WTB's LaserDisc series wheels revolve around lightweight LaserDisc Lite hubs that feature sealed stainless steel bearings, 12-point engagement, a fully-machined aluminum hub shell and an alloy freehub. These dependable hubs are then laced-up with 32 WTB-brand double-butted spokes.
The spokes themselves are noteworthy—at the J bend (the most likely point for the average spoke to break) they measure 2.2-millimeters in cross-section. WTB calls this proprietary feature Swell-Bow and it has been proven to create a stronger, stiffer wheel build. The real highlights of these wheels, however, are the LaserDisc rims. These aluminum alloy rims benefit from several proprietary structural improvements. I-Beam is a key feature that WTB pioneered in 1994.
I-Beam is a distinctive, centrally located vertical support that counteracts spoke loads and provides torsional rigidity. Another boost in strength comes from Unbendium Bulge, an additional band of aluminum that replaces the rim's braking surface. Unbendium Bulge provides a significant improvement in rigidity with a negligible difference in weight.
LaserDisc series rims also use deeper grooves for the beadseats as well as two raised lips that lock the beads into place. WTB calls this feature Global Bead System (G.B.S.). The G.B.S. design holds the tyre firmly in place and greatly reduces the chance of “burping” the tyre off the rim in heavy lateral loading.
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