It doesn't yet feel like two years ago that we launched the Rail 52, but here we are - and a year into the 34 to boot. In that time, they've starred in VeloNews, done even more time in the wind tunnel, undergone an extensive real world brake performance test program, and of course been used to win a pantload of races and done too many miles to possibly count. We're proud parents. Of course, plus ça change... we're constantly working to improve everything we do, so we're introducing a few small changes.
First, and most significantly, we're eliminating the clear coat on the brake track. The clear coat makes them look insanely hot out of the box, but it wears relatively quickly. We've gotten more than one "oh my God my wheels are a week old and the brake track is scratched up!" email. Soon enough that wear normalizes and everything is hunky dory. We've also learned that the wheels brake better and more quietly as the clear coat wears away. So, since form follows function, new Rails will be sans clearcoat from the get go, instead of getting that way over time. The new rims look great, too.
Rails shipped with disc hubs (becoming a bigger thing all the time) will continue to have the clearcoated brake track. This makes them look their best, and the clearcoat provides a modicum of protection against scrapes and scratches.
I guess that photo lets the cat out of the bag on the second change - graphics. More and more, people requested all white or all black graphics. While we're huge fans of color ourselves, we swim against enough tide and we're just going with the flow on this one. So new Rails will also have new great look! The updated graphics will come in white, as shown above and below, or in a super dark charcoal (but not black) color that, once we picked it, we immediately named "bleached black." In the coming few days, we'll post copious photos of both (non)colorways. Warning - these photos will feature cacti and stunning scenery. Just be ready for that.
As Rails become better and better known, the Rail branding has actually caused a bunch of confusion. The link between Rail and November often gets missed. We also really really like the new November branding that Casey dreamed up for us last year, so we're going with it. The bleached black version is much more subtle, but if you want a little zing in your swing, the white's where it's at. There is always a rainbow of colored hub and nipple choices at your command, as ever.
The other change you'll notice at the moment is that we're going back to the future and, for the first time since who knows when, we're having a pre-order on Rail 52, Rail 34 and Custom Rails. Starting now, all Rail orders are on pre-order for $100 off the regular price (which is unchanged for 2015). Delivery is slated for mid-ish February, dependent of course on volume and our capacity to hand assemble, build and ship each wheel.
7 comments
When is your pre order deadline, and can you put some pics of the black up before then?
Pre-order is scheduled to end at end of next weekend, and we will have photos of bleached black up on FB/Instagram on Monday.
Will the graphics be available for those of us with the original rail 52's? Thanks
Yes, we've kept a stock of the old graphics on hand. Not an indefinite supply, but appropriate.
was so hoping this news included the word "tubular" but oh well. always next year i guess…