A third generation version of American Classic’s Magnesium clincher wheelset was seen on display at this week’s Taipei Cycle Show.
Given it’s low density properties, magnesium is a favorite amongst the ‘weight weenies’ crowd, as it can yield an ultra lightweight wheelset. Indeed, such is the case with the latest Magnesiums – which weigh in at a super svelte 1148g. That’s carbon tubular territory !
Upgraded from previous versions, the new Mags feature machined sidewalls for better braking performance, particularly in wet conditions. However, AC recommends using non-abrasive brake pads in order to eliminate damage to the braking surface, which could lead to corrosion. Also, since magnesium doesn’t react well to chemicals that are found in tire sealant, AC had to forgo any notion of creating a tubeless version. At least for now.
The price is $1,599, and American Classic estimates that the Magnesium Clinchers will be available sometime in the late Spring . By the way, for all of you “Clydesdales” out there, there’s a 200 lbs weight limit.
MAGNESIUM CLINCHER
DISCIPLINE Road
American Classic is taking the first steps into new technologies and ideas. Bill Shook believes that a rider’s cycling experience can be transformed with new designs and new materials. This is not the easiest choice and most are not brave enough to take a new path.
Why magnesium? Magnesium is treasured in the automotive and aerospace industries for its lightness, strength and ductility. Magnesium is the perfect choice to meet our customers’ demand for high-strength, lower weight bicycle rims. Magnesium is lighter than aluminum and more durable than carbon fiber. Known for its dampening qualities, magnesium absorbs road shock and vibration. Bill Shook worked tirelessly studying the metallurgy of magnesium to find the right magnesium alloy. Bill developed proprietary manufacturing processes to roll-form thin-walled magnesium extrusions into clincher rims. As one of the final manufacturing details, each rim receives a protective coating inside and out to resist corrosion. Developing magnesium technology resulted in our unique 300 gram magnesium rims that are stiff, strong, accelerate quickly, corner hard and naturally dampen high frequency road vibration for a smooth ride. Try them to transform your cycling experience.
Our new 2013 Magnesium is state-of-the-art wheel technology, unparalleled in the cycling industry. It is the fastest accelerating, best cornering race wheel available with the convenience of using clincher tires. Magnesium is lighter than aluminum and more durable than carbon, with a special ride quality of its own. The decreased rotational weight of Mag rims allow the rider to reach speed quickly and hold it longer with lower energy output. The new wide semi-aero profile, 22mm wide × 22mm deep, is stiff and includes a new brushed brake track for improved braking performance. Bill Shook selected a new special magnesium alloy for its corrosion resistance. new Series 3 spoke system and AC Race Blade spokes. Mags have the unique ability to dampen high frequency road vibration for a smooth ride.
WIDE RIMS IMPROVE CYCLING PERFORMANCE
Everybody is talking about wider rims for both road and mountain bike. What does it really mean for you, the rider? There are a few wide rim profiles on the market but they are either heavy, or too light and flexy. Bill Shook used his mathematical abilities to design our revolutionary wide rims, attaining the goal of being light, stiff, strong, aerodynamic and wide, all in one rim. To start, wide rims mean riding lighter, smaller performance tires with cushiony, high air volume and firm surface grip. Larger width tires offer more air volume but they are heavy with a sluggish ride quality. The desired combined wheel and tire qualities are achieved by stretching out the smaller tire casing on a wide rim and effectively making the tire bigger. Also, smaller tires on wide rims reduce tire roll on the rims. With a narrow rim and a wide tire, the rim floats from side to side on the tire. Using a wider rim with a smaller tire minimizes float for improved handling, confidence and control. The rim is lower weight at the extreme outer edge of the wheel decreasing rolling resistance and boosting speed. Our wider, lighter rims translate into crisp accelerations, firm ground control, faster rolling on the flats and decisive handling for the extra edge needed by competitive athletes.
THREE GROUP SPOKE SYSTEM
BALANCE OF SPOKE TENSION
Bill Shook obsessively engineers every wheel system to its optimal “sweet spot”, the balance of spoke tension, hub flange width, spoke angle and selection of the appropriate materials. After years of research and development, Bill Shook designed the American Classic three group spoke lacing for our 24 spoke rear wheel systems to build the strongest, stiffest and lightest road rear wheels in our line. We call this advanced system Series 3 for our 420 Aero 3, Magnesium, Road Tubeless, Aluminum Tubular and Carbon wheels. These good looking, hand built three group spoke wheels are at the forefront of performance, aerodynamics, comfort and durability.
The concept behind this lacing pattern is to create equal spoke tension for the drive and non-drive sides of the rear wheel, a state that cannot be reached in traditionally spoked wheels. Mathematically, this unique balance of spoke tension occurs on 24 spoked rear wheels. To achieve this balance, the rims are drilled in groups of three spoke holes. The spokes are laced to our finely crafted American Classic high-low 24 spoke hub, two on the drive side of the wheel to one on the non-drive side. The result is more spokes on the drive side where the wheel needs to be strongest, and fewer spokes on the non-drive side. Bill Shook calculated the optimal position for the non-drive side hub flange to create the ideal bracing angle of the non-drive side spokes. “The three group spoke design is a better use of materials achieving the balanced use of the spokes with equal spoke tension on both sides of the rear wheel,”says Shook.
The wheels are stiff and light to decisively dive into corners and power out, accelerate repeatedly, climb and descend with ease and hold speed on the flats. There are no broken spokes. No flexy feeling out of the saddle. When winning is your goal, the time-tested three group spoke wheel system delivers.
WHY MAGNESIUM?
It’s about the rims. In terms of performance, wheels are the most important component on the bike and light weight rims are the most important part of the wheels. Expending less energy to get up to racing speed gives the rider a competitive edge.
It has taken years to find the right magnesium alloys, the correct level of head, special proprietary bending technology to make the mag rims. Magnesium is treasured in the automotive and aerospace industries for its lightness, strength and ductility. Magnesium is the perfect choice to meet our customers’ demand for high-strength, lower weight bicycle rims.
Magnesium is lighter than aluminum and more durable than carbon fiber. Known for its dampening qualities, magnesium absorbs road shock and vibration. Bill Shook worked tirelessly studying and metallurgy of magnesium to find the right magnesium alloy. He developed proprietary manufacturing processes to roll-form thin-walled magnesium extrusions into tubular or clincher rims. As one of the final manufacturing details, each rim receives a protective coating inside and out to resist corrosion. Developing magnesium technology resulted in our unique 290 gr magnesium rims that are stiff, strong, accelerate quickly, corner hard and naturally dampen high frequency road vibration for a smooth ride. Try them to transform your cycling experience.
http://www.amclassic.com/en/products/road-wheels/magnesium-clincher
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