Amidst the world of cycling, the joy of riding a nimble and sprightly bicycle is an experience cherished by many. Among the multitude of factors that determine a bike’s performance, the weight of its wheels stands as a significant contributor. Alloy wheels, commonly found on carbon road bikes, can weigh around 2 to 2.5 kg, while an entry-level carbon wheelset typically clocks in at 1.5 to 1.7 kg, contingent on the rim’s depth.
However, a burning question prevails: What if one seeks the epitome of lightweight bicycle wheelsets? The forthcoming exposition seeks to delve into the realm of the newest and most remarkable lightweight bicycle wheelsets available in today’s market. Beyond mere lightness, this discourse unveils a review of the swiftest lightweight wheels that money can procure.
Considerations Beyond Weight: Selecting the Ideal Carbon Wheels
In the quest for a new set of wheels, it is essential to look beyond weight as the sole determining factor. Although weight stands as a crucial criterion, the discerning rider must navigate a nuanced landscape, understanding that the pursuit of mere lightness can yield unintended consequences. The interplay of elements within a wheelset orchestrates a symphony of performance, and focusing solely on weight might inadvertently mute certain notes.
- A wheel can attain lightness by employing shallow depths, slender rims, or delicate hubs, evoking an illusion of agility. Yet, this artful balancing act could tip the scales towards compromise. An excessively shallow rim might forsake aerodynamics, sacrificing speed potential on straightaways. Delicate hubs, while contributing to weight reduction, might eclipse the resilience needed to withstand rigorous terrains;
- This journey calls for a discerning eye that delves into every facet of a wheelset. Rim depth, width, stiffness, and durability step forth as critical players in the orchestra. Rim depth dictates the aerodynamic prowess and suitability for varied terrains. Rim width shapes handling and stability, while stiffness influences response. Durability emerges as a non-negotiable attribute, ensuring longevity amidst diverse cycling conditions;
- The hub, often overlooked, emerges as the maestro conducting the ensemble. Its design, material, and precision orchestrate a smooth rotation that can make or break a ride. The rider’s quest for excellence necessitates evaluating each element within the wheelset, embracing a holistic perspective that transcends the allure of mere weight.
As riders embark on the journey to unearth the optimal wheelset, they traverse a path where considerations extend beyond grams. Each turn of the pedal demands the harmonious interplay of factors, where weight, depth, width, stiffness, and durability converge to create an orchestra that resonates with their cycling aspirations.
The Depths of Rim Selection
Rim depth, signifying the vertical span from the rim’s top to its base, plays a pivotal role. Shallow rim depths, lighter due to less material usage, sacrifice aerodynamics. This trade-off might suit those who covet the lightest wheels or frequently tackle steep inclines. Yet, for a lightweight wheelset that marries swiftness with agility, the 40-50 mm rim depth range is the golden mean.
Unraveling Rim Width Dynamics
The width of the rims shapes the bike’s handling and on-road feel. Wider rims offer enhanced stability, a smoother ride, and potentially lower rolling resistance. Conversely, narrower rims feature lower weight and potentially better aerodynamics.
For insightful analysis, direct attention to the internal rim width rather than its outer dimensions. Modern rims often possess internal widths spanning 19 to 21 mm.
Grappling with Stiffness Conundrums
Stiffness, a critical facet, can be influenced by various variables like rim wall thickness, spoke count, and spoke tension. Thicker rims with increased spoke counts foster stiffness, while thinner rims paired with fewer spokes yield flexibility and lightness.
While stiffer wheels boost performance, less stiff wheels have their merits, providing comfort on rugged terrains.
Endurance in the Face of Duress
Durability surfaces as a paramount consideration when evaluating wheel options. Carbon wheels are designed to withstand the rigors of continuous cycling, shrugging off daily usage and occasional shocks like bumps and potholes. While lighter wheels employ less material, rendering them more fragile, thicker rim walls bolster durability albeit at the cost of additional weight.
Hubs: The Heartbeat of Performance
Hubs, the central axis around which rims and spokes revolve, hold the key to a wheel’s performance. Their design influences weight, smoothness, and longevity.
Lightweight wheels often embrace slender hubs, delicate axles, and diminutive bearings. This trinity trims weight and enhances ride smoothness, but necessitates regular maintenance due to their comparatively shorter lifespan.
Unraveling the Wheel Types
Three distinctive types of bicycle wheels grace the landscape: clincher (hooked), tubular, and hookless rims. Tubular rims, the lightest, are marred by inconvenience for everyday use. Hookless rims, lighter than clinchers, can only be employed as tubeless, necessitating compatible tires.
Clincher wheels, today’s prevailing norm, integrate inner tubes for air retention, with many being compatible with tubeless setups.
1. Extralite CyberDisc 338CS: The Featherlight Maverick
Draped in unmatched lightness, the Extralite CyberDisc 338CS emerges as the crowning jewel of this roster. At a mere 38 mm depth, this ensemble tips the scales at a beguiling 1,080g, dwarfing its high-end 38 mm counterparts which often hover around 1,400g. Sporting a semi-hooked tubeless-ready rim design, it forges a unique identity.
Incorporating an 18 mm internal width, a touch narrower than standard carbon clinchers, the Extralite CyberDisc 338CS is an unorthodox contender, best suited for intrepid souls. However, its journey demands vigilant checks for damage and hub upkeep, particularly for those treading on uneven terrains or unfavorable weather.
2. Zipp 353 & 454 NSW: A Symphony of Lightness
Zipp unveils the 353 and 454 NSW, embodying the zenith of tubeless hookless wheels. A 45 mm rim depth blesses the Zipp 353 NSW with a jaw-dropping 1255 g weight, a feat reminiscent of the extraordinary. Meanwhile, the Zipp 454 NSW, a 58 mm deep masterpiece, registers a mere 1358 g on the scale, beckoning those who seek unparalleled lightness.
The allure of the 454 NSW lies in its hookless interior and undulating rim design. While nominally a 58 mm rim, its aerodynamic prowess dances between the realms of traditional 58 mm and 53 mm counterparts, conjuring an enigmatic balance.
3. Lightweight Obermayer EVO: Exquisite Extravagance
Glistening with opulence, the Lightweight Obermayer EVO unfurls as a jewel of indulgence. Touting a 48 mm rim depth and an 18.2 mm internal width, it materializes at a svelte 1230 g, positioning itself as a beacon of light within its niche. This unparalleled lightness is a testament to its exceptional carbon composition and intricately woven spokes.
While its premium stature restricts accessibility, the Obermayer EVO encapsulates a unique aesthetic, beckoning those who are undeterred by the price tag and crave opulent flex.
4. Roval Rapide CLX & Bontrager Aeolus RSL 62: Pinnacle of Choice
In the realm of choice, Roval’s Rapide CLX emerges as a formidable contender. With a 51 mm front rim depth and 60 mm rear rim depth, its weight registers at 1400 g, embodying a balance between depth and aerodynamics. Akin to a phoenix rising, the Rapide CLX II ascends, albeit with a 120 g weight increase at 1520 g, compelling consideration of alternatives like the Bontrager Aeolus RSL 62.
The Bontrager Aeolus RSL 62 extends an inviting profile with a 62 mm depth, rivaling its predecessor’s weight. Endorsed by independent tests for stability, aerodynamics, and stiffness, this option bears the seal of approval. Both Roval and Bontrager stand as stalwarts of the industry, venerated for their commitment to quality and backed by the prowess of DT Swiss internals.
In the universe of cycling, where each ounce counts, these lightweight wheelsets paint a portrait of innovation, technology, and design. As riders embark on their journey to embrace the finesse of lightweight bicycles, these wheelsets beckon like stars in the night sky, promising an ethereal riding experience.
5. Farsports Ventoux S EVO: A Glimpse into Lightweight Innovation
Amidst the constellation of renowned carbon wheel manufacturers, Farsports from China emerges as a budget-friendly beacon known for its quality creations. Yet, Farsports earns its place on this list not merely due to its affordability but also because it crafts astonishingly lightweight marvels—such as the Ventoux S EVO series. Notably, Farsports remains one of the select few still producing rim brake wheels, adding to its unique allure.
The Ventoux S EVO series presents itself in three variations:
- S3: Tipping the scales at 1250 g (rim brake) or 1215 g (disc brake), this version boasts a 35 mm front and 36 mm rear rim depth;
- S4: With a weight of 1330 g (rim brake) or 1295 g (disc brake), the S4 option dazzles with an F45 mm/R46 mm rim depth combination;
- S6: Coming in at 1430 g (rim brake) or 1375 g (disc brake), the S6 variant showcases an F56 mm/R56 mm rim depth.
Across all three iterations, an internal width of 19 mm prevails—a commendable feat considering the weight, especially in the disc brake version. Notably, the Ventoux S EVO features a tubeless-ready hooked rim design. Priced lower than most counterparts on this list (with an exception to follow), the Ventoux S EVO graces its users with carbon spokes and CeramicSpeed bearings. This intricate amalgamation reduces weight while maintaining stiffness and minimizing friction through the hub.
6. Winspace Lún Hyper: A Fusion of Value and Performance
Winspace, hailing from the city of Xiamen in China, introduces the Hyper wheels—a testament to unmatched value within the wheelset market. At a price tag even more enticing than Farsports’, the Winspace Hyper joins the echelons of excellence through its deployment of carbon spokes and ceramic bearings.
The Hyper stands as a pinnacle of lightness and rigidity. Even in its most minimalistic form—a 33 mm depth rim brake alternative—it defies gravity at a mere 1229 g. For those craving greater depth, the 60-68 mm rim option weighs a modest 1418 g. While marginally heavier than its Chinese counterpart Farsports, it offers an entrancing starting point for a much lower investment.
Proudly earning the title of the only sub-$2000 wheelset on this roster, the Winspace Hyper stands as the epitome of value. An embodiment of the gram-per-dollar ratio, it becomes an irresistible upgrade for budget-conscious road bike enthusiasts, accentuating the cycling experience.
Exploring Alternative Wheel Possibilities
- Elite Drive 50D: A product from China, this lightweight wheelset features carbon spokes and ceramic bearings, rivaling the Farsports Ventoux EVO S in lightness while maintaining an enticing affordability. However, caution arises from third-party reviewers who’ve encountered issues with their review samples, prompting a temporary hesitance in endorsing it;
- ENVE SES 2.3: With a front depth of 28 mm and a rear depth of 32 mm, these hookless wheels weigh in at a mere 1197 g. A viable choice for those not yet ready to embrace the exotic realm of wheels like the Extralite CyberDiscs, the ENVE SES 2.3 serves as a compelling alternative for achieving the utmost gram reduction;
- Vision Metron 45 SL: A 45 mm clincher wheelset enters the fray at 1372 g. Although impressive, it finds itself in a direct comparison against the Farsports Ventoux EVO S4, which holds its ground at 1295 g. For those inclined towards established western brands, this option might beckon;
- Princeton CarbonWorks Peak 4550: As a new contender, Princeton CarbonWorks has made a splash with its unconventional undulating rim design and lavish aesthetics. The Peak 4550, adorning itself with gold or chrome accents, boasts an impressive weight of 1348 g for the disc brake variant. Nevertheless, it’s prudent to note that real-world weights may slightly diverge, leaning closer to 1450 g;
- Partington R Series: With a weight of 1200 g, the R-Series unveils a 39 mm front rim depth and a 44 mm rear—a visual semblance to Lightweight designs, yet marked by a matte finish, shallower depth, and broader internal dimensions.
In the universe of carbon wheelsets, each entry vies for supremacy, a testament to craftsmanship, technology, and innovation that unfolds beneath the cyclist’s touch. Amidst this symphony of choice, riders can embark on their journey, their choice of wheelset resonating with the cadence of their aspirations and the rhythm of the road.
Conclusion: Paving the Path to Unveiled Potential
In the realm of cycling, where precision meets passion, the quest for the perfect wheelset remains eternal. This expedition takes riders across a landscape where innovation and engineering intertwine, crafting featherlight creations that defy conventions. The journey through this curated compendium of lightweight wheelsets has illuminated the diversity and excellence that grace the domain of cycling technology.
- From the Extralite CyberDisc 338CS that emerges as a lightweight marvel with a touch of exclusivity, to the Ventoux S EVO series by Farsports that combines affordability with remarkable weightlessness, each wheelset contributes to the symphony of choice available to riders;
- The journey doesn’t halt at lightweight marvels alone; it ventures into the world of value, where the Winspace Lún Hyper shines as a beacon of affordability without compromising on performance. A glance at alternative options, be it the Elite Drive 50D, ENVE SES 2.3, Vision Metron 45 SL, Princeton CarbonWorks Peak 4550, or Partington R Series, showcases the mosaic of preferences that define cycling enthusiasts;
- In this voyage of exploration, riders transcend the boundaries of conventional choices, embracing technology that propels them forward with every pedal stroke. Each wheelset mirrors the aspirations and endeavors of cyclists worldwide, promising an experience that dances between the ethereal realm of lightness and the grounded stability required for a dynamic ride.
As the road stretches ahead, these wheelsets stand as conduits to limitless possibilities. It’s a realm where weight is not just a measure but a factor that shapes the entire cycling experience, imbuing every ride with a touch of finesse. Whether one seeks to soar like the wind or conquer the steepest inclines, the choice is imbued with not just practicality, but the essence of a rider’s unique journey.
The realm of lightweight wheelsets beckons, inviting riders to step into a world where innovation collides with performance. With each turn of the pedal, these wheelsets carry riders towards uncharted territories of speed, agility, and pure cycling ecstasy. In the end, the pursuit of the perfect wheelset is more than a journey—it’s a testament to the indomitable spirit of riders who relentlessly seek to elevate their cycling experience.
