Hyperlight Rims

Weighing just 835 grams for a wheelset, the RCX27 Hyperlight takes the concept of what a lightweight wheel can be to the next level. It is the World's lightest UCI approved wheelset. One of the primary ways this was achieved was with an advanced carbon layup. Our lightweight rims our nearly unmatched when it comes to low inertia, significantly improving acceleration. The rims are designed with lateral stiffness in mind, flexing only 8.3mm under a 30kg load, making them more than 23% stiffer than our RCX45 Ultralight.

The rims feature 24mm inner widths and 28mm outer widths. The rims feature ETRTO-compliant mini-hooks, meaning they offer the weight benefits of hookless wheels while offering the safety and tire compatibility of hooked rims.

In order to compensate for the additional weight of the valve on tubeless and inner tube setups, we have added carbon fiber to the rim directly opposite of it in order to balance the wheel, creating a smoother ride.

The RCX27 Hyperlight wheelset have survived an 85-joule vertical impact test, more than twice the UCI's requirement. That makes these wheels suitable for everyday riding, not just climbing. Tubeless tape comes pre-installed, and tubeless valves and spare spokes are included in the box.

Decals are laser engraved, giving the wheels a unique look while saving additional weight. Learn more about laser engraving here.

See here for more information on the difference between Hyperlight, Ultralight, Light, and Team version wheels. 

Rim Profile

Precision Ratchet Hubs

At Particle, we try to avoid marketing trends and tech that don’t offer real world performance gains. For this reason, we have chosen to use the gold standard of hub design, the star ratchet. The RCX27 Hyperlight comes solely with our SR1 hubs.

SR1 hubs are perhaps the lightest ones ever made for the newest generation of carbon spokes. They feature aerospace-grade aluminum alloy, ratchets featuring a low-friction coating, and a choice between TPI steel and ceramic bearings with tighter tolerances and better sealing than those from S&S, allowing for longer lifespans. The SR1 hub comes with only 36T ratchets, which offer lower rolling resistance and greater longevity.

The SR1's hub shells and axles have been machined to 0.005mm and 0.003mm tolerances respectively, making them the most precise hubs available, therefore lowering rolling resistance and improving bearing longevity. The hubs use labyrinth seals and double layer contamination barriers, so there is a significant reduction in the likelihood of ingress, effectively protecting bearings and ratchets from the elements.

Servicing is simple, as no tools are required. Star ratchets are also simple to clean and replace.

Carbon Spokes

In order to push the limits of what a performance wheelset can be, The RCX27 Hyperlight wheelset comes with 4th generation spokes replaceable carbon spokes. 4th gen spokes weigh just 2.1 grams  including nipples, making them the lightest spokes commercially available. As opposed to most carbon spokes, they offer a more comfortable, compliant ride that is more keen to steel spokes. 4th generation spokes achieve such a low weight due to titanium spoke heads and threads as well as different profile.

One thing that not well-known is that not all replaceable carbon spokes are made the same. After comparing the carbon spokes from several manufacturers, we have settled on what we feel is the future. The hubs we have chosen have closed flanges, ensuring there is no risk of our spokes popping out, which is a concern on some carbon spoke wheelsets. In addition, spokes are mechanically secured so they do not twist, ensuring they always stay in the most aerodynamic orientation.

Our carbon spokes have been thoroughly tested and can survive more than 4000 newtons of tension, as opposed to steel spokes, which break under loads of between 2600-3200 newtons. We even provide spare spokes in the box.

Steel and Ceramic Bearing Options

One of the most overlooked parts of a wheelset is the bearings. The RCX27 Hyperlight comes with the choice between TPI steel and ceramic bearings. TPI bearings have improved seals and tighter tolerances when compared to S&S bearings, increasing their lifespan. The front hub has large 6803 bearings, improving durability, increasing longevity, and reducing rolling resistance, while each rear hub uses two 15267 bearings. The freehub features two 6802 bearings. Our bearings use mixed contact seals to protect them from contamination, improving longevity, while offering low rolling resistance.

For more information about steel vs ceramic bearings, please see this article.