Blackjack Wheels (Portugal) - Although the development of asymmetric rim profile is not a recent technology, the truth is that only now this innovation has been more widely applied. This fact is probably due to the increase in weight, in relation to the asymmetrical rim, that this characteristic imposes, and also to all the logistics involved in rim drilling.

In theory, the asymmetry of a rim is nothing more than the displacement of its holes, where the nipples that fix the spokes are inserted, at the opposite side of the hub cassette. In practice, it translates into the balance of the internal angles of the wheel spokes.

Despite the weight handicap, this type of profiles has numerous advantages:

1. Better stress triangulation/balance between both sides, which contributes to the durability of the assembly, since the spokes will be less likely to get loose.

2. Increase of the tension axial component at the Drive Side (DS), which helps to sustain the torque generated in the crankset and improves the lateral rigidity of the wheel.

3. Less propensity to rim break at holes region since it will not be necessary to have such high stresses at cassette side (DS).

4. Possibility of using fewer spoke lacing crosses, without compromising the behaviour of the wheel, which also results in a reduction in the length of the spokes and, consequently, in the weight of the wheel.

5. In most cases, equal lengths of spokes will be achieved on both sides of the wheel, which is an advantage for both, companies and the final customer.

6. Effective alternative to boost hubs or an excellent complement to them since boost hubs have the purpose of increasing the internal angles of the wheel spokes.

We can therefore expect more Blackjack asymmetrical rims, in order to equip the riders with stronger, longer-lasting and more resistant wheels.