【ASTRAL CYCLING】Limited production translucent silver – Serpentine Matte Silver

I’m sure I’m not the only one who finds themselves naturally reaching for silver parts when choosing components for a bike.

While individual parts like handlebars or seatposts with reflective finishes might seem flashy or over-the-top on their own, once they’re mounted to a frame and combined with other components, they mysteriously act as a stabilizing force that balances the whole build. At other times, they shine as an accent, and as they wear, that "dullness" takes on a character all its own.

Of course, the presence of black makes the silver's outline stand out, and the silver makes the black look all the more defined. The two colors actually complement each other; whether it's a large component or something as small as a bolt, silver parts are an indispensable element in shaping a bike.

Serpentine – Matte Silver

Circles has just received a limited-edition collaboration rim from ASTRAL and The Radavist editor and photographer John Watson—someone surely captivated by that very "silver."

　

　

The base Serpentine Rim is a lightweight yet sturdy 29″ MTB rim compatible with 2.2–3.0″ widths. And this time, it’s in silver.
When I received the email from ASTRAL, it said, "We’re finishing it in Matte Silver!" and that’s how it’s listed officially, but in person, it’s actually a clear-coat finish that allows the raw material of the rim to show through. It was so incredibly cool that I actually stopped during inspection just to look at it...

Neither polished nor matte, this transparent-looking silver color has a classic feel reminiscent of 1980s vintage MTBs—just as John mentions in his article, stating "Silver is classic." It’s easy to see why silver is loved through the ages and continues to hold such appeal in modern bike builds.

Even when covered in dust or signs of use, the texture creates an even better look, and this clear coat has surprising resistance to minor scratches from road debris, balancing visual appeal with genuine durability. It’s not just a limited color; it’s a finish that truly conveys ASTRAL’s commitment to product perfection.

ASTRAL’s silver rims with distinct expressions

ASTRAL’s silver rim finishes vary by model.
The first to be released, the Outback Rim 650b/700c – Polished Silver, features a mirror finish that uses its brilliant shine to give slender frames a classic look.

　

The Outback Rim 20″ and the road model Solstice 16″ come in a Matte Silver with subdued shine. They are characterized by a quiet presence that blends into the bike as a whole by suppressing reflections.

And the Serpentine Rim – Matte Silver we’ve just received is one that changes a bike’s character in yet another way. Personally, I’d love to try pairing these with a SKLAR PBJ in Dark Red Manzanita or a SURLY Grappler.

Due to production numbers, we have a small stock, so if you're interested in seeing them in person, act fast.

See you all next time.