We Are One

Union 1/1 29in Boost Wheelset

We Are One Composites launched into the mountain bike scene fully just in recent years, but while the company may be on the newer side, their technology certainly seems anything but rookie. It all started with their Movement line, which brought carbon fiber manufacturing back to North America, promising that not all carbon hoops are manufactured the same way, and boasting a molding process that improves layup precision and accuracy for reliable wheels that can handle hard charging and enduro racing. So far their wheels have received universal praise for their strength and positive ride quality, but also for being offered at an approachable price point—at least for Canadian-made wheels that are built from US-sourced carbon fiber and backed by a lifetime warranty.

We Are One crafts the Union rims from its Revolution molding process, which boasts even more precise carbon layup than previous designs. It features an all-new rim shape that allows a reduction in radial stiffness, and use a bit less fiber over all, all the while boosting impact resistance for a rim that doesn't falter after a big hit. The shape pairs nicely with its unique layup to build a system that plays well together, providing more support to each component of the rim for a resilient wheel that's ready for it all.

The Union 101's are designed for high-level enduro racing, built for riders who ride hard, ride often, and want to worry as little as possible their setup. The Union rim is lighter than We Are One's previous enduro rim The Agent, yet brings a dramatic increase in strength along with improved radial compliance. This makes for a wheel that accelerates more quickly, tracks better through rocks and roots, and is better able to withstand impacts—an impressive feat considering there were very few complaints with The Agent to begin with. The wheels are built on I9's new 101 hub, which takes some queues from the Torch and Hydra, but goes in a more economical direction that sheds teeth, and offers 4-degrees of engagement. The 101 hub offers a more economical approach to Industry Nine, pairing six dual-phased pawls with a 45-tooth drive ring for quick engagement. While it isn't quite as snappy as the Torch, or the telepathically-quick Hydra, it still performs with 4-degree engagement that blows most of the competition out of the water. The six pawls connect with 90-points of engagement, with two pawls engaging at any given moment for reliable power.