CANADIAN WHEELSETS
ENERGY LAB VC60 AND BLADE 2G 79
When it comes to getting the ultimate in performance on the bike, you start with your position. A comfortable, aero tuck will make the most difference for your time. After that the equipment that will make the most difference in terms of aerodynamics are your wheels. We have a look at two stellar Canadian-made options that are sure to improve your times.
Energylab VC60
$1,499
A fantastic all-around wheel, the VC60S are 59 mm deep and offer outstanding aerodynamics thanks to that depth and a specially designed wide rim track. Extensive aerodynamic testing allowed Energylab to come up with a rim design that optimized aerodynamic performance while also ensuring that crosswinds won’t affect the wheels too much. Carbon throughout (in other words, no metal brake track), in addition to the aero advantages, the wider rim also makes it a bit easier to get tires on and off.
Weighing in at 1,750 g for the set, the VC60S are a bit heavier than some other high-end aero wheelsets (Zipp’s 404, for example), but are certainly in the same ballpark and cost considerably less. The bladed aero spokes are both durable and enhance the wind-cheating qualities of the wheels.
Energylab uses their own Force Design hubs in these wheels, which are extremely quiet and smooth. The end result is an extremely durable, fast and reliable wheelset. (Last year, Olympian Andrew Yorke put the durability of the wheels to the test when he crashed in Rio. The wheels were fine, but he did end up blowing a tire.)
Energylab also makes a deeper wheelset, the VC90, but if you’re looking for a wheel that you can both train and race on, the VC60S are an outstanding option. You can order a set with a deeper VC90 on the back and the VC60 on the front, which is a great option, too. (The front wheel is much more susceptible to winds, whereas the rear wheel is less likely to get buffeted around as much.)
This versatile wheelset works well for everything from draft-legal sprint events to blasting down the Queen K at the Ironman World Championship.—km