While every manufacturer wants to be known for producing quality products, there are a few companies that have become so highly renowned for particular parts that they’ve achieved legend status in cycling history. Thomson’s superlight seatposts and Profile’s BMX cranks are two examples, and if you ask most riders “Who makes the best headsets in cycling?” I’d bet my last dollar they’d say Chris King.
Of course Chris King produces a wide range of other goodies, all to the same high-performance standard of their ubiquitous and time-tested headsets. The company has just announced some new products including two carbon road wheelsets, thru-axles for disc brake equipped road bikes, and a shop apron to keep you clean through the dirty work of bike maintenance. Click below the break for all the info…
Chris King’s Carbon Race Sprint wheels are built as an ideal all-purpose wheelset for those who don’t want or need to own multiple sets. They strike a balance between light weight for spirited climbing and competitive aerodynamic properties, despite the relatively shallow profile of ENVE’s 4.5 carbon clincher rims.
The wheels are built in-house with Chris King’s R45 20-hole front and 24-hole rear hubs, with options for Shimano/SRAM or Campagnolo drive compatibility. Buyers can choose between nine anodized colors for the hubs. Given weight for the rim brake wheelset is 1539g.
The Carbon Race Climb Disc wheels offer a versatile package designed to handle all kinds of conditions including rough roads and gravel surfaces, yet still perform with excellent aerodynamics for race day. Most notably this set makes the jump to disc brake compatibility, which King says barely nudges up the wheelset’s listed weight of 1538g.
The Carbon Race Climb Disc wheels use 24-hole R45D hubs front and rear with Shimano/SRAM or Campagnolo compatibility. The ENVE 3.4 carbon clincher rims are designed to accommodate 23-28mm tires, and again buyers can choose from nine anodized hub colors.
For both of the above wheelsets, Chris King offers a five year warranty on their hubs, plus a five year crash replacement policy. The rims are also under warranty for five years through ENVE. The company promises short turnaround times for custom wheel orders, and for pricing see Chris King’s website to locate a dealer near you.
At this year’s Sea Otter Classic, Bikerumor checked out Chris King’s R45D rear thru-axle disc hub, and even earlier we had peeked at an pre-release 100x12mm front thru-axle during the NAHBS show. The big news today is that Chris King’s 142x12mm rear thru-axles for their R45 Disc hubs are now available, and the company is currently working on the 100x12mm front axles which are expected to begin shipping in August.
The 142x12mm rear axle allows riders to convert to the incoming thru-axle standard, and is compatible with their R45 Disc rear hub in both the 135mm and 142mm widths. The rear thru-axle costs $75.00 USD, but there’s no word yet on pricing for the front version.
Finally, the brand has released a shop apron for those who make their living fixing what the rest of us mess up during our leisure time. Chris King’s shop apron is made from heavy duty cotton twill fabric with cross-back nylon straps for an adjustable fit. The front section of the apron can be conveniently shortened by folding up the bottom and buttoning it in place.
The apron also includes a bunch of multi-use pockets, and an embroidered Chris King logo so everyone knowns you’re a man/woman who appreciates quality craftsmanship. Outside of the shop, this apron might also come in handy when you’re playing the role of bicycling barista with Chris King’s espresso tamper and coffee mug sets! Chris King’s shop apron is designed and produced in the USA, comes in black only and sells for $85.
