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. 

Industry Nine is known for their incredible craftsmanship, bright colors, and squeezing a bee hive into a hub. What many people don't know is that I9 does offer a cost effective versions of their beloved wheels. In this case, our buddy Danny upgraded to the 1/1 Enduro S Wheelset. Let's see what he thought:

Danny's Review

I am not new to mountain biking, but I was recently bitten by the “upgrade” bug. My 2019 Santa Cruz Hightower LT R build was great out of the box. But 2000+ Colorado miles took their toll on it, and I quickly realized what parts needed attention. The venom from the upgrade bug took a while to act. First, a Pike Charger 2.0 upgrade to the fork. Then the Fox Transfer dropper with Wolf Tooth lever. Then a new SRAM X01 shifter and X01 rear derailleur mated to a new SRAM Eagle GX 52t cassette. Once these more disposable items were set and my riding got stronger (thanks COVID), I took aim at new wheels.

I had always wondered “What is the deal with better wheels and hubs anyway? Why do people make such a big deal out of them? Are the expensive wheels “rounder” or something?”. I also always wondered what that “angry hornet’s nest” sound was flying by me on the local trails.

After replacing bearings and spokes on my stock wheels (WTB ST i29 TCS 2.0 wheels, SRAM MTH 716 front hub, SRAM MTH 746 rear hub) too many times, and bending them back from odd shapes, I decided to make the move. I went with the Industry 9 Enduro S 1/1 because of the width and the type of riding I typically do. I really wanted the Hydras, but I decided to start with the 1/1s – I am hard on my bike (I already bent the X01 derailleur!), I wanted these to last, I didn’t want to break the bank, and let’s face it - we all need something to upgrade to in the future! I also love all the Worldwide Cyclery posts - their “Best MTB Wheels Under $1k?” video had me sold.

Once I got these wheels installed, and once the Colorado trails dried out I finally got them on the dirt. I am now a true believer – these things are AWESOME! The 30.5 mm width makes them extremely sure-footed especially mated to 2.5” double Assegais. The stiffness is noticeable in the speed I was able to carry over my home trails. I have been clocking new best times on every ride so far uphill and downhill. They roll so fast and effortlessly. There is engagement out the wazoo!!! 90 POE is plenty for me. I can’t even imagine what the Hydras feel like, but for this guy the 1/1 engagement was excellent! It feels so efficient, especially on technical climbs. Sometimes it feels like I am riding an e-bike with these things. Maybe it’s the bearings, maybe it’s the hubs, maybe these wheels ARE just “rounder” than my old wheels. Whatever – I love them! And, while I didn’t get the full “angry hornet’s nest” sound of the Hydras, I do enjoy the “ill-tempered hornet’s nest” sound my 1/1s make these days.

Conclusion

"To wrap up, if you have always wondered what the deal is with wheel upgrades, JUST DO IT – and get these i9 Enduro S 1/1s. ! You will feel the difference, you will feel stronger, you will ride more and that is always a good thing." - Danny