Zipp 808 Firecrest - Wheels without hooks
Zipp is extending the hookless design to time trial-compatible rim heights; the 808 Firecrest and the 858 NSW are new. The rims do not have a hook on the rim flange; the advantages are lower rolling resistance, a more stable fit of the tyre and, last but not least, lower production costs. A decisive disadvantage is that not all tyres are approved for this technology.
The compatibility table currently includes ten tyre manufacturers with tubeless tyres from 28 millimetres wide. It is remarkable how fast and direct a wide tyre feels on these rims while riding. We had fitted 28-millimetre tyres from Goodyear, which felt like 25-millimetre tyres in terms of handling, but offered significantly more comfort. The wheels themselves are a good 250 grams lighter, aerodynamically they are said to be on a par with their very fast predecessors, and the 858 has even become slightly faster. The prices are 2300 euros for the 808 set and 4400 euros for the 858 NSW with higher quality hub technology and almost 100 grams less weight.
Campagnolo Levante - for wide tyres
Wheels are - alongside groupsets - a core competence at Campagnolo. The Levante model, which we have already tested, is available for off-road use. Campagnolo recommends tyres from 38 millimetres upwards for the 25 millimetre wide carbon rims. A special feature is the rim flange, which has only a minimal hook. The surface finish is so smooth that no paint is required - this should save weight and also help with tyre fitting.
In fact, tyres from various manufacturers went on the Levante rims comparatively easily and sealed without any problems. At 1480 grams, the weight is pleasingly low; the stiffness is at the top level typical of Campagnolo.
We also liked the maintenance-friendly approach: the classic spokes of the wheels can be centred without special tools and replacements are easy to obtain in the event of a defect. The Levante is available with freewheels for Campa, Shimano or SRAM for around 1580 euros.
Roval Rapide CLX II - now also tubeless
The Roval Rapide and Alpinist wheels can now also be ridden with tubeless tyres. Visually, the new version can only be recognised by the rim stickers; the shape has not changed. The more stable construction results in an increase in weight of 60 grams, but at 1508 grams the fast rims are still competitive. A small weakness remains the lateral stiffness, which is only average, especially on the rear wheel. The price is 2700 euros.
Fulcrum Speed 25 - wheels for the mountains
Campagnolo subsidiary Fulcrum presents wheels for the mountains: The Speed 25 come with a flat rim profile and weigh less than 1300 grams. A special resin makes painting superfluous. The rear rim is asymmetrical; both wheels are spoked in such a way that the spokes do not touch at the intersections. This is intended to improve durability and prevent noise. The price is around 2200 euros.
