Shimano's system of complicated product designations remains: The abbreviation "WH-RS80 Carbon C24-CL" stands for a new clincher wheelset assigned to the Ultegra groupset. As with the related Dura-Ace wheel, the 24 millimetre high rim is made of a carbon-aluminium composite and the set weighs 1,570 grams, around 200 grams more than the top model. The rotor is eight-, nine- and ten-speed compatible, SRAM cassettes also fit.
In practice, the braking characteristics are pleasing, even in combination with SRAM brakes. When new, the set was perfectly centred; after 1,500 kilometres in the TOUR training camp, we measured half a millimetre of lateral runout on the rear wheel, caused by a pothole. At 40 Newton metres per millimetre, the stiffness values are satisfactory and normal-weight riders will cope well with them.
PLUSnoble appearance; good workmanship
MINUSnot very laterally stiff
Reference/InfoPaul Lange, telephone 0711/258802, www.paul-lange.de
Price499 Euro
Photo: Matthias Borchers
