2016 Road Wheel Guide
ENVE SES 4.5 w/ENVE Hubs
ENVE's legendary 4.5 rims need no introduction with their reputation for unbridled speed, superb braking, and unsurpassed reliability. Mating them to ENVE's stunning carbon fiber hubs, built around the same internals as DT's premier 180 Ceramic hubs, yields a setup that's both lightest in class and primed for daily use.
Zipp 404 NSW
With Zipp's sterling reputation for aerodynamics, the NSW's claimed 35% reduction in crosswind interference over the previous Firestrike rim is a truly impressive achievement of design, while the nearly drag-free Cognition Drive rear hub and Showstopper brake track cement the NSW as Zipp's finest offering to date.
HED Jet 6 Plus Black
HED's reputation for reliable wheels is confidently upheld with the Jet 6 Plus wheelset, with the Turbine-machined brake track that improves stopping by up to 70% in wet conditions over traditional alloy rims, and a design that's primed for wider tires to lend easily appreciated comfort for all-day races.
Knight 65
Knight's 65 wheelset lays claim to an aerodynamic advantage that puts it in a class with many rims that are centimeters deeper, while its phenomenal ability to resist wind interference has earned it a reputation as a secret weapon on courses demanding a blend of crosswind stability and flat-out speed.
Fulcrum Racing Zero Carbon
Fulcrum has long been known for building robust yet svelte wheels, but the Zero Carbon takes this concept to new heights. The carbon-fiber rim and alloy spokes conspire to provide a wheel that nearly eliminates deflection, making the Zero Carbon a perfect choice for powerful riders and those that prefer the most aggressive possible feel.
ENVE 2.2 SES w/ENVE Hubs
With ENVE's carbon fiber hubs at the center, running on the same proven internals as DT's 180 Ceramic hubs, the 2.2 SES wheelset reaches the pinnacle of its form. It's a featherweight climber that provides stunning stability and outstanding braking on the way back down, with the requisite durability to be ridden every day.
Mavic R-Sys SLR
Mavic's R-Sys SLR proves that well-executed aluminum alloy is downright competitive, even when weight is top priority. The carbon-fiber spokes and shallow alloy rim make for nearly instant acceleration; while their feathery construction makes them stellar ascenders, the ceramic brake track adds safety for the descent.
Campagnolo Bora Ultra 35
Built at the request of Nairo Quintana, the Bora Ultra 35 rolls on hubs built with Campagnolo's top-tier CULT ceramic bearings, maximizing efficiency under hard efforts, while the G3 spoke pattern ensures even spoke tension which all but eliminates resonant frequencies. The 3Diamant high-friction brake track lends security when racing back down.
HED Ardennes Plus Black
If you've been convinced of the benefits of bigger tires, you largely have the late Steve Hed to thank, which makes it altogether unsurprising that the Ardennes Plus Black's generous width is tailor-made for 25s. And with the Turbine braking surface slowing things down, these wheels are built to give you control and comfort in spades.
Shimano Dura Ace C24 CL
The Dura Ace C24 wheelset transitions seamlessly between training and racing, being both sensibly lightweight and utterly reliable. From the carbon-reinforced alloy rim—which sheds grams and provides predictable all weather braking—to the angular contact bearings that aid in cornering stiffness, there's little that these wheels don't do outstandingly well.
Mavic Ksyrium Pro
If we had to describe the Ksyrium series in one word, that word would be "bombproof." But despite their rugged construction, the Kysrium Pros boast alloy Zircal spokes and a sleek ISM40 rim design, making them light enough for race day use, while the included 25mm Yksion Pro tires add value to this proven wheelset.
Campagnolo Shamal Mille
The Shamal Mille wheelset rolls on Campagnolo's UST ultra-smooth ceramic bearings clad in a carbon-shelled hub, ensuring exceptional rolling efficiency. And when you consider the high-friction brake track and perfectly balanced G3 spoke geometry, these dreamy Italian wheels may well be the ultimate all-rounders.
Mavic Ksyrium Pro Allroad
With the unsurpassed reliability of the Ksyrium series, it should be no surprise that the Allroad version brings that same toughness to disc brake users. The Instant Drive 360 rear hub boasts nine-degree engagement, easy service, and convertible thru-axle compatibility, while the included 28mm Yksion tires transition easily between tarmac and gravel.
Industry Nine i25
It's hard not to be a fan of Industry Nine wheels. Of course it's the beautiful hand-built hubs which get the most attention, boasting a phenomenal three degrees of engagement and the ability to withstand more torque than most diesel engines produce. But it's the generous rim width and easy tubeless setup that cement the i25 as one of our hands-down favorites.
Stan's NoTubes Grail Pro
Having built a reputation as the leaders in DIY tubeless kits, it's to be expected that Stan's Grail Pro wheel displays arguably the easiest tubeless interface available today. And when you consider the redesigned Neo Ultimate hubs and thru-axle compatibility, it's clear why these are a staple of the modern gravel racer.
Reynolds ATR Carbon
For those who push their road bikes far beyond the scope of "typical use," the Reynolds ATR Carbon wheelset is the stuff of dreams. Built on a wide, tubeless-ready rim and rolling on convertible, thru-axle-compatible hubs, these wheels bring superior durability and flat resistance to those who prefer the road less traveled.