Industry Nine has officially released the Hush 32 wheelset to the public. These wheels feature a 30mm hookless carbon rim, SOLiX hubs, and 24 alloy spokes. For those who care about aesthetics, there are seven anodized color options available for the hubs and spokes. The production is split between Kamloops, BC, for the carbon rims and Asheville, NC, for the alloy components.
Complete wheelsets are priced at $2,200 with a claimed weight of 1,512g. From a technical perspective, the jump to a 32-inch diameter is an interesting move for momentum and rollover. However, I have concerns about the lateral stiffness of a larger hoop, especially with only 24 spokes. In my experience with road wheels, low spoke counts can sometimes be a false economy if the tension balance is not perfect or if the rider is heavier.
While the extra inch may help with obstacles, the practical side of this upgrade is a bit murky. There is a lack of clear information on how many 32-inch compatible frames and tires are actually available to consumers right now. This makes a custom build a bit of a gamble unless you already have a specific frame in mind.
Do you think the gains in rollover and momentum provided by a 32-inch diameter outweigh the potential loss of lateral stiffness compared to a 29er setup?
On a separate note, since the rim-only option is mentioned, how does the $2,200 price point for a full set sit with you given the specific hardware used here?