Shimano 29er wheel set coming soon?

It sounds that way. Got this email today from Shimano.
Wonder what they will look like? I am gonna guess slick minimal spoke design like the current XT and XTR wheels.
Which means that I won't ride them. Big boys like me don't trust the minimal spoke stuff, at least I don't.
I do hand laced wheels that are 32 spoke and 3 cross for everything.
Over built? Maybe, but so am I.

*******************What Shimano has to say******************************

Shimano Adds a Twenty-Niner Wheel to the Line Up



The best-built wheels begin with the best engineering and Shimano’s systems engineering approach is a natural fit in developing complete wheels. The newest generation of mountain bike wheelsets borrows heavily from the proven design and engineering principles pioneered by the latest generation of XTR wheels. From lacing patterns, materials selection and forming, and manufacturing—the new wheels are perfectly optimized for toughness, light weight, reliability and all-out speed at an affordable price. Specifically, the Shimano big wheel model #WH-MT75 addresses the emerging 29’r wheel market, providing a solid, well engineered wheelset constructed from components that you already know and trust.



The Shimano 29’r is hatched as a true mountain bike wheel and passes the same stringent quality and durability tests that the XTR and XT wheels are subjected to. The hubs are constructed from reliable XT stock, including the improved quick engagement freehub. The rim extrusion is based on the light and strong patented brazed double-butted made legendary by our XTR and XT wheels. For those trendsetters seeking the exact tire the 29’r wheel allows the use of both tubed and tubeless tires. Center Lock disc rotor compatibility creates the lightest possible interface that allows quick removal of the rotors for travel; at the same time, the Center Lock can be easily adapted to a 6-bolt design to accommodate other non-Center Lock rotors. All of those features add up to a pair of durable, reliable and performance mountain bike 29’r wheels that weigh about the same as road oriented wheels did only a few years ago.



SHIMANO 29’R Wheel Set

· 23.5mm wide (622 x 19C ETRTO) rim

· Double butted 14-15-14g spokes w/alloy nipples

· 7075 T6 alloy oversized axles

· Angular contact bearings ensure long life and maximum efficiency

· 24 spoke design

· Tube and tubeless tire compatible

· Reliable, quick engagement Deore XT freehub body

· Center Lock interface (6-bolt adaptor available separately)

· Weight: 1810g

· MSRP: $649.99

· Available: Summer 2008