Industry Nine 1/1 Enduro S Wheelset [Rider Review]

Our "Rider Review" article series features the honest reviews from verified purchasers of Worldwide Cyclery. They contain the photos, thoughts, feedback & overall review you are looking for.

Upgrading your wheelset is one of the most impactful upgrades on a bike. Our friend, Robert, has been running the Industry Nine 1/1 Enduro S wheelset. See what they think! 

Overview

As an on/off XC racer, trail rider, and occasional jumper, I wanted a 29’er trail bike with short travel and tough construction. The Evil Following MB was my choice, and I found an excellent deal for the frame itself. When looking for wheels, my previous experience with Hope almost had me purchase their Fortus 30 wheel-set, but, with a huge interest in Industry Nine’s (I9) American quality and performance, I spent the extra money to get the 101 Enduro wheel-set instead.

Setup was easy, I did not have to worry about taping the rim, as high-quality black rim tape had already been applied by I9, and a silver valve stem was also installed. I run Sram XO1 Eagle, and therefore I went with the XD driver. I am sure that setup experience would be identical with Shimano drivers as well. Wheels were also lighter than I had expected, lighter than even my very old 26” rims, which was impressive.

Immediately I noticed the engagement. Ninety points! I had run forty four points of engagement for years and loved the feeling of quick pedal reaction and response, but I was totally unprepared for the 101 hubs. Yes, I9 now makes the Hydra with more engagement points than anyone can count, but the 101 feels leagues better than most other wheel-sets, even over a thousand dollars, and it completely outshines any other wheel-set in its price class. In quick climbing bursts, the response allows micro adjustment between roots and rocks, and allows the rider to think more about their line, and less about their pedal stroke. When cruising on flat grade, the engagement gives the rider a more natural pedal stroke, you are connected more with the riding and therefore, less thought is placed on, “where is my foot?” On descents, the sound of the hub is incredible, a loud ratchet follows you, giving the noise of wind a run for its money. The response again leaves you more engaged and allows you to stop thinking about pedal placement.

The rim itself, well, it’s beautiful. Subtle, but flashy, maybe not Enve flashy, but when a bike fanatic sees I9 embossed in grey and white, they know it is a serious wheel. The stiffness is the most I have personally felt from any aluminum wheel, ever. Even on a trail bike, the 30.5mm internal width feels like the happy medium, it gives you strength and stiffness while still being super light, and it is the only size I would go for. All about response, the wheel gives you confidence and a feeling of being planted, dare I say it feels that the wheel wants to keep you balanced, it gives you the confidence to ride faster, more aggressive, and have more fun. When taking off, when pumping into a jump, the wheels are there for you, with smooth tracking, predictable stiffness in pumps, and a beautiful sound when you're flying through the air.

Issues? In my time riding, I have not found any fault with these rims. I have already hit them hard, and they stay true. The hubs work perfectly, but that is not a surprise, I expect to get many years out of them.

Final Thoughts

The responsiveness is second to none, as a rider, I feel connected to the trail in new ways, I have more fun and focus less on my pedaling. For the price, nothing can beat I9 right now. Maybe some of this review is also influenced by the amazing Following MB, but I cannot say for sure. What I do know is that I will never buy a wheel-set without a I9 hub, Jeff has also said he will never go back. Be prepared, once you feel the freedom an amazing wheel-set brings, you might be convinced as well.