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A-Class Aurelia Tubeless Road Wheelset. photo: courtesy

A-Class Aurelia Tubeless Road Wheelset. photo: courtesy

In addition to the Shimano and NoTubes.com wheelsets we reviewed in Issue 4 (and wheelsets from Roval and Fulcrum among others) there are two more options fro NoTubes and A-class for tubeless cyclocross racers, or those curious in trying tubeless and not wanting to convert their own wheels.

NoTubes.com has a new “Race 29er” rim in limited quantities that’s an astonishing 335 grams, and paired with American Classic hubs, the company claims to be able to build a 1,230 gram wheelset, lighter than many carbon-rimmed wheels. The new rim is not only lighter than their other rim-brake 29er rim, the 410-gram ZTR 355 29er, but also is available in a 28 hole configuration with machined sidewalls.

For more info: notubes.com (not currently on their website)

A-Class, manufacturer of Alex rims, also has a road tubeless wheelset, and while it was announced and displayed way back in 2003 and seen at Interbike in 2007, has yet to really hit the local stores. The Aurelia model has some interesting features however, including a sealed rim bed and “spoke port” that holds the spoke’s elbow outside the rim’s cavity, allowing spoke changes without having to remove the already-sealed cyclocross or road tire. Those who’ve used sealant knows this design avoids making replacing a spoke a messy project.

The nipples are at the hub, with the front and non-drive side rear being radially spoked, and a 1-cross drive side. Rumor has it one major brand is considering offering their future ‘cross bikes with an A-Class tubeless wheelset. Stay tuned as we plan to test a pair in the next few months.

A-Class Aurelia Road Tubeless Wheelset:
Spoke count: 24 front radial, 27 rear radial non-drive, 1x drive
Weight: 644 grams front, 888 grams rear
Freehub: Campagnolo or Shimano
MSRP: TBD
For more info:  A-Class website