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BEHIND THE RECON SERIES

How do Recon rims come out?

As a matter of fact, more and more people choose carbon fiber over aluminum due to the higher tensile strength, tensile stiffness, and the excellent weight-to-stiffness ratio. Different carbon fiber has a different weight-to-stiffness ratio. LightBicycle chooses different fiber on different models, layup layers and different parts to make the rim light without losing stiffness

BASIC TECHNOLOGIES

Most of the basic technologies are also applied to Pro series rims.

bft

Burp Free Technology

APE

Anti Pinch-flats Edge

HBT

Hookless Bead Technology

arp

Asymmetric Rim Profile

opl

One-piece layup Technology

hqm

Only the highest quality material is used

NrP

No Rim bed Patching

sab

Specially design Air Bladder

NrI

No residue inside the rim

NCr

No Curing Carbon Ring

era

Environmentally-friendly

mpt

Molding Pulsation Technology

ccc

Cooling Cycle Completion

adt

Angle Drilling Technology

sdh

Smooth drilling holes (CNC)

fpp

Flow Production Process

vcf

Visualized Carbon Fiber

BFT-burp-free-technology-for-better-tire-seating-logo-mo-20190830 bft

Burp Free Technology

All Light Bicycle rims are tubeless compatible. The bump on the rim bed helps to create a buffer during tire inflation, making the mounting process easier. When the tire is mounted, the raised portion reinforces the tire bead, making it harder to “burp” or fall back into the drop channel.

BFT-burp-free-technology-for-better-tire-seating-logo-20190830
APE-anti-pinch-flate-edge-design-no-snake-bite-rim-technology-logo-20190830
APE-anti-pinch-flate-edge-design-no-snake-bite-rim-technology-logo-mo-20190830ape

Anti Pinch-flats Edge

The rounded edge makes tire installation easier and offers increased support during hard cornering with a softer edge and larger surface area.

HBT-hookless-rim-bead-technology-for-disc-rims-logo-mo-20190830hbt

Hookless Bead Technology

Our hookless design has consistent carbon compaction and there are no voids in the layup, providing the rim with a greater ability to withstand sharp impacts.

HBT-hookless-rim-bead-technology-for-disc-rims-logo-20190830
ARP-asymmetric-rim-design-tech-logo-20190830
ARP-asymmetric-rim-design-tech-logo-mo-20190830arp

Asymmetric Rim Profile

At 2012, we invented one of the first asymmetric mountain bike rims in the industry, furthermore, we’ve optimized the asymmetric profile that maintains the outright impact performance of asymmetric design but enjoys the benefits of offset spoke holes. This design significantly equalizes spoke tension between drive and non-drive spokes which results in a stronger wheel build that would maintain true longer.

HQM-use-the-highest-quality-material-for-rim-produce-logo-mo-20190830hqm

Only the highest quality material is used

Carbon rims are complex shapes that require the best material available in order to produce a top quality product. Toray is a leading global manufacturer of carbon fiber and produces some of the industry’s most consistent products. The bulk of our rims are made with Toray’s unidirectional (UD) fiber, and we offer an optional woven 3k or 12k top layer. TORAYCA T700S is a mainstay in all of our rims, and we use T800S in some models to help reduce weight or increase stiffness in particular areas. Why not T1000?
Many people ask why Light Bicycle doesn’t use T1000G. not using T1000G that beats T800S at strand strength? True, T1000 has a higher strand strength compared to T700 & T800, but it is primarily used in military or aircraft manufacturing, costing roughly four times in price. We are also not able to secure enough of the material to use effectively. Material Preparation.
The carbon fiber is impregnated with resin before it is laid in molds. This is known as a prepreg. The engineering team determines the resin ratio, size, shape, type, thickness and angle of every piece of carbon fiber in a given rim. The layup schedule is critical to the performance and longevity of the rim. Rolls of prepreg are stored in a climate-controlled room, and released in small batches for cutting during a production run.

HQM-use-the-highest-quality-material-for-rim-produce-logo-20190830
OPL-one-piece-layup-process-logo-20190830
OPL-one-piece-layup-process-logo-mo-20190830OPL

One-piece layup Technology

After the material is cut to size, it is delivered to the layup room. The layup workers are extremely skillful and our most experienced workers. The layup is performed by hand and is strategically built up in many layers. Every piece of prepreg is carefully oriented in a pre-formed core with the appropriate overlap.
We developed a one-piece layup design to increase continuity and reduce the number of overlapping seams. We have upgraded our equipment to handle large accurate cuts, and the end result is a rim that is not only stronger but also lighter.

NRP-no-patching-carbon-on-the-rim-bed-logo-mo-20190830NRP

No Rim bed Patching

Other factories pull out the core used in the layup process through a large hole cut into the rim bed, which is then patched. Under this process, a worker cannot accurately match the fiber orientation of the layers, and rim continuity is sacrificed. Wheel builders will notice that rims with this patching behave erratically during wheel tensioning. Light Bicycle builds differently. Our rims do not have any patching as we have a special process for avoiding this.

Photos/Graphics
NRP-no-patching-carbon-on-the-rim-bed-logo-20190830
SAB-specially-designed-air-bladder-make-rim-inner-side-smooth-logo-20190830
SAB-specially-designed-air-bladder-make-rim-inner-side-smooth-logo-mo-20190830sab

Specially designed Air Bladder

Air bladders are inflated inside the rims during the molding process, but not all air bladders are created equal. We have numerous air bladders designed specifically for particular rim shapes, built thinner and of a higher quality than most factories. The thinner material can extend into tight areas of the rim, creating smoother walls and a more consistent nipple bed. The strict handling and storage conditions of our air bladders have significantly improved the interior of our rims.

Photos/Graphics
NRI-no-bladderresidue-inside-the-rim-chamber-logo-mo-20190830nri

NO residue inside the rim

Other rim manufacturers sell their rims with voids in the layup and the air bladders still inside. Although it’s faster to leave them in, we carefully remove the air bladder so that no material is left behind. Every gram counts!

Photos/Graphics
NRI-no-bladderresidue-inside-the-rim-chamber-logo-20190830
NCR-no-curing-carbon-ring-to-avoid-2nd-hard-surface-molding-logo-20190830
NCR-no-curing-carbon-ring-to-avoid-2nd-hard-surface-molding-logo-mo-20190830ncr

No Curing Carbon Ring

Some manufacturers use a curing ring (some call it a carbon strip) for a more even, reinforced nipple bed. The challenge with this practice is the rim must undergo a double molding process. The curing ring reacts differently compared to the rest of the rim, ultimately leading to a weaker structure. Light Bicycle was one of the pioneers to eliminate this process years ago, and yet quite a few companies are still manufacturing with the curing ring

Photos/Graphics
ERA-environmentally-friendly-release-agent-used-logo-mo-20190830era

Environmentally-friendly Release Agent

A release agent is applied to the mold to make it easier to remove the rims. The most common release agent used in carbon rim manufacturing is oily and mixed with a small amount of wax. There will be some residue on the rim surface after it comes out of the mold, so wet-sanding is used for removal. This isn’t an option for our Pro rims.
Desiring an effective mold release agent that was also as green as possible proved to be a challenge. We opted for the more expensive Henkel and Chem-Trend, and based on the product’s performance we stand by our decision. This non-transfer type release agent forms microfilm by chemically bonding with the surface of the mold. The film remains stable at high heat, withstanding temperatures up to 400 ° C. After the molding process, the release agent flashes off so no sanding is required. The application of the release agent is critical, we need to warm the mold up to a certain temperature in order to apply it, and it needs to be spread very evenly. We deploy a heat-sensitive camera to check our work.

ERA-environmentally-friendly-release-agent-used-logo-20190830
MPT-molding-pulsation-tech-resin-flow-logo-mo-20190830
MPT-molding-pulsation-tech-resin-flow-logo-mo-20190830mpt

Molding Pulsation Technology

The molding pulsation refers to the dynamic control of air pressure to reach a balanced value that matches the resin flow. Air pressure, oil pressure and temperature must be adjusted frequently as the resin discharge changes during the entire molding process.
What does it do?
1. Avoids problems like over-discharged resin, air wrap on the rim surface, etc.
2. Makes the binding force between carbon layers stronger, increasing the fatigue life of the rim.

CCC-cooling-cycle-completion-of-molding-process-logo-mo-20190830ccc

/ Cooling Cycle Completion

Our rims are left in the mold until the cooling cycle is complete. Most factories will remove the rim after it’s cured so that another rim can be put into production. Although slower, we find our method yields a more dimensionally accurate product.

CCC-cooling-cycle-completion-of-molding-process-logo-20190830
ADT-angled-drilling-spoke-holes-for-better-align-logo-20190830
ADT-angled-drilling-spoke-holes-for-better-align-logo-mo-20190830adt

Angle Drilling Technology

The spoke holes of all Light Bicycle rims are drilled with a certain angle (axial direction and radial direction) to reduce the stress of the nipple, rim, and spoke interface. You can request a customized drilling pattern if you have a unique wheel build.

Photos/Graphics
SDH-smooth-drilling-holes-by-CNC-machine-logo-mo-20190830sdh

/ Smooth drilling holes (CNC)

Our rims are drilled with a CNC machine. Each hole is inspected to ensure they are clean and free of burrs. The drilling speed and temperature is adjusted as the bit wears, and we inspect after every 60 holes to ensure consistent quality.

Photos/Graphics
SDH-smooth-drilling-holes-by-CNC-machine-logo-20190830
FPP-well-designed-working-process-logo-20190830
FPP-well-designed-working-process-logo-mo-20190830fpp

Flow Production Process

Light Bicycle is not a large production facility - we are experts in smaller custom orders. Yes, we produce a lot of rims, but our process is much different from “the big guys”. Traditionally, rims are ordered in large batches and travel through the various production cycles within that big batch. This means that rims are often sitting waiting for others in their group to be completed before the next process begins. During this time they can deform because they are not cured, and risk contamination. The productivity and cost is lower with this method, but the quality suffers.
With our process, the rims don’t stop moving once the process starts. Once a rim enters the production cycle, it moves swiftly between processes and is not left waiting for other rims in its “batch”. When a rim comes out of pre-mold, the final mold is already prepped and ready. Light Bicycle first started as a direct to consumer business and had to master the art of handling custom orders. The dynamic coordination of our production team took years of refinement, and now we’re able to handle thousands of rims each month with hundreds of variations that would cripple most production lines.

VCF-visualized-carbon-fiber-rim-surface-technology-logo-mo-20190830vcf

/ Visualized Carbon Fiber

Our non-pro series of rims are wet sanded and then a thin layer of clear coating is applied to create a near-flawless finish. You can see the fiber orientation underneath the clear coat. Unlike some competitors, we do not add any black pigment or try to hide any defects. Only minor aesthetic imperfections barely visible to the naked eye are allowed to pass through QC.

VCF-visualized-carbon-fiber-rim-surface-technology-logo-20190830

Quality Control Process

Each of our rims is submitted to rigorous QC checks throughout the entire manufacturing process: after each production process, a QC check follows. In this way, we note and correct irregularities before a rim continue on to the next step. Every rim is weighed and carefully inspected for discrepancies such as material contamination and visual defects.

You might notice that our Pro series uses a varying manufacturing process, learn more about Pro series Tech here.

WARRANTY OPTIONS

Whether your tough on wheels or have never cracked rim, our new warranty gives you the opportunity to get the coverage you need and avoid overpaying for what you don’t want. Our Recon line of rims comes standard with 3-year Warranty from the date of purchase.

3-years-warranty

RIM LIST

3-year Warranty from the date of purchase.

Rim model Outer Width Depth Discipline Weight(+/-15g) Price(each) Explore
29er-RM29C06 27mm 24mm Cross Country 280g flyweight
360g standard
USD 158
USD 143
Buy
Section View
29er-RM29C19 30mm 25mm Cross Country 395g USD 153
Buy
Section View
29er-RM29T01 27mm 24mm Cross Country 320g USD 162
Buy
Section View
29er-RM29C19 30mm 25mm All Mountain
395g USD 153
Buy
Section View
29er-RM29C07 35mm 25.5mm All Mountain
Enduro/DH
420g
465g
USD 180
USD 185
Buy
Section View
29er-AM928 34mm 28mm All Mountain 430g USD 154
Buy
Section View
29er-EN928 34mm 28mm Enduro/DH 480g USD 159
Buy
Section View
29er-AM933 39mm 28mm All Mountain 460g USD 163
Buy
Section View
29er-EN933 39mm 28mm Enduro/DH
E-bike
510g USD 168
Buy
Section View
29er-RM29C14 38mm 32mm All Mountain
Cross Country
Enduro/DH
465g
515g
USD 185
USD 190
Buy
Section View
29er-RM29C15 50mm 22.5mm Plus 490g USD 173
Buy
Section View
650B-RM650BC09 27mm 24mm Cross Country 270g flyweight
320g standard
USD 158
USD 143
Buy
Section View
650B-AM724 30mm 24mm All Mountain
Cross Country
385g USD 154
Buy
Section View
650B-RM650BC05 35mm 25.5mm All Mountain
Enduro/DH
400g
455g
USD 175
USD 180
Buy
Section View
650B-AM728 34mm 28mm All Mountain
Cross Country
410g USD 154
Buy
Section View
650B-EN728 34mm 28mm Enduro/DH 460g USD 159
Buy
Section View
650B-RM650BC13 38mm 32mm All Mountain
Cross Country
Enduro/DH
455g
505g
USD 180
USD 185
Buy
Section View
650B-AM733 40mm 31.5mm All Mountain
Cross Country
460g USD 163
Buy
Section View
650B-EN733 40mm 31.5mm All Mountain
E-bike
510g USD 168
Buy
Section View
650B-RM650BC14 50mm 22.5mm Plus 450g USD 173
Buy
Section View
650B-AM740 46mm 28mm Plus 480g USD 164
Buy
Section View
650B-EN740 46mm 28mm Enduro/DH
E-bike
530g USD 169
Buy
Section View
26er-RM26C02 30mm 22mm All Mountain
Cross Country
360g USD 149
Buy
Section View
26er-RM26C03 33mm 30mm All Mountain
Cross Country
Enduro/DH
385g
430g
USD 153
USD 158
Buy
Section View
26er-RM26C05 38mm 32mm All Mountain
Enduro/DH
420g
485g
USD 154
USD 159
Buy
Section View
26er-RM26C06 46mm 25mm Plus 440g USD 164
Buy
Section View
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