The original Iodine wheels were very strong but suffered from a poor freehub design. The issues that this caused have been addressed for for 2012, and that’s good to see.
There are two new models – the top-of-the-range Iodine 3 and the cheaper, heavier Iodine 2, which is what we’ve tested. They use the same 24-spoke layout as the originals – extended nipples protruding from the hub, and spoke mounting via fins on the rim – so they’re still ultra stiff and strong.
So what about that freehub? A cheaper Shimano-style freehub body adorns the rear hub, with twin cartridge bearings supporting its 135mm axle. Four bearings are specced on the wider 142mm option. Up front choices of 15 or 20mm axle diameters are available, losing the interchanging ability that the older wheels had.
The Iodine 3s use four-cartridge bearings out back, but other than that, some colour differences and a lower weight (by 85g) make the Iodine 2, some £200 cheaper, much better value. So far, our wheels have laughed off sideways landings and numerous batterings on rocks just like the older wheels, and there’s been no sign of freehub body failure. We’ll keep you updated on their longevity.
This article was originally published in Mountain Biking UK magazine.