FINAL VERDICT

Anyone jealous of a tester’s life will be

pleased to hear that an inescapable part of comparison testing is that you spend much longer riding the wheels that cause more concerns than the best ones in the line-up. That’s certainly the case here as our team spent far more ride time evaluating the distinctive pros and cons of Zipp’s ludicrously-expensive NSW 858 wheels.

Enve’s SES 4.5 also blotted their otherwise

blissful copybook when we had to limp home on a loose hub after 10 miles of riding. Vision’s impressive Metron wheels were let down by terrifying initial braking and subsequently average stopping, and the Vittoria Qurano wheels felt off the pace in terms of handling and speed.

The Wheelscience Elemental 88s handled

well for a very deep budget wheel, but the slow pick-up and stopping, plus soft power response, make it worth paying the extra for Revolver’s Kronostock 7/8 set if you’re after an affordable aero advantage. If you’re after pure speed and are prepared to dig deep into your pockets, then the DT Swiss are uncompromisingly rigid but blisteringly fast. Roval’s CLX64 wheels came close to the Best on Test thanks to a sweet-handling ride, but steering and drive softness means they won’t suit everyone.

This means Mavic leapfrog into the lead

with their reworked Comete Carbon Pro SL after time lagging in the aero wheel rankings. They’re incisive, tubeless ready to add comfort and reduce punctures, and handling and braking are sorted in all weathers. Yet they still feel fast even with grippy tyres. The fact you get those tyres, plus full tubeless kit, quality brake pads and proven reliability at a very reasonable price ensures they’re our clear winners.