PRIMERR38 ROAD CC DISC

£724.99

The build

Chain Reaction Cycles’ own brand Prime’s RR38 wheelset has tubeless-ready T700 UD carbon rims and is intended for use on all terrain. The RD020 centerlock hubs come with adaptors for thru-axles and quick release, plus skewers, and turn on two front and four rear Japanese sealed cartridge bearings. They’re built with 24 straight-pull bladed DT Swiss double-butted spokes.

The numbers

The rims measure 38mm tall, 25mm wide externally and 16.5mm internally, and were a tight fit with our Schwalbe Pro-One tyres. Weighed with the installed rim tape and 12mm thru-axle adaptors, the Primes came in at just 1540g. Tubeless valves, extenders and four spare spokes and nipples are included.

The ride

A more conventional freehub with 26 points of engagement performs well. From the off, the Primes felt lively, responsive and more taut than the Calaveras, which showed in our speed. Even though the rims are narrower, and the subsequent tyre volume decreased, the Primes feel like a competitive wheelset, with excellent handling and punchy acceleration. Their greater rim depth is offset by a profile that is perfectly stable in gusty conditions, increasing confidence and versatility.

The verdict

At the time of writing the price had been reduced to £499.99, making the Prime RR38 Discs a steal, especially as they come with all you need to set up tubeless and fit to any road bike.