Niobium is an element found on the Periodic Table. Due to the different melting points melding Aluminum and Niobium into a Niobium alloy has not been possible. This problem has now been overcome. The NEW Niobium alloy yields a much stronger alloy than standard 7000 series alloys which allows for much lighter alloy rims. The IRD Cadence rim uses a similar extrusion to the DT Swiss RR1.1. The Cadence Aero uses a similar extrusion to the RR 1.2. This means you end up with a rim that is just as strong and about 20% lighter with a great fit and finish.