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Mercury Rolls Out Super Wide Alloy Clincher, Tubular Cyclocross Wheels

Mercury S1C and S1T alloy clincher and tubular cyclocross touring bicycle wheels
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Mercury S1C and S1T alloy clincher and tubular cyclocross touring bicycle wheels

Mercury has rolled out two new sets of alloy cyclocross wheels, the S1T tubular and S1C clincher, both with a massive 23mm wide rim.

Using the same mold and essentially the same amount of material for each rim, actual rim weight comes in at a claimed 420g for the clincher and 415g for the tubular, hence the very similar wheel set weights (full specs after the break). Chris Mogridge, Mercury’s main guy, said the wide rims let you run much lower tire pressures for both models, giving the tires a nice wide track and lending a very tubular-like feel to the clincher.

The clincher rims are tubeless compatible, just apply tape, making them (IMO) a compelling option for people otherwise inclined to go tubular. According to Mogridge, both wheels are also a great option for bigger riders or those that need a really stiff wheel. Click through to see why…

Mercury S1C and S1T alloy clincher and tubular cyclocross touring bicycle wheels

Like with mountain bike wheels, the S1 wheels take advantage of the stiffness offered by  a bigger axle. They roll on a 12mm axle capped with standard 9mm QR caps so they’ll work on regular road/cyclocross frames and forks. Even though the hubs look really small, they’re using high end polished stainless steel sealed bearings wrapped around the oversized axles.

Mercury S1C and S1T alloy clincher and tubular cyclocross touring bicycle wheels

Combined with the wider rims and a 2x spoke lacing all around, Mogridge says these have tested incredibly stiff and proven to be extremely durable under 200km+ approximately 200,000km of riding by the Kenda Pro Cycling Team. The spoke holes on the insides of the rim are offset. The spokes enter the rim perfectly straight from the hub flange, eliminating any awkward pressure on the spoke ends. The offset holes help get the nipples lined up properly during the wheel build.

The inner sidewall on the clincher is just 5mm tall where the bead sits, which should give it a pretty tight seal once seated, particularly with UST tires as more tubeless cyclocross tires hit the market.

Lastly, the wheels are hand built in the USA to add just the right amount of road feel. Mogridge says even though they’re very stiff laterally, they feel really good on the bike.

S1-Clincher Specs:
– 23mm wide- Aero Profile
– 1490g Clincher (White Label)
– Tubeless Compatible
– Mercury Oversized Axle System
– Shimano/Sram and Campy Compatible
– 2X Cross Lacing Pattern
– Double Butted Spokes
– Built in the USA by Handspun
– MSRP-$699

S1-Tubular Specs:
– 23mm wide- Aero Profile
– 1485g Tubular (Red Label)
– Mercury Oversized Axle System
– DT Butted Spokes and DT Nipples
– Shimano/Sram and Campy Compatible
– 2X Cross Lacing Pattern
– Double Butted Spokes
– Built in the USA by Handspun
– MSRP-$699

Mercury S1C and S1T alloy clincher and tubular cyclocross touring bicycle wheels

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Anthony
Anthony
12 years ago

Are those velocity rims? Like a23 and major toms?

Brandon
Brandon
12 years ago

“proven to be extremely durable under 200km+ of riding by the Kenda Pro Cycling Team”

6 hours of riding under a lightweight rider proves something durable?

Michael-Vittoria Shoes
12 years ago

Actually, I have a set and they are pretty solid. I am 225 pounds and 6’3. So not a small guy. I have been using them since the beginning of September. Just agree Interbike and have used them the entire season for cross use. They work good and haven’t needed truing. I also have a set of their carbon clincher wheels. Pretty nice.

Chuckjg
Chuckjg
12 years ago

I’m 6’5″ and 215lbs aand have put a bunch of miles on these including gravel road and have not had any issues at all. I was very surprised by how strong these wheels were. I can’t tell these rims apart from the a23’s. They are still as true as the day I got them, I’d recommend these wheels in a heartbeat! I may just get another set!

Guy
Guy
12 years ago

HED Ardennes rip-off

Bob
Bob
12 years ago

What a joke… Velocity rims, “standard” taiwan hubs, and a markup of 85% over normal retail for the parts. Of course, it’s far from only Mercury designing their own “custom wheels” using this plan.

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