3T’s 650b Discus wheels
£850 › Wider is faster, discus
IN RECENT YEARS, 3T HAS been expanding our perceived knowledge of bike normality. With the Exploro aero gravel bike, then Strada single ring road bike, it isn’t afraid to push the envelope. Not forgetting their componentmaking roots, this Discus Plus wheelset caters to the growing market for smaller 650B hoops.
Cheapest in the Discus Plus range, they feature welded 6000 series aluminium trims, with an asymmetric profile, said to equalise loads from the disc brakes and drivetrain. Measuring 30mm externally, they’re a generous 24mm wide internally and just 21mm tall. To better align the 24 double-butted, straightpull stainless steel spokes with the hubs, the spoke holes are drilled at an angle and the alloy nipples are supported by internal concave washers.
The light alloy hubs have adjustable bearings, accept centre lock disc rotors and are supplied with easily swappable end caps for quick release, 15mm front thru axle and 12mm thru axles in 135mm or 142mm rear widths. Standard rim tapes are fitted, but the rims can easily be converted to tubeless with the relevant tape and valves. Including rim tapes, our pair weighed 1686g.
We fitted some Panaracer Comet Hardpack 2-inch (50mm) tyres, which are midway between the expected 45mm to 2.2-inch (55mm) ideal size range for these wheels, and tested with inner tubes at 28psi. For a 76kg rider this was a good compromise between road speed and off-road grip and comfort, with enough pressure to ward off pinch flats.
Wider rims come in to their own with the support they give large volume tyres, avoiding potential squirm and roll at low pressure. The sidewall control of the 3Ts is excellent, permitting precise sudden direction changes with great stability on all surfaces, and they’re quite responsive too, quick to pick up the pace when asked. They climb almost as well as the best 650B wheels we’ve tried, and sustain speed nicely, although tyre tread and pressure can have more bearing here.
For ease of tyre fitment, setup and adventurous use, these 3T Discus Plus wheels are easy to recommend, but they are relatively expensive.
HIGHS Easy setup, good ride quality LOWS Price, not supplied with tubeless kit