HED JET 9 PLUS BLACK CARBON WHEELSET - CLINCHER

HED's Jet 9 Plus Black Carbon Wheelset is the same wheelset Optum p/b Kelly Benefit Strategies' Zirbel rode to victory at the North Star Grand Prix except for two differences: stopping power is improved with HED's Turbine Braking Technology and the graphics are murdered-out for a stealth look. While aesthetics are subjective, the improved braking means that these wheels are actually better than those ridden by a multiple national time trial champion with one of the biggest engines in the domestic scene.

Instead of dodgy, screaming carbon brake tracks or the standard alloy on Zirbel's set, the Jet 9 Black rims feature the specially machined and anodized alloy surface mentioned above. This surface nets claimed reductions in stopping distance of 25% and 70% in dry and wet conditions, respectively, and a 5x increase in braking consistency. Keeping in mind that this is in comparison to aluminum rims, not carbon, it's safe to assume that the Jet 9 Black wheels provide the most consistent braking in their category.

But like Zirbel, you're interested in the Jet 9 wheels primarily for speed, not stopping, and HED also knows that faster speeds require a heightened sense of control that's often at odds with wheels of this depth. That's where HED's Stability Control Technology (SCT) comes in by reducing force put on the wheels by side winds at 0-15 degree yaw angles. While 90mm rims will obviously never handle crosswinds like box clinchers, the rounded inner face of SCT design does give the deep dish monsters more intuitive predictability than wheels with a true NACA airfoil cross section.

The Jet 9s also feature HED's signature 25mm C2 rim width, which increases tire volume and contact patch for lower rolling resistance, more grip in corners, and a more vertically-oriented sidewall that is better able to deform around irregularities in the road surface — all of which translates to being able to run a lower PSI for increased comfort without sacrificing efficiency.

The wheels also feature the Sonic Black, which run ABEC5 bearings on oversized axles with wide flanges for a stiff, lateral bracing angle and more efficient power transfer. The rear hub has high flanges and a capped grease port, so you can power wash and re-lube the wheels as needed. Both quick-release skewers have titanium shafts, and the ratchet ring in the rear hub is also titanium.

Please note that HED suggests using fresh brake pads with the Jet 9 Plus Black wheels. The same metal shavings that hide out in used pads and tend to destroy carbon wheels may also damage the Black rims' finish. Please also note that HED recommends a maximum tire pressure of 100 PSI.