Bytager the publication "RAR expands its wheel offering with its new range of FIRST hubs"
Bytager the publication “RAR expands its wheel offering with its new range of FIRST hubs”
Building on its experience acquired through the development of 100% French ESO hubs, RAR has developed a parallel range since 2016: the FIRST.
Source: DP
A true complement to the range, the development of FIRST hubs has focused on maximum performance with ease of machining and production. The FIRST hub line is now complete: from the route rim or disc brakes, to cross-country mountain biking and enduro. These technical choices now allow the leading French manufacturer of artisanal wheels to offer, for each market segment, a range of high-performance wheels, designed on hubs entirely designed in-house.
Excellence in sight.
Direct draw, performance and reliability guided the design. The choices made and the overall lines converge towards those of the big brother ESO. The result lives up to the brand's expectations.
"All great."
Inspired by the reference model, the dynamic properties of the RAR FIRST hubs promote sensations of speed and acceleration.
Three essential characteristics are listed for a hub of this range level:
– the geometry which determines the reliability of the spokes and the holding of the wheel
– ease of maintenance considering the mileage that the parts will endure
– overall reliability which depends in particular on the thickness of the aluminum walls depending on the alloy, the robustness of the freewheel and the general sealing of the bearings + protective caps
Geometry
76 mm inter-flange distance with a spoke anchor point at 27 mm diameter. These optimal dimensions for a "rim brake" front hub are made hyper reliable by aluminum wall thicknesses sized with a significant safety margin. The body designed for radial spokes is machined from a single piece.
RAR naturally favors cross-spoke on one side and radial on the other for the disc version. The transfer of braking energy switches ideally from the hub to the rim with this spoke, via a strong anchor diameter. Safety and reliability take precedence.
At the back, the constraints are greater and involve more subtle and consequential choices.
RAR promotes dynamics with an impressive cassette-side spoke anchor diameter of 60 mm average anchor diameter. Difficult, if not impossible, to find the equivalent on the market. The standards are rather around 45/46 mm.
Beyond this raw value, the design takes up the mechanical principle of the ESO: the placement of the spokes one above the other maximizes the average spacing of the flange on the cassette side and creates, statically, two different tensions on the same layer. A difference which disappears in dynamics and promotes a natural balance.
From a flange spacing point of view, the values of 16,3 mm and 37 mm for the rim brake version will speak to wheel specialists: RAR promotes lateral wheel hold.
Similarly, the design of the disc version displays similar values on the cassette side. On the disc side, the principle is the same regarding the high/low placement of the spokes, and their dynamics.
Mechanical and maintenance
The front hub, disc or not, can be removed very easily by pulling on its end caps. RAR favors this type of disassembly proceduretage, without possible adjustment, for simplicity. Access to the bearings is direct after pushing the axle. Maintenance is therefore zero. What could be simpler than a part that does not require maintenance?
On the rear, the operation is similar to the front, with the difference that the caps are screwed on. Two 5 mm hex keys can be used to remove the cap on the opposite freewheel side, then two 6 and 5 mm hex keys will be used to remove the one on the cassette side to remove the freewheel. Here too, these elements will require little or no maintenance, only the freewheel will appreciate a light lubrication at regular intervals (+/-10 km). An ideal solution once again. As for the 000 annular bearings, which are large in section and therefore very robust, they naturally have rubber seals. The hub closing cap will protect them even more.
In terms of mechanics, the rear hub works with a simple and durable 3-pawl freewheel with steel spring return: a long-proven system. Generally observed lifespan of 30 km.
Regarding the bearings, with a view to reliability and easy maintenance, RAR has favored sealed annular bearings in standard dimensions. The front for rim brakes turns on 6802s, fully in line with the minimal constraints received. The disc version is built on 6902s with a large section. In all cases, the rear is shielded with 3 6902 bearings where the loads are high, plus a 6802 on the opposite side of the cassette. For each, dust covers optimize the service life.
Weight
To top off these features, the mass is super competitive considering the bearing size and sizing.
RIM BRAKING
92 g front
232 g rear.
DISC BRAKING
120 g front – 12/100 & 5/100
260g rear – 12/142 & 5/135
| The FIRST hubs are mounted on the RAR TEMPO 26 wheels and the RAR EVEN in 38 or 50. Prices: from 699 to 1399€. |
ABOUT
Against the current, RAR cultivates its difference through its worldtage artisanal combining exclusivity and rigor. Specializing since 2007 in the manufacture of wheels, the founder of RAR created it for a demanding clientele looking for quality, service and performance.
Contact : www.roues-rar.fr
