ROAD WHEELS
Campagnolo Zonda C17 $755
The Zonda c17 aluminum wheels by Campagnolo follow the lead of the Italian company’s Shamal Ultra hoops. The Zonda, like the Shamal, is now a little bit wider, with a 17-mm internal width. That dimension gives tires, especially 25c tires, more of a semicircle profile (instead of a lightbulb shape) providing better traction. The traditional cup-and-cone bearings should roll smooth and fast for many miles with proper maintenance. At 1,540 g, a pair of Zondas are only about 50 g heavier than a set of Shamals. But at $755, you get durable hoops on which you can ride far and wide. ( campagnolo.com)
Shimano R9170 Dura-ace C40 Disc $2,550
With the relaunch of the Shimano Dura-ace line, discs have gone right to the top. Not only are there Dura-ace rotors and calipers, but the Japan-based company has made top-end wheels to match. The c40-tl can handle a tubeless step. The thruaxle has a 12-mm diameter. A set weighs in at 1,540 g. The wheels are well-rounded contenders suitable for all conditions at a reasonable price. ( bike.shimano.com)
DT Swiss PR 1400 Dicut Oxic $2,200
The DT Swiss PR 1400 Dicut Oxic wheels are as light (1,435 g) and stiff as you will find without going to carbon rims. The PR 1400 feature wide, low-profile asymmetric rims with a ceramic-coated braking surface to boost braking power. The rims are laced to the hubs with DT aero comp spokes. They’re straight-pull, as opposed to J-bend, which DT says gives them a better strength to weight ratio. ( dtswiss.com)
Praxis Works RC21 $2,350
These versatile carbon wheels have you covered from road to gravel or cyclocross. The thru-axle hubs come by way of DT Swiss (dt350 with the 36-star ratchet). There’s a 15-mm thru axle in the front and 142 x 12-mm thru axle in the rear. The 30-mm deep rims sport an internal width of 21 mm. The rims are tubeless ready and come with spare spokes, just in case. ( gwbicycle.com)
Energylab VCD 60 Disc $1,599
Energylab is a Calgary-based wheel marker. The company’s vcd 60 Disc are budget-friendly aero hoops. Energylab says the pair weighs in at 1,697 g. Front axle options include quick release, 12 mm and 15 mm. At the back, you can pick QR, 135 x 12-mm and 142 x 12-mm. If you’re looking for a cyclocross option, you can get a pair of vcd 60 Disc that run tubular tires. ( energylab-sports.com)
Easton EA70 SL Disc $915
Easton drew upon its X5 mountain hub for the X5 CL hubs at the centre of its Easton ea70 SL Disc wheels. The “CL” in the hub name is for Center Lock, Shimano’s mounting system for rotors. The rims are tubeless ready and have decently wide 19-mm internal width, which should provide support for cyclocross- or gravel-size tires. These are versatile wheels for the budget-conscious rider. ( eastoncycling.com)
Mavic Ksyrium Elite Disc $1,150
The Mavic Ksyrium Elite Disc is a versatile set of hoops. You can convert the front hub from quick release to 12-mm thru axle to 15-mm thru axle, with optional adaptors. At the back, your options are QR or 142 x 12 mm. The Instant Drive 360 freewheel offers fast engagement, making these wheels a great choice for your disc-equipped road or cross bike. At 1,670 g, they are a reliable wheel that can go the distance. They come with Mavic Yksion Pro tires: the Kevlar Griplink on the front and the Powerlink in the rear. ( mavic.com)
Vision Metron 55 SL $2,070
Vision’s mid-height aero carbon wheelset, weighing in at 1,430 g, is entirely hand-built. The rear hub uses angular contact bearings for smooth, long-lasting durability. They are available in clincher or tubular and come with wheel bags, brake pads and valve extenders. These wheels will serve you well from the start line to the finish. ( visiontechusa.com)—bradhunter