Apex Carbon Store experience

[bxcc]

I ordered a set of rims from Apex Carbon on AleExpress today. I figured I’d share me experience since I couldn’t find much about them. Most search results are for SRAM Apex components and I got tired of looking.

Communication was quick and helpful so no issues there. I had a couple rims in mind and they said the 25mm depth profile is rated for a higher rider weight (120kgs) with a 335g rim weight. The 23mm depth profile is rated at 105kg. I’m roughly 83kg with riding gear. While that’s well within the 105kg rating, I’m still a bit cautious. I did mention that if they coming in around 350g, I’m fine with that.

I opted for the 12k twill matte finish with 28 holes. Rear hub will be an Onyx Vesper and the front will be XT or DT 350. I don’t see the value in spending $260 for a front hub when a $75 XT or $120 350 will work just fine. Nipples are Sapim double square alloy in black. Spokes are yet to be determined. I’d like to keep the wheelset under 1,600 grams. If DT Comp spokes will do that, then I’ll save the money and get those. The Onyx hubs aren’t the lightest.

Total cost was just under $300 usd thanks to a $45 coupon in the Coupon Code thread.

I’ll update this when I get the rims in hand.

I just found this on AliExpress: $164.57 | 29er 330g Carbon Rim 25mm Depth 36mm Wide Super Light MTB Carbon Rim UD Hookless/Tubeless MTB Carbon Rims
https://a.aliexpress.com/_mLrGQ2F

Apex Carbon Store
https://a.aliexpress.com/_m0jSxob

[bxcc]

Parts are starting to trickle in. Hubs arrived today and rims should be here on Monday. Apex Carbon sent a couple of pictures before shipping the rims out which was nice.

[bxcc]

Rims arrived in one piece. 26 days from when I placed the order to when they were on my doorstep.

Weights were 332g and 323g. They are listed as having a 120kg max weight but if I’m being honest, these rim weights make me a bit nervous. There’s a combined weight of 215 lbs (97.5kg) between me, my gear, and the bike. Most cheaper 330g rims have a limit of 100kg and I’m still under that, but not by much.

As you can see in the picture, there is a seam in the visible layer of carbon. Actually, two seams per rim. I don’t believe it will be an issue but it is worth noting. My other rims with 12k twill do not have these.

I’ll get them built up this week if all goes as planned.

[bxcc]

Any finish other than UD fiber is purely cosmetic (and adds weight), so the seam you see should have no impact on the rim / wheel itself.

Correct. Well, to the extent of my knowledge, I agree. Still a bit unsightly for those that care.

I'm more intrigued by why my first set of 12k twill rims can be made with no visible seam. I understand the "how", but not the "why" when considering I spent about $350 for the set shipped to the US. I would think that the 12k twill would be on a roll like any other carbon weave and not hand woven for each individual rim. Not at this price point anyway. One seam makes perfect sense. At under $300 shipped, two is fine as well. Maybe I just need to up the strength on my reading glasses and triple check the original set for a seam.

Either way, if they are issue free, I'm fine with what they are.

Spokes are still a couple days out then it will take a day or two for the builder to get them assembled. Hopefully next week sometime.

[bxcc]

Any finish other than UD fiber is purely cosmetic (and adds weight), so the seam you see should have no impact on the rim / wheel itself.

Carbon weaves other than UD are more than just cosmetic. UD has a better strength to weight ratio when rims are concerned, but that doesn’t mean that weaves provide nothing. Weaves can be utilized to make parts stiff in one direction while maintaining flexibility in others.

On another note…
Wheels were finally built, installed, and test ridden.
Onyx Vesper center lock hubs in Black Aura power coat.
Apex carbon rims, 12k twill weave, 30mm inner width
DT Swiss Aerolite spokes
Sapim double square alloy nipples
660g front 880g rear

Weight loss was 280g front and 200g rear with 203mm XTR rotors vs the DT Swiss M1900 wheels with 180mm XT 6b rotors.

I’m liking the silent treatment. I’ve read complaints about the soft engagement of the Onyx hubs but I’m actually preferring it. There’s no metal on metal smash like the lower engagement hubs when ratcheting the pedals.

[Wet Noodle]

Carbon weaves other than UD are more than just cosmetic.

That in itself is true, but it's probably not what he was talking about. The finishing layer that you see is really just a very thin last layer. In relation to the bulk of the material beneath (which has a fixed layup regardless), there shouldn't be any meaningful difference brought about by the choice of this or that finishing layer (or by any slight blemishes in it).

[bxcc]

That in itself is true, but it's probably not what he was talking about. The finishing layer that you see is really just a very thin last layer. In relation to the bulk of the material beneath (which has a fixed layup regardless), there shouldn't be any meaningful difference brought about by the choice of this or that finishing layer (or by any slight blemishes in it).

Correct. Also correct that it can be taken different ways. I was just clarifying for future readers that it does hold some merit, just not any more than any other weave. It’s worded in a way that could read like it adds weight and nothing more.