Versatile, Robust, Lightweight, Customizable, High-Performance
With a devil-may-care grin, I'm cradling the masterpiece in my hands, peering over my glasses at the Berd HAWK30 Carbon Wheels – an eloquent convergence of North American craftsmanship, a triad of expertise from Berd, We Are One Composites, and Industry Nine.
This wheelset is like a tautly strung guitar, humming with potential energy. It's lean enough to glide through an XC race with the grace of a ballet dancer, but also tough enough to withstand the gnarly thrills of a trail rip or enduro run – it's the Jack Kerouac of wheels, built for both the marathon and the sprint.
The HAWK30 wheels' unique 18mm depth is a clever sleight of hand in engineering. It’s not just about being shallow; this design offers a suave combo of radial compliance and high lateral stiffness. Imagine you're rolling across rugged landscapes, but the ride feels like gliding on ice. The wheels' engineered vibration damping and radial compliance serve as your shock absorbers, minimizing fatigue and maximizing your speed over rough terrains. It's like a smooth whiskey going down – all the kick, none of the burn.
Take a good look at that wide 3.75mm rim lip. It's not just a pretty face. That width is going to distribute tire/rim impacts across a larger surface area, making acute impacts less of a threat to your tire and rim – like spreading a hard punch over a bigger surface, it lessens the blow.
But the real star of the show here is the choice of hubs. You've got the sleek black Industry Nine Hydra Centerlock hubs offering near-instantaneous engagement, remarkable lightness, and long-term reliability. Alternatively, you can opt for the new Berd Talon Hub, designed specifically to work with Berd spokes and featuring a dual-sprung ratchet freehub. Either way, it’s like choosing between an Italian supercar and a German sport sedan – it's all about your style.
If you're looking for even more customization, there's the option of using the Onyx Hook Flange Hub System for a modest upcharge. The flexibility doesn't stop there; choose from a variety of rear spacings to suit your ride.
As for pairing, these wheels go with the Pinner Tire from KENDA like a well-aged Cabernet Sauvignon with a medium-rare steak.
Take a moment to respect the stats: The wheelset weighs in at a feather-light 1,394g, with a roomy 30mm internal rim width and 29″ size. With 28 spokes at the front and rear, and tire compatibility ranging from 2.3″ to 2.7″, these wheels are ready for the long haul, accommodating a weight limit up to 280 lbs. And they're tubeless ready – equipped with Yellow Berd rim tape and Stans No Tubes valves.
The Berd HAWK30 Carbon Wheels are not just a product; they're a statement of endurance, resilience, and thoughtful engineering, designed to conquer both the race and the trail. So go ahead, these wheels aren't just ready for the ride, they're ready for the journey.
Pros:
- Exceptional Collaboration: The Berd HAWK30 wheels are the result of a powerful trilateral collaboration between Berd, We Are One Composites, and Industry Nine. This blending of expertise guarantees a superior quality product.
- Versatility: These wheels are both light enough for cross-country (XC) racing and robust enough for demanding trail rides and enduro runs. This makes them a fantastic choice for diverse biking activities.
- Unique Design: The HAWK30 rims' 18mm depth, an industry-leading feature, is designed for radial compliance and high lateral stiffness. This design improves speed over rough terrains and reduces rider fatigue.
- Hub Choices: You can select between the Industry Nine Hydra Centerlock hubs and the Berd Talon Hub, giving you the ability to customize according to your riding style and needs.
- Impact Resistance: With a wide 3.75mm rim lip, these wheels can better distribute the force of tire/rim impacts, thereby minimizing potential damage.
- Weight Limit: The wheels are designed to handle a weight limit of up to 280 lbs, making them suitable for a wide range of riders.
- Warranty: The product comes with a lifetime warranty and free crash replacement, offering peace of mind for your investment.
Cons:
- Price: Priced at $2,295, the Berd HAWK30 wheels are quite an investment, which might not suit all budgets.
- Delivery Time: With an approximate lead time of 2-3 weeks, you'll need to plan your purchase well in advance. The lead time extends to 4-6 weeks for the Onyx Hook Flange wheels.
- Hub Upcharge: While the choice of the Onyx Hook Flange Hub System offers more customization, it does come with an additional cost of $100.
- Size Limitations: The wheels are only compatible with tire sizes ranging from 2.3″ to 2.7″. If your preferred tires fall outside this range, these wheels may not be a suitable choice.
$2,295
