SRAM have described the S40 wheels as all-rounder wheels ideal for fast hilly rides and the features and construction of the wheels reveal that they really are one of the best all-rounder wheels available to riders today. Created using SRAM’s new unidirectional carbon fibre the S40 wheels possess the perfect equilibrium of lightness and rigidity and are the lightest wheels in SRAM road clincher range. The solid 38mm deep rim profile construction makes certain that they are stiff enough to effectively transfer a rider’s power in order to help riders achieve impressive speeds more easily.

The most impressive aspect of the SRAM S40 wheels however is their careful aero shape; this unique aerodynamic design and bladed spokes enable riders to slice through any troubling crosswinds, ensuring riders are able to maintain fast speeds throughout a competitive race or recreational journey. While the alloy cartridge bearing with hubs promise that the SRAM S40 wheels offer riders a smooth spin as well as being extremely hard-wearing.

There is no doubt in many of our testers minds that the SRAM S40 wheelset is one of the better wheelsets offered by this manufacturer and its careful design and construction does ensure that riders are purchasing a high-quality product that has been created using the most advanced material available and features a pioneering aerodynamic design. However, some of our testers did say that despite the S40 wheels being the lightest in SRAM’s range, weighing approximately 1710grams in
total does mean that they are still quite heavy compared to other wheels on the market. Nevertheless, they handle beautifully, reach fast speeds and look fantastic, which is why many of our testers still consider them a fantastic pair of wheels despite their extra weight.

These all-rounder wheels are designed for enthusiast cyclists who are determined to venture out on to the roads in all weather conditions. With this idea in mind DT Swiss have ensured that these tubeless clincher wheels have a strong, durable rim, which remains sturdy even after excessive use, yet offers enough rigidity so that rider’s can feel the improvement of their performance by continually transferring their power to the road. Similarly, the flat design of the rims give the DT Swiss R 1800 wheels an aerodynamic design, helping riders to maintain their fast speeds when tackling strong crosswinds.

The forged alloy spokes offer strength and rigidity, guaranteeing that they stay true and eliminate flex, which only further helps riders reach extraordinary speeds. While the spokes front radial lacing and rear 2- cross lacing spoke design further enhances the strength of the wheel, while also improving the overall aerodynamics profile of the DT Swiss R 1800 wheels. The DT ProLock hexagonal aluminium nipples reduce the overall weight of each wheel, whilst remaining strong enough to withstand
excessive use. The two pawl quick release hubs ensure smooth spinning and are virtually maintenance free.

The DT Swiss R 1800 wheelset are the most well known wheels produced by this renowned components manufacturer, however they do perform to the standard recreational cyclist’s desire. Many of our testers said they are able to withstand hard acceleration, showing very little flex and the rigidity of the rims and spokes only helped riders reach high speeds. Overall, the DT Swiss R 1800 wheelset are fantastic all-rounder wheels and ideal for riders searching for a robust, durable wheel for their road bike.

The Easton EA70X wheelset comprises of a number of advanced components, in particular these tubular wheels feature a large diameter axles which have been constructed using 7050 alloy. The hubs possess a wider flange than most road wheels, which adds additional lateral stiffness and helps to improve the wheels handling. The Easton EA70X hubs are also fitted with precision sealed cartridge bearings, which guarantee that the wheels are smooth spinning, but also virtually maintenance free and durable.

Two of the most impressive aspects of the Easton EA70X wheels however are the rims and spokes. Tubular welded the 25mm rims have been created using EA70 alloy to ensure that they are both durable as well as extremely rigid. This rigidity enables the Easton EA70X wheels to efficiently transfer a cyclist’s power to the road, whilst also offering the perfect level of vertical compliance when riding. The other impressive feature of the Easton EA70X wheels are their Sapim double-butted
spokes, which ensure the Easton EA70X wheels are both strong and rigid, while the radial and 2-cross design helps to lower the wheels wind resistance level.

Additional features such as a machined aluminium braking surface and Campagnolo, Shimano and SRAM cassette compatibility are just a few extra reasons why our testers were impressed with these wheels. From the very first ride our testers were impressed with these wheels, they are extremely rigid helping riders to reach incredible speeds with the least amount of effort and look fantastic. Part of Easton’s performance range these hand built wheels definitely provide competitive riders with an advantage over other cyclists, making the Easton EA70X worth every penny.

One of the leading models in their road wheel range is the Halo Aerotrack, which features a mid sized 27mm deep profile Aero road rim. These rims are both strong as well as rigid, this combination ensures that riders can enjoy wheels that do not flex under excessive pedalling and continually translate a rider’s efforts into speed for a faster performance. The aero design of the 32 reliable plain 14 gauge spokes guarantees that the Halo Aerotrack wheels glide effortless through crosswinds for a steadier, smoother ride.

The most impressive feature of the Halo Aerotrack wheelset however is the renowned Halo Fix-G track hubs, which offers riders a number of advantages, in particular easy and secure fixing, the option to use a twin cog and an adjustable chainline. This Halo track hub features a Hi-polished custom CNC machined hub shell and Japanese sealed bearings, ensuring that the hub is maintenance free as well as extremely robust. But more importantly, Halo’s track hub are considered to be the smoothest available on the market today and are ideal for road cyclists.

Available in a range of colours, that include simple black, sleek silver as well as the more daring neon green and pink colour, the Halo Aerotrack looks exciting and modern, with the more daring colours ideal for cyclists who want to stand apart from the rest of the racing crowd. Overall, many of our testers we impressed with Halo’s Aerotrack wheels, describing
them as extremely reliable and great value as well as possessing the perfect level of stiffness to ensure riders could pick up speed relatively easily. These positive aspects make the Halo Aerotrack wheels a fantastic alternative to the more expensive road wheelsets available on the market today.

Although, the Aerorage wheelset is considered to be an entry level model of Halo’s road wheel range, these fantastic wheels possesses a sleek look, careful construction and design to create a set of wheels that could rival the more expensive models offered by other manufacturers. The moderately sized 25mm V-section rims are light in weight yet extremely stiff, which ensures that they effectively transfer a rider’s power to the road for a more impressive performance. While the aero designed double butted spokes ensure the wheels possess an ergonomic profile that glides through any crosswinds for a more stable ride, whilst remaining rigid enough to transfer a rider’s power as well as prevent any flex from occurring. The sealed bearing SL alloy Spin Master hub provides riders with a smooth ride that requires virtually no maintenance.

Weighing 1730 grams the Halo Aerorage wheels are not the lightest wheelsets available on the market, however many of our testers did comment that these wheels didn’t feel heavy and that throughout the tests they maintained a high level of rigidity and strength, which in turn enabled them to pick up and maintain fast speeds both on steep climbs and declines. This perfect balance of lightness, strength and rigidity as well as the wheels Campagnolo and Shimano compatible options, definitely make the Aerorage wheels one of the best entry level wheelsets for road bikes ever produced by Halo and a fantastic option for cyclist’s who want to upgrade to more performance enhancing wheels.

Shimano have created a number of wheelsets over the years, however a wheelset that stands apart from other models is the Shimano RS80 wheelset. Part of Shimano performance range the Shimano RS80 wheels have a pioneering carbon-alloy construction to create a light but strong wheel, ideal for competitive cycling as well as recreational rides. The clincher wheels have a carbon and alloy laminate rim. Created using a phosphoric acid anodising process and with a unique 0.7mm wall design, the Shimano RS80 rims are both light in weight, extremely rigid but also offer a braking performance not always achievable on carbon wheels. The rigidity of the rims ensure they effectively transfer a cyclist power to the road helping rider’s reach impressive speeds, while the high braking performance offers riders a level of reassurance.

The Shimano RS80 wheels also feature stainless steel butted and bladed straight pull spokes. The butted construction creates spokes that are extremely robust and stiff, these characteristics help to eliminate any flex whilst also effectively transferring a riders pedal power to the road. The bladed design of the spokes however promise that the Shimano RS80 wheels slice through strong crosswinds effectively so riders can have the benefit of a steadier ride.

Fitted with anodized aluminium hubs that include Labyrinth double contact sealing, which helps to prevent water or dirt from seeping and damaging the hubs. While the polished bearings lower the rotational friction for a smoother spin that requires very little maintenance. The large flange on the rear wheel also further increases the lateral rigidity of the rear wheel.

Overall, our testers were delighted with the Shimano RS80 wheelset. Many said that they felt light, making them great for climbing, while other said the overall stiffness level of the wheels meant they could reach fast speeds quickly. These high performance wheels possess everything a cyclist needs to enjoy fast paced cycling and are one of the best mid range wheelsets created by Shimano.

Halo’s performance model designed for competitive racing is the Halo Mercury wheels, which possess the same features and carefully designed construction normally only found on more expensive models. The 30mm deep aluminium rims offer good breaking as well as a level of rigidity often only available on aluminium wheels, ensuring every piece of power produced by a cyclist is effectively transferred to the road for an easy ride. The 30mm rims, when coupled with 16/24 lacing spoke design guarantees a perfect aerodynamic design so that the wheels effectively slice through the strongest crosswinds. The lacing and two-cross design of the double butted spokes creates an unbelievable amount of strength, which reduces the amount of flex produced giving a more reliable performance.

Another fantastic feature of the Halo Mercury is the sealed bearings SL alloy hubs, these carefully constructed and design hubs ensure that the Halo Mercury wheels are durable, require little maintenance, but more importantly guarantee these wheels have much less friction.

The Halo Mercury wheels are truly remarkable, with most of our testers offering only positive comments, in particular many testers were surprised at how lightweight the wheels were, weighing only 1625grams in total, compared to other more expensive models. While other testers were impressed with the wheels high quality design features and finish, which easily challenges the more expensive, well known models on the market. A unique concept Halo are one of the only manufacturers to offer a high quality wheelset that possesses high performance features yet remains reasonably priced. The positive aspects of the Halo Mercury wheels are why they are a fantastic choice for cyclists who want to upgrade their mid- range wheels for a more rigid, durable and aerodynamic wheel.

Founded in 1973, Corima are best known for creating their fantastic carbon road wheels, and one of their most renowned models is the Corima Aero carbon wheel. First introduced in 1992 this wheel remains one of the highest selling carbon wheels.

This versatile wheel is available as either a clincher or tubular wheel in a 700c size and both rear Corima Aero wheels are Shimano, Campagnolo and SRAM compatible, with the complete cassette body being interchangeable. The construction and design of the Corima Aero wheels are fantastic; in particular all of the Corima Aero wheels have a full carbon 12K weave rim that have been created using Corima’s HPS 100 percent carbon manufacturing process, which helps to ensure the carbon remains as light as possible. All of the Corima Aero wheels also feature a 2D new rim design; this new design possesses the optimum
level of stiffness, ensuring that a rider’s power is continually transferred to the road. While this new design also minimises the air drag for a more aerodynamic profile. While the tubular wheels also feature Corima’s Torison Box technology, which further increases the overall stiffness of the rims for a better performance.

All of the Corima Aero wheels also feature Sapim Aero CX-Ray spokes, which help these wheels to effectively slice through strong crosswinds. These carefully constructed and designed Sapim Aero CX-Ray spokes are also significantly lighter, almost as light as titanium and stronger than most stainless steel spokes, promising a high level of tension and rigidity, ensuring that the spokes eliminate any flex and efficiently transfer a rider’s power to the road. The Corima Aero wheelsets also feature Moyeu Carbon hubs, which are constructed using the best alloy and a unique moulding process that lowers the overall weight of the hubs whilst also increasing their overall strength. These hubs ensure the Corima Aero wheels spin effortlessly and require practically no maintenance.

Both versions of the Corima Aero wheelsets are superb, the hubs provide smooth spinning, while the Sapim Aero CX-Ray spokes and rim design guarantee that the wheels are the most aerodynamic available. A responsive wheel that reaches impressive speeds it is easy to understand why the Corima Aero wheelset remains a popular choice for enthusiastic cyclists.

Charge are one of the most unique bicycle manufacturers today, designing and manufacturing everything from frames to tyres to chains, they have a reputation for producing high quality products that are built to last and designed to help cyclists win races. Charge only produce one wheelset, the Charge Dish but this wheelset is quickly developing a reputation for possessing everything a cyclist needs.

Designed to fit any 700c frame with a 120mm spacing the Charge Dish wheelset possesses a strong, hard-wearing rim, with CNC machined side walls. This careful creation of the wheels rims guarantees that they possess the perfect level of rigidity. This stiffness enables the wheels to effective transfer a rider’s power to the road creating an extremely responsive wheel that only helps riders reach impressive speeds.

The Charge Dish are also fitted with stainless steel spokes, 32 spokes to each wheel. The spokes are exceptionally strong and stiff; this strength eliminates any flex from occurring, while the rigidity of the spokes only further increases the wheels responsiveness.

The flip flop hubs feature cartridge bearings, which ensure the wheels spin as smoothly as possible, are durable and require very little maintenance. While the inclusion of a large flange on the rear wheel only increases the torisonal stiffness of the rear wheel ensuring that every piece of power created by the cyclist is transferred to the road.

The design of the Charge Dish wheelset is simple, yet compared to more complicated wheelsets these wheels perform beautifully. Our testers commented that they are particularly durable surviving our rigorous testing, felt reactive from the first pedal, whilst also looking great. A relatively inexpensive wheelset compared to others on the market the Dish wheels are a fantastic option for cyclists who want uncomplicated wheels that perform brilliantly.

Reynolds is one of the oldest bicycle components manufacturers, with over 100 years experience developing cycling components Reynolds use their experience and knowledge to continually create products that are unrivalled in their design and construction.

Reynolds expertise and experience can be seen in their competitive road Assault wheelset. Weighing a mere 1,272 grams Reynolds have carefully ensured that riders can benefit from choosing carbon over other alloys, these all carbon wheels are one of the lightest to date and make uphill sprinting significantly easier. But whilst the Reynolds Assault wheels are extremely light, they also possess the perfect level of rigidity and aerodynamic design. The rigidity of the Reynolds Assault 46mm rims promises that they are responsive, while the rims flat-sided design and rounded DT Revolution spokes guarantee that the wheels slice through the air perfectly at every speed. Reynolds have also introduced their new pioneering CTg braking system with Reynolds Cryo Blue braking pads for more reliable and controlled braking in all weather conditions. The Reynolds hub is durable and ensures a consistent smooth spin.

Arguably one of the best wheelsets ever created it was expected that our testers would enjoy every aspect of the Reynolds Assault wheels. The only criticism our testers discovered during our tests was that bladed spokes would have improved the aerodynamics of the Reynolds Assault, however the rounded design still ensured our testers enjoyed a steady ride. This single criticism aside many of our testers only had positive comments to say about the Reynolds Assault wheels, in particular many said that the wheels were incredibly light, are able to pick up and maintain fast speeds, whilst also looking fantastic. With so many positive aspects to these wheels it is easy to see why Reynolds considers this wheelset as one of the best they have ever produced.

Reynolds Assault Wheelset Video Review