The Italian manufacturer is expanding its range to include carbon wheelsets. The development process involved CFD analyses, wind tunnel tests and laboratory tests to assess lateral stiffness, torsional stiffness, and impact and fatigue resistance. The design team in Milan collaborated with carbon composite specialists to develop aerodynamic D-shaped rims with a hooked rim profile for wide tyre compatibility. The rims are designed for tyres between 28 and 30 millimetres wide.
Spirit with integrated hub
The Spirit weighs 1,249 grams and is Columbus’s lightest wheelset. The construction utilises an integrated aero hub design as a monocoque casting, in which the carbon spokes are directly connected to the hub flanges. The 50-millimetre-deep rim measures 23 millimetres on the inside and 30 millimetres on the outside. It features 18 carbon spokes in a 2:1 pattern, integrated carbon nipples and ceramic bearings. The price is 3,999 euros.
Gara with DT Swiss components
The Gara 50 has been developed in collaboration with DT Swiss and weighs 1,315 grams. The 50-millimetre-deep rim has the same dimensions as the other models. The hub is the DT Swiss 240 with the Ratchet EXP system. Internal nipple seats made from glass-fibre-reinforced polymer are designed to ensure precise alignment and reduce stress on the rim. Twenty-four carbon spokes from Vonoa in a 1:1 lacing pattern and titanium nipples complete the wheel. The price is 2,399 euros.
Cento 50 and Cento 62
The Cento 50 features 50-millimetre-deep carbon rims and weighs 1,440 grams. The rim measures 23 millimetres internally and 30 millimetres externally. The new Columbus hub features a double-sided 36-tooth ratchet system with a 9-degree engagement angle. Ceramic bearings and 21 carbon spokes from Vonoa in a 2:1 pattern complete the wheel.
The Cento 62 features a 62-millimetre-high carbon rim and weighs 1,470 grams. The rim width is the same as on the Cento 50, at 23 millimetres on the inside and 30 millimetres on the outside. It also features the Columbus hub, ceramic bearings and 21 carbon spokes from Vonoa. Both Cento models cost 1,599 euros each.
All technical specifications at a glance:
Spirit:
- Weight: 1,249 g
- Rim height: 50 mm
- Rim width: 23 mm inside, 30 mm outside
- Hub: Integrated Aero (monocoque)
- Bearing: Ceramic
- Spokes: 18 x carbon, 2:1
- Nipples: Integrated carbon
- Price: €3,999
Gara:
- Weight: 1,315 g
- Rim height: 50 mm
- Rim width: 23 mm inside, 30 mm outside
- Hub: DT Swiss 240 Ratchet EXP
- Spokes: 24 x Vonoa carbon, 1:1
- Nipple: Titanium
- Price: €2,399
Cento 50:
- Weight: 1,440 g
- Rim height: 50 mm
- Rim width: 23 mm inside, 30 mm outside
- Hub: Columbus Ratchet (36 teeth, 9° engagement)
- Bearing: Ceramic
- Spokes: 21 x Vonoa carbon, 2:1
- Price: €1,599
Cento 62:
- Weight: 1,470 g
- Rim height: 62 mm
- Rim width: 23 mm inside, 30 mm outside
- Hub: Columbus Ratchet (36 teeth, 9° engagement)
- Bearing: Ceramic
- Spokes: 21 x Vonoa carbon, 2:1
- Price: €1,599
Matthias Borchers
Editor
