Aluminium wheels test: 14 road bike wheels between 450 and 600 euros in comparison
Robert Kühnen
· 26.03.2020
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Road cyclists who do not regularly take part in competitions, where weight and aerodynamics are the predominant parameters, want two things above all in their wheels: comfort and durability, at a comparatively low price.
It was precisely this category that we tested in detail in the endurance test. The common feature of all 14 wheels in the test, apart from the aluminium material, is that the inner width - or rim width - of the rims is 19 millimetres or more. This is where the modern all-rounders differ from the wheels that many cyclists still have in their stash. Until a few years ago, 15 millimetre rim widths were normal, then 17 to 18 millimetres became established and now 19 to 22 millimetres are en vogue.
5 road bike wheels with rim brakes in the test
- Aerycs A35
- Bontrager Paradigm Comp
- Mavic Ksyrium UST
- Ritchey WCS Zeta
- Vision Trimax 30
9 road bike wheels with disc brakes in the test
- Bontrager Paradigm Comp Disc
- Campagnolo Scirocco Disc
- DT Swiss ER 1600 SPline db 23
- Fulcrum Racing 3
- Mavic Ksyrium UST Disc
- Ritchey WCS Zeta Disc
- Rose R-30 Disc
- Shimano WH-RX 570
- Vision Trimax 30 Disc
Test summary of the affordable aluminium wheels
The all-round wheels from € 450 are mostly solid, beautifully finished wheels that should last a long time. The wide rims ensure that wide tyres can make the most of their advantages, especially on rough surfaces and with low tyre pressure. As the test results are close to each other, all the wheels are interesting options for conversion or retrofitting - and there is little reason not to go for the ones that look the best.
All individual results for the 14 road bike wheels as well as graphical measurements of spring stiffness and air pressure recommendations can be found in the following pdf download.
How TOUR tests
- Stiffness: 30 %
- Weight: 30 %
- Concentricity: 10 %
- Mass inertia/acceleration: 10 %
You can download the complete test with all details and grades below for 0.99 euros.
Why not free of charge? Because quality journalism has its price. That's why we guarantee independence and objectivity. The TOUR tests are based on standardised and reproducible test procedures, which we always disclose. TOUR articles can be bought - TOUR test victories cannot!
