple of weeks? Good problems here, too much stuff to review!