Hunt has become renowned for bringing high-end performance to accessible prices in the UK and far beyond, and with its new Proven Carbon Enduro H_Core wheelset, the brand hasn’t only done that, but also it’s claimed to boast serious strength. To do so, it introduces fresh technologies for the brand, such as H_Core and a new H_Ratchet XL freehub. Here’s everything you need to know…
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Well, I say fresh technologies, but we have already seen Hunt’s new H_Core tech on the Proven Carbon Trail wheelset. It’s a clever design that runs under the radar, as it’s essentially two thin strips of carbon that run inside the junction between the rim bed and the sidewall.
With H_Core, Hunt claims the rear wheel has achieved an impact rating of 220 joules, which is said to be the highest rating in its category. The front has achieved a rating of 170 joules, according to the brand.
As well as H_Core, the Proven Carbon Enduro brings front and rear-specific wheels to the party. That’s in a bid to promote compliance and tracking at the front, while boosting strength and stability at the rear. That’s done in two ways: firstly, the front wheel gets a 31mm internal width and 28 spokes, whereas the rear gets a 30mm internal width and 32 thicker gauge spoke.
Both wheels benefit from specific anti-splinter carbon layups made up of a 10k carbon weave as a near-final layer. We’re told that this reduces microcracks and resists failure further.
New for this wheel, and for Hunt in general, is the H_Ratchet XL 40T freehub. Using a ratchet system, rather than pawl, the brand states that it’s built for durability at high torque loads. It gets a slightly larger nine-degree engagement, which we’re told helps combat pedal kickback, and there’s a 17mm stepped axle on top of improved bearing sealing.
Each wheel is hand-built using triple butted spokes and brass nipples. They roll on ABEC 5 stainless steel bearings, and the wheelset is covered by Hunt’s H_Care lifetime free crash replacement for the original owner.
The Hunt Proven Carbon Enduro H_Core wheelset is available in 29in and 650b sizes with HG, XD, and Microspline freehub bodies. A fresh set of enduro hoops will set you back £1,200, and we’re told that the system weight is 1,956g for the 29in set.
