Newcomer The One-K already performed well in the last TOUR bike test. Now, with the RD-NXT ÆRA 35 and RD-NXT ÆRA 50, the brand is launching two new models designed to embody the best of its current range – and at a weight that’s sure to catch the attention of ultralight enthusiasts. Background: One-K has been selling wheels since 2023. The still-young brand focuses on a unique design featuring star-shaped composite spokes, which are designed to rival full-carbon wheels, but are easier to repair.
At the heart of it all: Fiberspoke technology
The key difference compared to conventional carbon systems therefore lies in the spokes. One-K utilises its own proprietary, patented Fiberspoke technology: this involves the use of spokes made from high-performance composite material, manufactured from high-tech fibres. Compared with high-quality steel spokes, they are said to be up to 60 per cent lighter – and this is reflected in the overall weight of the wheelset, with a reduction of up to 20 per cent. The result: DISC wheelsets that dip below the magic 1,000-gram mark.
The spoke configuration is as unusual as it is logically conceived: each wheel has four spoke stars, each with six spokes, making a total of 24 spokes. Each star is made from a single, continuous fibre and connected to both the hub and the rim via loops – an approach designed to enable particularly direct power transmission and high stiffness whilst minimising weight.
Even better, but also even more expensive than before?
In the latest TOUR test, One-K’s wheels managed to move straight into mid-table and hold their own against established rivals ranging from Mavic to Lightweight. Their main weaknesses: slightly poorer aerodynamics due to external nipples and moderate stiffness. The new wheelsets address these issues with recessed nipples. The extra-high 50-millimetre rim variant should also improve aerodynamics. However, the price is now 3,799 euros – 1,000 euros more than before. An increased system weight of 120 kilograms (previously 95 kilograms) – within the permitted limit – also suggests improved stiffness.
More than just a few grams
In practice, a low rotating mass means: a quicker response to accelerations and sprints, noticeably better agility when accelerating, and greater efficiency on long climbs. But One-K promises not only dynamism but also comfort: the inherent damping properties of the fibre-composite spokes are designed to effectively filter out vibrations and shocks from the road surface – an advantage that is likely to come into its own particularly on rougher surfaces or over long distances. The system is rounded off by high-quality rims and precision hubs with Ceramic Speed bearings, which are designed to ensure a particularly low-friction ride.
The facts: One-K NXT ÆRA
- ONE-K NXT ÆRA carbon rims
- Internal jaw width: 23 mm
- External width: 35 mm (29 mm) & 50 mm (31.5 mm)
- Weight: 35 mm (975 g / set) & 50 mm (1,175 g / set)
- Decal colours: silver or black
- Spokes: 24 × NXT Fiberspokes with integrated nipples
- NON+ hubs with a tapered freehub body
- 6 × CeramicSpeed bearings
- 120 kilograms gross vehicle weight
Adrian Kaether
Editor
