"We may not have a blanket to offer you on a freezing cold night, but we do have a sturdy rim that won't stop you from continuing your journey!"
This is the proud claim of Velocity, a US-based company that continues to manufacture a diverse range of rims, providing plenty of options for many riders in an era where many manufacturers are focused on complete wheels.
With the increasing variety of wheel standards and the rise of disc brakes, one option has become harder to find: 26-inch rim-brake rims. While some call them an endangered species, looking at the bikes that come into Circles, I don't think that's the case at all. In fact, the Surly Long Haul Trucker is a standard that remains untouched by changing trends.
If you ride for a long time, rims will naturally wear out, or you might find yourself wanting to rebuild with a rim that offers greater durability for peace of mind. It’s frustrating when there are no options left. But rest assured! The Velocity Cliffhanger solves that problem.
DRILLINGS: 32h, 36h
WIDTH: 30mm
HEIGHT: 20mm
TIRE INTERFACE: Clincher/Tubeless
VALVE: French 32~40mm
BEAD SEAT DIAMETER (BSD): 622 / 584 / 559
EFFECTIVE RIM DIAMETER (ERD): 597 / 557 / 533
WEIGHT: 675g / 625g / 600g
Designed with touring in mind, these rims are defined by their durability. Their short, robust sidewalls are tough enough to handle rocky, uneven terrain. They are available in 26-inch, 650B, and 700C sizes, and while 32H is standard, those seeking even more strength can opt for 36H (36H is available by special order).
As high-quality 26-inch rim-brake compatible rims become increasingly scarce, the Cliffhanger is a very welcome addition to our lineup.
In addition to the MSW (Machine Side Wall) version for rim brakes, we also carry the Non-MSW version for disc brakes. With a 30mm rim width, they pair perfectly with tires ranging from 45mm to 65mm (approx. 1.8" to 2.5"). And, as with many of Velocity's other rims, they are tubeless compatible.
In short, whether you ride an ATB, a touring bike, or a commuter, you can make the right choice to fit your bike's wheel size. These rims are perfect for everything from heavily loaded touring to daily commuting with fenders and racks. If you have any questions about what hubs to pair them with, please feel free to consult with GORILLA SPUN!
Cliffhanger from Velocity USA on Vimeo.
