Actually 7075 aluminum is sort of alu-magic. It can't be welded but it has surprisingly good springback properties, is extremely tough, and has a high fatigue life. That's why it's used on I9's aluminum spoked system wheels and many other high end products that don't require welding (Those airplane wings Castellano was looking at, for instance).
As a mech engineer and former machine shop owner, I was very suspect about the spokes on the I9 wheels, especially regarding impacts, but I've now been using them for about 8 years on all of mine, my wife's, and many customer's bikes without an issue. And I'm an enduro basher, riding the northern New Mexico jank.
Feb. 28, 2024, 8:29 a.m. - Brad Nyenhuis
Actually 7075 aluminum is sort of alu-magic. It can't be welded but it has surprisingly good springback properties, is extremely tough, and has a high fatigue life. That's why it's used on I9's aluminum spoked system wheels and many other high end products that don't require welding (Those airplane wings Castellano was looking at, for instance). As a mech engineer and former machine shop owner, I was very suspect about the spokes on the I9 wheels, especially regarding impacts, but I've now been using them for about 8 years on all of mine, my wife's, and many customer's bikes without an issue. And I'm an enduro basher, riding the northern New Mexico jank.