Four more top hoops
Bontrager Aura 5 TLR $1,740
Aura 5 TLR wheels are everyday wind-cheaters. They have aluminum rims, which provide a good amount of friction when you need to come to a stop, and 50-mm carbon fairings to increase aerodynamics. The dual-directional design (D3) profile not only cuts wind at the front, tire-leading side of the wheel, but also at the rim-leading side. The pair weighs 1,720 g. ( trekbikes.com)
Specialized Roval CLX 32 disc $2,600
Usually, you pay a weight penalty when you want to get more aero. With the Roval CLX 32 disc, Specialized aimed to shed grams and slice the wind. The hoops debuted in mid-2016. Their 32-mm-deep rim shapes were developed from the deeper Roval CLX 64 set and optimized for 26c tires. They have a inner rim width of 20.7 mm, which handles 28c tires nicely, should you want something for rougher surfaces. If those surfaces have steep inclines, you’re only pushing 1,350 g uphill. ( specialized.com)
Corima 47-mm MCC WS+ $6,750
The MCC WS+ clinchers are at the high end of French brand Corima’s lineup. For the price of a really good bike, you get an exceptional pair of high-performance wheels. The company makes the MCC S+ carbon hubs – the rear with three pawls and 30-tooth ratchet – as well as the 47-mm-deep, 26-mm-wide carbon rims. Both front and rear wheels have eye-catching 12-carbon-spoke patterns. The clinchers will add a mere 1,430 g to your ride, and killer looks. ( corima.com)
Energylab VC 40 $1,499
At the centre of the Calgary-based wheel maker’s VC 40 wheels are the Force hubs. The rear hub has six pawls, each with two teeth, which offer quick engagement with the ratchet. A quick pawl engagement means the power you put into your pedals gets the wheel spinning sooner. If you are in a feisty crit, that setup will serve you well. At 1,665 g, the wheels aren’t too bad if you have some climbing to do. ( energylab-sports.com)—mp