Industry Nine Enduro 305 Wheelset [Rider Review]

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Upgrading wheels without a doubt changes the ride and feel of the bike. One of the most notable names in the wheel game is Industry Nine, who is known for their outstanding engagement. This rider has been running their Enduro 305 wheels. See what they think!

Overview

Let me just start by saying I have 6 pairs of Industry Nine wheels, I love these wheels and have them on every mountain bike I own.

I am getting ready for the 24 hours at Old Pueblo race in Arizona this year and was looking for ways to improve my performance. I had the narrower carbon I9 wheels on my bike and was very happy, however, I was getting a bunch of feedback (vibration) in the handlebars. I have watched several videos on carbon wheels giving increased feedback. The additional feedback causes fatigue and eventually, it does wear you down.

I figured I would try the wider Enduro wheels and see if this made my ride any better. Just as I had hoped, the wider wheel let me lower the tire pressure a couple of pounds and the bike feels better in every way. I know the Enduro wheels are not as light, however, the benefit has been worth the extra weight.

Since switching up to the wider wheels, I have grabbed some top 10 times on the local trails as well as a few KOMs. Until I got the new Industry Nine wheelsets I just purchased, I was riding 25mm wheels on the Torch hubs.

The Torch hubs are great, I was not looking for the improvements of the Hydra hubs, but now all I can say is WOW.

The Hydra engagement is ridiculous, there is virtually no movement in the crank before the pedals are engaged. I was always impressed with how the Torch hubs engaged, but after riding the Hydra I may need to replace the rest of my wheels. Another reason I love these wheels is the sound, when you come up behind another racer and freewheel for a few seconds they instantly know you’re there. In many cases, they get out of your way, and you don’t have to say one word. Even if they don’t get out of your way, you are in their head. They are thinking “how did this guy catch me”, and “are they faster than I am”… the list goes on.

I freewheel behind guys all the time and it gets their attention, even if you are on a weekend trail ride, people hear you back there and know you are coming. I got my wife a set so I no longer have to turn around to see if she is there, now I hear her coming. 

I have not tried the J Hook hubs, I have always gone with the I9 System Spokes, they are beefy and strong. One thing I love about these spokes is they have a small gap in between each spoke. When you clean your wheels, the spokes don’t catch the towel and have string caught between the spokes when you are finished wiping down your bike.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, yes Industry Nine wheels and hubs are expensive, however, the benefits are worth the cost. They are as light or lighter than most other wheelsets, but these things are bombproof. I have had so much success with them I will not likely change brands for any reason. My buddies have come back with folded wheels, flatted rims, and blown-out free hubs while I have made it to the finish… Happy Trails!