HUNT Wheels is targeting sustainability with the introduction of its H_Cyclo technology, the next step in reducing environmental impact while continuing to serve riders with “high performance wheels that improve the riding experience.”
According to Hunt, it took one of its most popular gravel wheelsets, the 40 Carbon Gravel Race, and implemented the new H_Cyclo technology to reduce environmental impact through the use of recyclable epoxy and carbon fiber. Alongside the updated 40 Carbon Gravel Race, the British brand is introducing a SON dynamo-equipped (40 Carbon Gravel Dynamo) version for riders looking to lighten up their adventure setups while adding charging and light-powering capabilities.
TLDR: HUNT H_Cyclo
H_Cyclo Explained
During the traditional carbon fiber manufacturing process, pieces of carbon fiber pre-preg injected with an epoxy resin are laid within a mold and then cured. This process is known as thermoset carbon fiber molding. Thermoset carbon fiber molding is the most mature carbon fiber manufacturing process available for bicycle rims and components, generally yielding a higher strength-to-weight ratio when compared to other carbon production methods such as thermoplastic resin processes. The thermoset process with carbon fiber and epoxy resin was a one-time use chemical reaction, until now.
H_Cyclo technology utilizes a thermoset resin that functions exactly like traditional epoxy resin in production, providing the same strength and durability, and allowing for the use of the same molds and high-performance layup schedules. Using a chemical solution called CleaVER, the carbon fibers and epoxy resin are separated using heat and agitation, so that both components can be reused.
The technology was created to enable the recycling of large-format glass fiber wind turbine blades to create new, smaller-format products. The implementation of recyclable H_Cyclo resin has no impact on the structural integrity or strength-to-weight attributes of the carbon layup, making the technology ideal for precision, high-performance rims. HUNT is introducing this technology to two gravel wheels at launch, with plans to implement the resin across more of the carbon range over time.
HUNT will cover the collection of products at end-of-life, making the process seamless and no-cost for riders, should their wheels become unusable in an accident or crash.
HUNT 40 Carbon Gravel Race Details The versatile, lightweight and five-star reviewed 40 Carbon Gravel Race from HUNT has been updated to reduce environmental impact using H_Cyclo technology. The 25mm internal rim width is optimized for 40mm tires, while maintaining compatibility for 29 – 60mm tires, and is designed to offer a comfortable, compliant ride feel without sacrificing durability. To meet the quickly evolving needs of gravel riders, the wheel has also been upgraded with the HUNT H_Ratchet 40T DBL hubset, offering quick 9˚ engagement designed to handle the torque loads of gravel or road drivetrains, with each of the 40 teeth on the dual ratchet rings simultaneously sharing the load. The lightweight 6066-T6 alloy straight-pull hub shell keeps rotation mass to a minimum.
HUNT-supported rider Cecily Decker rode the 40 Carbon Gravel Race to victory at The Rift Iceland, Bighorn Gravel, and third place at SBT Gravel throughout the 2024 racing season, proving its performance and durability in the hardest gravel races
HUNT 40 Carbon Gravel Dynamo Details
New to the HUNT range, the 40 Carbon Gravel Dynamo is a fully recyclable ultra-distance-capable gravel wheelset featuring a SON 28 Dynamo generator front hub to power lights and electronics. Sharing the same 25mm internal rim width optimized for 40mm tires (and compatible with tire sizes ranging from 29-60mm), as its non-dynamo equivalent, this wheelset is designed to offer a reliable package for those looking to tackle long-distance ultra races and multi-day bikepacking adventures during which there is a need for a power supply capable of powering lights and charging electronics. The quick 9˚engagement of the rear HUNT H_Ratchet 40T DBL rounds out the wheelset and keeps rotating mass to a minimum, while offering increased durability over the non-dynamo option with 4 additional spokes front and rear, making the wheel ready for loaded travel and wide range gearing. J-bend spokes on this wheel allow for easy spoke sourcing and replacement in remote areas. Riders will have the option to purchase the 40 Carbon Gravel Dynamo as a single front wheel with the SON Dynamo front hub or full front and rear set.
HUNT Beyond athletes have been putting SON generator hubs to the test for years in the most extreme ultra-races on the planet, using the technology to ride through the night well-lit and eliminate device charging stops, resulting in wins at the Tour Divide (Sofiane Sehili & Justinas Leveika), three wins at the Silk Road Mountain Race (Sofiane Sehili) and two wins at the Alas Mountain Race (Cynthia Carson & Marin de Saint-Exupéry)
HUNT Company-Wide Sustainability Efforts
Availability
The H_Cyclo range of wheels is available for pre-order in limited quantities now, with both the 40 Carbon Gravel Race and 40 Carbon Gravel Dynamo arriving to riders in late August 2024.
HUNT 40 Carbon Gravel Race H_Cyclo
HUNT 40 Carbon Gravel Dynamo H_Cyclo
HUNT
You must be logged in to post a comment.
