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[Press release] As much as we love new and improved gear, the rapid proliferation of bicycle-related ‘standards’ can be confusing, frustrating, and costly to consumers.
While incremental, the benefits of the “Boost” 15x110mm front and 12x148mm rear axle standards are easily understood: better clearance for fatter tires & rims and reduced dish for stiffer, stronger wheels. The big bummer? Taking full advantage requires not only a new frame and fork, but new wheels as well. In response, Lindarets has partnered with Bikeworks Albuquerque to develop the Boostinator. When paired with compatible 15x100mm or 12x142mm hubs, Boostinator kits allow existing wheels to be mounted in Boost-standard frames and forks. Disc and drivetrain positions are maintained and, thanks to a quick re-dish, spoke bracing angles are improved.
Boostinator kits consist of a hub-specific axle end cap and–in the case of rear kits–a precision-machined rotor spacer with a set of six high-strength bolts. In keeping with Boost specifications, the disc and cassette are shifted outboard, allowing brakes and derailleurs to function as designed.
Each Boostinator kit is CNC machined from 6061 aluminum and anodized to military specification in the USA. Rear kits come with appropriate-length high-strength Class 10.9 bolts.
Q: What about the rim- won’t it be off center?
A: That’s true- but it’s an easy fix with some benefits:
Q: The bolts are longer- they’ll all break and people will die!
A: We wondered about this too- so enlisted some engineers from our local nuclear weapons laboratory (seriously) to crunch the numbers. It turns out that, with the spacer installed each bolt is four times stronger than needed to handle the forces generated by the strongest brakes on the market. That said:
Q: The axle is unsupported- won’t it be flexy and horrible?
A: With the thru axle bearing the load the model is essentially identical to a Boost-native hub with slightly closer bearing placement.
Q: Will I need a new crankset or spider?
A: Possibly.
Boostinator DR – $39.95 shipped – Available now
Boostinator DF3 – $24.95 shipped – Available early Feb. 2016
Boostinator HR – $39.95 – Available Late Feb. 2016
Boostinator WR – $39.95 shipped – Available Late Feb. 2016
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