DT Swiss ARC 1100 Di0cut 48 wheels

£2,069.98, madison.co.uk

It seems that in the field of cycling aerodynamics nowadays you’re no one if you can’t bring to bear some pioneering technology borrowed from F1. With that in mind, DT Swiss has furthered its partnership with F1-affiliated aerodynamicist Swiss Side to produce what it says is its most aero wheels yet – the ARC family.

The range comprises six wheelsets, covering rim and disc brake options in three rim depths (48mm, 62mm and 80mm), all of which are tubeless-ready.

As well as all the usual go-faster attributes – aerodynamic rim profile, light weight, ceramic bearings – DT Swiss claims that its ARC wheels have an extra benefit that makes them the fastest on the market.

‘While the rider and the other parts of the bike face traditional – or translational – drag, the wheels are subjected to another component of drag as well, called rotational drag,’ says Swiss Side founder Jean-paul Ballard. ‘We have found that this makes up 25% of total drag, so we’re starting to take steps in our designs to minimise this.’

In the ARC wheels this manifests in hidden nipples, a narrower-than-expected 17mm internal rim width and specially-shaped spokes, all of which amount to a claimed three-watt saving.

‘We are just beginning minimise rotational drag, though,’ says Ballard. ‘So expect even bigger savings in future.’