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review

H Plus Son Formation face rim

8
£80.00

VERDICT:

8
10
Fashionable hipster hoop that builds into a sturdy wheel
Weight: 
630g
Contact: 
www.bricklanebikes.co.uk

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The H Plus Son Formation Face rim is a popular choice amongst the fixie crowd. The 42mm deep V section rim comes in a variety of colours and finishes to help you match the palette of your bike build, including a mirrored chrome. Ours was the standard black matte which has remained untarnished after a couple of months testing.

The graphics are minimal probably because hipsters would only remove them anyway. These aren't just trendy hoops, they are brutally strong and can take the punishment of everyday riding. I find that that my fixed gear bikes hammer wheels far more that any freewheel road bike. You pedal through everything and sideways skidding isn't something you do often on a road bike either. This deep V rim comes either with or without a braking surface, we chose the Formation Face which has no braking surface to build up as a back wheel. H Plus Son claim that "without the any stress points in the side wall, the uniform triangle shape improves the rim's lateral stiffness in comparison to the SL42 (with braking surface). The simple profile shape also saves weight by reducing the distance between the bead hook and the spoke bed."

G609 aluminium alloy is used which is 30 percent stronger than 6061 aluminium alloy more often used. The weight of our rim was 630g which shows what kind of weight compromise you carry for that extra bit of material that makes up the rim's profile. To get down to this weight the side walls are very thin so don't try running a brake without risking catastrophic consequences! We had the wheel built up by Brick Lane Bikes (London) who made an incredibly tight wheel. You notice how stiff the wheel is making every pedal stroke feel very direct and solid. Unfortunately you also notice the extra weight over a non deep V rim when getting the wheel rolling. The deep section does get affected by some gusty side wind but not enough to throw you off course. In two months of riding with it the wheel has stayed tight and true and still looks nice and new.

Verdict

A wheel where fashion meets function; a fashionable, strong deep V section rim that can take everyday punishment of city roads. Available in a variety of colours and finishes.

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road.cc test report

Make and model: H Plus Son Formation Face rims 700c 32H Black no braking surface

Size tested: 700c 32H

Tell us what the product is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?

For fixies that want a strong rim that looks good and is reliable.

Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?

42mm deep, 20mm wide, G609 aluminium alloy, welded joint, no braking surface, takes clincher tires.

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
10/10

Very well made. You can't even see the join. Very well finished too.

Rate the product for performance:
 
9/10

Slightly weighty due to deep section. 630g.

Rate the product for durability:
 
9/10

Builds a pretty stiff wheel.

Rate the product for weight, if applicable:
 
7/10

630grams. If you are looking for a lightweight rim look else where.

Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
 
7/10

These are pretty stiff, ideal for shodding a steel/carbon/Ti frame but a little unforgiving for an Aluminium ride.

Rate the product for value:
 
8/10

Good build quality costs but this doesn't take the biscuit.

Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose

They have been banged about for 2 months and still look like new.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

It looks great and is solid.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

It is a bit on the heavy side.

Did you enjoy using the product? Yes

Would you consider buying the product? Yes

Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes

Anything further to say about the product in conclusion?

I would have liked a mirror finish but they weren't available at the time!

Overall rating: 8/10

About the tester

Age: 36  Height: 78  Weight: 178

I usually ride: Sparton, brakeless fixed  My best bike is:

I've been riding for: Over 20 years  I ride: Every day  I would class myself as: Expert

I regularly do the following types of riding: commuting, sportives, fixed/singlespeed, mtb,

 

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1 comments

Avatar
TRs Blurb n Blog | 14 years ago
0 likes

BTW these rims require tubes with an Extra Long valve.

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