RAR expands its wheel offering with its new FIRST hub range

Building on its experience gained through the development of 100% French ESO hubs, RAR has developed a parallel range since 2016: the FIRST.

Source: Press Release

A true complement to the range, the development of FIRST hubs focused on maximum performance with ease of machining and production. The FIRST hub line is now complete: from road rim or disc braking, to cross-country and enduro mountain biking. These technical choices now allow the leading French manufacturer of handmade wheels to offer, for each market segment, a range of high-performance wheels, designed on hubs entirely developed in-house.

Excellence in sight.

Straight pull, performance, and reliability guided the design. The chosen options and overall lines converge with those of its big brother ESO. The result lives up to the brand’s expectations.

“All the hallmarks of the greats.”

Inspired by the reference model, the dynamic properties of RAR FIRST hubs promote feelings of speed and acceleration.

Three essential characteristics are listed for a hub of this level:
– the geometry, which determines the reliability of the spoke lacing and the wheel’s stability
– ease of maintenance, considering the mileage the parts will endure
– overall reliability, which depends notably on the aluminum wall thicknesses according to the alloy, the robustness of the freehub body, and the general sealing of 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 highly reliable by aluminum wall thicknesses dimensioned with a significant safety margin. The body, designed for radial lacing, is machined from a single piece.

RAR naturally favors crossed lacing on one side and radial on the other for the disc version. The transfer of braking energy ideally shifts from the hub to the rim with this lacing, via a strong anchor diameter. Safety and reliability are paramount.

At the rear, the constraints are higher and involve more subtle and consequential choices.

RAR promotes dynamics with an impressive 60 mm average anchor diameter for the cassette-side spoke anchor. It is difficult, if not impossible, to find an equivalent on the market. Standards are typically around 45/46 mm.

Beyond this raw value, the design incorporates the mechanical principle of the ESO: placing the spokes one above the other maximizes the average spacing of the cassette-side flange and creates, statically, two different tensions on the same spoke bed. This difference disappears dynamically and promotes a natural balance.

From a flange spacing perspective, the values of 16.3 mm and 37 mm for the rim brake version will speak to wheel specialists: RAR favors the lateral stability of the wheel.

Similarly, the design of the disc version shows 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.

Mechanics and Maintenance

The front hub, disc or not, disassembles very easily by pulling on its end caps. RAR favors this type of disassembly procedure, without possible adjustment, for simplicity. Access to the bearings is direct after pushing the axle. Maintenance is therefore nil. What could be simpler than a part that requires no maintenance?

At the rear, the operation is similar to the front, with the difference that the caps are screwed. Two 5 mm hex keys allow the cap on the opposite side of the freehub body to be removed, then two 6 and 5 mm hex keys will remove the cassette-side cap to disassemble the freehub body. Here too, these elements will require light or no maintenance; only the freehub body will appreciate light greasing at regular intervals (+/-10,000 km). An ideal solution once again. As for the 6902 annular bearings, which are large section and therefore very robust, they naturally have sealed rubber seals. The hub end cap will protect them even more.

In terms of mechanics, the rear hub operates with a simple and durable freehub body with 3 pawls and a steel spring return: a long-proven system. The generally observed lifespan is 30,000 km.

Regarding bearings, with a focus on reliability and easy maintenance, RAR has favored sealed annular bearings in standard dimensions. The front for rim brakes runs on 6802 bearings, perfectly adequate for the minimal stresses received. The disc version is built on large section 6902 bearings. In all cases, the rear is armored with 3 x 6902 bearings where the loads are high, plus one 6802 bearing on the opposite side of the cassette. For each, dust covers optimize lifespan.

Weight

To crown these characteristics, the mass is super competitive given the size of the bearings and the dimensioning.

RIM BRAKE
92 g front
232 g rear.

DISC BRAKE
120 g front – 12/100 & 5/100
260 g rear – 12/142 & 5/135

ABOUT

Going against the grain, RAR cultivates its difference through its artisanal assembly combining exclusivity and rigor. Specializing in wheel manufacturing since 2007, RAR’s founder created it for demanding customers seeking quality, service, and performance.

Contact: www.roues-rar.fr