【ASTRAL CYCLING】 Serpentine Rim, the perfect match for the SKLAR PBJ

Growing in popularity: ASTRAL CYCLING as your next choice.

We began carrying them the year before last, and we find ourselves recommending ASTRAL CYCLING rims more and more often for new bike builds and custom wheel upgrades. It's a rim brand whose rising popularity we’ve been feeling daily.

Based in Eugene, Oregon, the brand manufactures high-precision aluminum rims and was originally spun off from the small-batch, hand-built wheel brand ROLF PRIMA. Since joining the family of WHITE INDUSTRIES—who previously manufactured hubs for ROLF PRIMA—they have deep ties to highly trusted brands, earning them a solid reputation for technical expertise and quality.

ASTRAL’s rims aren't just lightweight; they are characterized by the durability, stiffness, and tubeless-friendliness that modern riders demand. In particular, their Tubeless Easy design, featured on all models, is incredibly user-friendly—making the bead seat easily even with a floor pump—and offers excellent maintainability.

From MTB and ATB builds to custom all-road and rim-brake bikes, we find ourselves choosing ASTRAL rims more frequently, and they’ve become a hot topic among our staff as “one of the rims we want to recommend right now.” Combining functional beauty and reliability, the rims they produce aren't just parts—they are a vital piece that supports the overall ride quality and character of your bike.

I’ve been using them on my own RITCHEY Road Logic since the start of the year, and I feel their quality every time I ride. (We still have a few left in stock of the Outback Rim 650B size, from the limited-run ceramic-coated Stealth Grey model!!)

Decoding the charm and capabilities of the Serpentine through its specs

The Serpentine Rim we are introducing here is a 29-inch trail rim that meets the performance requirements of MTBs and ATBs with high potential. The first thing that catches your eye is its wide design, with an internal width of 32mm and an external width of 36mm, which supports high-volume tires from 2.2 to 3.0 inches, maximizing the grip and stability of the tires themselves.

Furthermore, for us, who specialize in wheel building, there is a welcomed point: the use of an asymmetric nipple hole design. This makes it easier to balance spoke tension on both sides, resulting in a wheel that is less prone to "flex," allowing for confident use even on trails where vibrations and impacts are frequent.

Like their other models, it uses high-quality aluminum and weighs only 580g. Despite its lightweight nature, the balance with strength is exquisite, and you can feel a nimble ride even when climbing.

Compatibility with the SKLAR PBJ: The ideal form of a modern ATB

When talking about the charm of the Serpentine Rim, its compatibility with actual bikes is essential. For example, the SKLAR PBJ is a model that could be called the ideal form of a modern ATB, designed with 29×2.6-inch tires in mind. As Yoshi dives deep into on the blog, the 32mm internal width is the perfect match for a geometry that balances playfulness and rough-terrain performance.

On the other hand, the rim height is a low 20mm. A lower rim profile not only results in lower weight but also ensures the wheel itself doesn't become overly stiff, creating a balanced and compliant finish. It is a tool to enjoy not just riding, but "where and how you ride." As a rim that maximizes that enjoyment, the Serpentine Rim is a reliable choice.

Until recently, our polished silver models were temporarily out of production due to equipment issues, but we have received the happy news that they have new equipment, and we plan to restock other models one after another. Including the Serpentine Rim introduced here, ASTRAL CYCLING’s products are definitely worth keeping an eye on.