On November 4th, US time, CHRIS KING OPEN HOUSE 2021 was held online, just like last year!
CHRIS KING WHEEL / New wheelsets featuring original carbon rims
Above all else, the highlight of this year's OPEN HOUSE is Chris King's original wheels.
Those of you who remember the conversation among Chris King executives at the end of last year's OPEN HOUSE video might have had an inkling. As a hub manufacturer, Chris King has long proposed custom wheels using high-quality rims from brands like ENVE and HED. However, by teaming up with CSS, based in Gunnison, Utah, they have begun developing wheelsets using their long-awaited original rims, utilizing FusionFiber™, a next-generation high-end carbon material.
What is FusionFiber™?
FusionFiber™ is a carbon material woven using a nylon-based binder rather than traditional resin. Its characteristics include greater durability, improved impact resistance, and enhanced vibration damping.
Furthermore, this bonding method allows for significantly shorter curing times during the rim manufacturing process, making it easier to fine-tune performance. Above all, reducing manufacturing costs and energy is simply better for the environment. Moreover, this material can be recycled into other forms even if the rim is damaged, making it a new material that combines both performance and sustainability.
The lineup features two models in three versions.
The lineup consists of three options: the GRD23 (700c) for gravel and all-road use, and the MTN30 for mountain bikes, available in both 27.5-inch and 29-inch sizes.
The GRD23 is perfectly positioned in the current disc road and gravel market as a wheel with an excellent balance of weight and strength. The MTN30 leverages the benefits of FusionFiber™ to provide stable propulsion and vibration absorption even on trails with rapidly changing surface conditions. Both models will be available for order starting at noon on Monday, November 8th.
【CHRIS KING】GRD23 Wheel
Rim：Chris King GRD23
Wheel Size：700c
Rim Type：Tubeless Only
Hub Configuration：24/24 R45D Centerlock
Spokes：Sapim CX Ray Black
Nipples：Black Alloy
Price：352,000 JPY (tax included)
【CHRIS KING】MTN30 Wheel
Rim：Chris King MTN30
Wheel Size：29″, 27.5″
Rim Type：Tubeless Only
Hub Configuration：28/28 Boost Centerlock
Spokes：Sapim D-Light Black
Nipples：Black Alloy
Price：341,000 JPY (tax included)
No new colors for 2022
While the Open House has traditionally been an occasion to announce new colors, unfortunately, there is no news of new colors for 2022.
This time, they commissioned special builds from builders, primarily in Europe, which incorporated new two-tone colored parts, but there are no current plans to release these for sale. While it is possible they may be considered as new colors in the future, we sincerely apologize to all those who were looking forward to this.
Instead, the black/gold two-tone color announced as a limited edition last year will continue to be produced in limited quantities for 2022.
Regarding 2022 supply and price revisions.
In addition, due to the rising costs of raw materials, labor, and transportation, as well as the impact of exchange rates, prices will be revised effective November 20th.
Due to the current global situation, Chris King's production capacity remains under significant strain. While the procurement of raw materials has been difficult, securing personnel has also become a barrier, resulting in limited annual production capacity.
We sincerely apologize for the significant inconvenience caused to our customers regarding delivery times. Even so, we pay tribute to the company for continuing to manufacture goods despite these circumstances, as well as for their new challenge of developing original rims. We will continue to support our Japanese customers so that they can continue to use Chris King products—which are characterized by being long-lasting with proper care—with peace of mind.