Sislent Wild LC – High-performance carbon gravel wheels | CYKLIn the evolving world of gravel cycling, the introduction of 32-inch wheels marks a significant advancement, and 9th Wave’s SandStone SL32 wheelset stands at the forefront of this innovation. Designed to enhance performance on rugged terrains, these wheels offer a blend of aerodynamics, stability, and durability.
Rim Diameter and Geometry
The SandStone SL32 features a 32-inch rim diameter, measuring 686 mm in bead seat diameter (BSD), compared to the 622 mm BSD of traditional 700c wheels. When paired with a 50 mm gravel tire, the overall diameter reaches 776 mm, providing an additional 64 mm of clearance over 700c setups. This increased diameter allows the wheel to approach obstacles like rocks and roots at a shallower angle, maintaining speed and momentum over rough surfaces. The 52 mm rim depth contributes to aerodynamic efficiency, reducing drag on open gravel roads and during fast descents. (9thwave-cycling.com)
Internal Width and Tire Compatibility
With a 37 mm internal rim width, the SandStone SL32 is optimized for wide gravel tires, supporting widths from 50 mm and beyond. This design minimizes sidewall deformation under cornering loads and at lower pressures, enhancing grip and rider confidence on varied terrains. The wider rim profile also accommodates higher volume tires, improving comfort and traction without compromising performance. (9thwave-cycling.com)
Lateral Stiffness and Durability
Addressing potential concerns about lateral stiffness due to the longer spoke lengths associated with larger wheels, 9th Wave employs several engineering solutions:
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Deep Rim Profile: The 52 mm rim depth effectively reduces the effective spoke length, aligning it with that of a 29-inch wheelset with a shallow rim.
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Increased Spoke Count: Utilizing 28 spokes front and rear, surpassing the typical 24-spoke configuration in gravel wheelsets, enhances wheel stiffness and durability.
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Boost Hub Spacing: The 15×110 mm front and 12×148 mm rear Boost standards increase the distance between the hub flanges, improving spoke bracing angles and overall wheel rigidity.
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Asymmetric Rim Design (ART): 9th Wave’s ART ensures even spoke tension distribution between the drive and non-drive sides, mitigating potential imbalances that could affect wheel stiffness. (9thwave-cycling.com)
Weight and Pricing
The standard SandStone SL32 wheelset weighs 1,579 grams and is priced at €1,999. For those seeking a premium build, the SandStone SL32 LTD offers enhanced performance with DT Swiss 180 Boost hubs featuring ceramic bearings, Alpina aero spokes, and a silver color scheme. This limited edition wheelset weighs 1,503 grams and is available for €2,299. (9thwave-cycling.com)
Availability
Both the standard and LTD versions of the SandStone SL32 are available for pre-order, with deliveries expected to commence in September 2026. These wheelsets come with a lifetime warranty on the carbon rims upon registration within 30 days of delivery, and a 50% replacement program in case of a crash for registered wheels. (9thwave-cycling.com)
The SandStone SL32 wheelset represents a significant step forward in gravel cycling, combining the benefits of larger wheel diameters with aerodynamic design and robust construction to meet the demands of modern gravel riders.