ASHEVILLE, N.C. (BRAIN) — Industry Nine has signed a licensing agreement with Shimano to offer Micro Spline-compatible freehubs for use with the new XTR M9100 12-speed mountain group. All the freehubs will be produced at I9’s facility in Asheville, and will be available by the end of the year.
Industry Nine said it’s the first North American brand to receive the license. Switzerland’s DT Swiss also offers Micro Spline freehubs. Shimano’s PR agency said the component giant is working with a small number of other brands on licensing agreements for Micro Spline but is leaving it up to them to make their own announcements.
Financial details of Industry Nine’s licensing agreement were not immediately available.
"We are happy to build on our relationship with Shimano and flattered to be one of the few brands offered a license for Micro Spline. This partnership allows our brand to continue offering all major axle and drivetrain specs — which riders have come to expect from Industry Nine,” I9 vice president Jacob McGahey said in a release.
David Thomas, Industry Nine’s domestic sales manager, told BRAIN that Micro Spline compatibility was one of the most asked-about topics for the company at last month’s Interbike show.
”We like to be able to offer as many compatible options as possible for what mountain bikers are going to be seeing in the marketplace,” he said.
Industry Nine will offer Micro Spline freehubs as an option on all current mountain bike wheelsets and hubs, and as a service component for any of its existing Torch series mountain hubs. Pricing has yet to be announced.
