Last month, I was looking into picking up a new back wheel after about 5 years with my previous wheel. The wheel had seen a few new rims, bearings, spokes, drivers, etc. over the years; I knew it was time to move on. Obviously, there’s a lot of real good options out there these days. Brands have been doing a good job of producing some real good products in that time too. Cinema was one of those brands I was curious about due to it being a new brand. I had seen their wheels around, and knowing they are made from the same guys who produce Duo and Verde, I was pretty confident that the wheel would be a solid option. Then the opportunity to get my hands on one came up and I went for it. The Cinema Tungsten rear wheel was introduced to the setup.
Let’s start with the specs. The Tungsten rear wheel is a Cinema 777 double wall rim laced to a Cinema hub with 14 gauge stainless steel spokes and brass nipples. The wheel also features a hollow 14mm chromoly axle, precision sealed bearings, and a fully sealed 9 tooth driver. The wheel comes with a Cinema rim strip as well. Weighing in at 2lbs. 11.7oz. with black, aqua and red anodized, yellow e.d plated or painted white options. I believe they have chrome as an option now as well. Based on the pictures, I got a black one.
Install on the wheel went smooth. Everything was dialed right out of the box so that was good. Since the wheel has a 9 tooth driver, I’ve been running a 28-9 gear ratio. It was a little weird at first, but now it feels good and I actually like it better than 28-10. I wasn’t about to replace my new sprocket I got a few weeks before the wheel.
The engagement on the hub is quick, and the pur from the driver is quite nice. I figured it would break in a bit and loosen up, but so far after almost two months of riding, things are still running smooth. I figured I would have had to true my wheel by now, which is very common with new wheels and actually suggested, but all I’ve noticed is that the spokes are a little loose. The rim is still straight so I haven’t messed with it just yet. I’ll probably do a once over here soon just to make sure.
I’m a big sissy and run brakes. I was worried about the anodizing wearing off from my braking. As you can see from the photo there hasn’t been any wear at all, which is pretty rad. If you are going to run brakes, I’d suggest clear or real soft brake pads with the colored rims, or just be real good at dialing in brakes. The 777 rim has a bit of texture to it which helps, but running clear pads will grab even better. You shouldn’t have an issue if you are going to run the chrome rim, obviously.
I might not be slaying El Toro or really anything all that manly, but I still get some use out of my pegs. I’d definitely suggest picking up a hub guard for those of you with pegs. I haven’t lost any spokes, but they are starting to see some wear. I don’t know for sure which one they suggest, but I’d imagine the basic FBM one would do the trick.
Overall, the wheel has been solid. I really like the smooth feel and clean look. Everything has been holding up great and continues to run smooth after about two months of use for me personally. I’m sure some of you guys who are harder on your wheels might have slightly different results, but that’s going to happen when you are blasting down huge stair sets and what not. If you are in the market for a new rear wheel, I’d definitely give my recommendation to check out the Cinema Tungsten. I’m excited to see where their products go in the future as well.
