Buyer’s Guide: Carbon Wheels
ASK 100 DIFFERENT CYCLISTS about carbon wheels and you’ll get 100 different answers.
Indeed, the arguments can be almost as circular as the wheels themselves. One of the big reasons is the growing size and diversity of the carbon wheelset market. Well-built and increasingly well-priced, riders enjoy more choice than ever. But how do you line them all up?
With the help of Cheeky Velosport in Randwick, who provided us with technical support and a pair of Bianchi steeds – the Oltre XR3 and Aria – we set out to trial a select sample of mid-range carbon wheelsets in and around Sydney’s Centennial Park.
It was an interesting process to say the least – not dissimilar to speed dating in some ways – with almost as much time spent in the workshop as out on the road thanks to the subtleties of Centrelock rings, rotors and brake calipers.
Fiddly as the process was, the perseverance was well worth it and hopefully our findings will prove useful in pulling together a shortlist should you be looking at a wheel upgrade in the not-too-distant future.
“...the arguments can be almost AS CIRCULAR AS THE WHEELS THEMSELVES...”
WHAT MAKES A GREAT SET OF CARBON WHEELS?
Is a good question, alas one with no simple answe. It will almost cer tainly
