Two Point Zero
The team behind Southern California-based IRT Wheels has been tooling up to roll out a new approach to wheelsets in the form of its new sister company and brand, Two Point Zero and the Phoenix hub system.
Two Point Zero’s Phoenix modular hub could be your dream come true, or the solution to a problem that hasn’t bothered you until now. 2018 Interbike new products. © Cyclocross Magazine
The modular Phoenix hub design was inspired by triathletes’ need to change out wheels for race day, either for tubulars or a more aero profile. Such swaps leave them dealing with shifting and braking adjustment issues.
The Two Point Zero team’s solution? A modular hub that separates the freehub (and disc brake rotor mount) from the hub shell.
You could just own one of these internal hubs, and swap between rims. You’ll need a proprietary tool and will have to remove the Centerlock rotor to swap the hub between rims and hub shells. Two Point Zero’s Phoenix modular hub. 2018 Interbike new products. © Cyclocross Magazine
Got deep-section carbon tubular rims for your planned breakaway at Dirty Kanza, or for shedding mud at your next sloppy Cross Crusade? Swap out your alloy tubeless rim (and spokes and hub shell) for the carbon hoops without worrying about rotor alignment or shifting issues.
Two Point Zero’s Phoenix modular hub allows you to swap your 700c alloy wheels for carbon tubulars, 650b gravel wheels, or aero section rims and still use your same cassette and rotor. There’s a weight penalty, but potential time savings due to less brake and shifting adjustments. 2018 Interbike new products. © Cyclocross Magazine
The possibilities are many. Have a 650b rim laced to a hub shell for some monster crossin’ or gravel grindin’. Later, add aero deep section rims for your next gravel enduro triathlon.
With a proprietary tool, you can remove the hub’s internals and move them to a different rim/hub shell combo.
Two Point Zero’s Phoenix modular hub. 2018 Interbike new products. © Cyclocross Magazine
Two Point Zero’s Phoenix modular hub allows for a quick swap of your rim for race day, without changing your cassette or rotor (but you’ll still have to remove your Centerlock rotor). 2018 Interbike new products. © Cyclocross Magazine
The company also touts its system allows for lightning-fast cassette swaps, but this doesn’t quite seem to be a compelling use case because inner shells cost $350 and swapping the inner hub shell still requires a proprietary tool. In the end, it doesn’t seem all that different or faster than changing a cassette.
The downsides? One is weight. Rear hubs weigh about 400g, more than 100g heavier than standard lightweight hubs. Another is cost. A pack includes one rear hub and two shells, with all the necessary tools for $750. You get some of those costs back if you’re only buying one cassette and rotor, and theoretically each hub shell, at $150, could be cheaper than a full high-end rear hub (although Ultegra rear hubs retail for around $60).
Two Point Zero’s Phoenix modular hub could be your dream come true, or the solution to a problem that hasn’t bothered you until now. 2018 Interbike new products. © Cyclocross Magazine
The other downside for cyclocrossers is that while swapping to race-day wheels could be more convenient, you will no longer have a complete spare wheelset to leave in the pits. Flat your tire and need to use your other rim/hub shell combo? You’ll need the proprietary tool to swap out the rims/spokes/shell while your competitors fly by. We think that’s unlikely.
Still, some cyclists will find it interesting and an attractive convenience. We’re certainly curious.
More info: twopointzerousa.com
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