Pretty light: The new edition of the "Ventoux" wheels from Lightweight weighs 933 grams, Tune's "Skyline" model even weighs just 894 grams. Carbon makes it possible. The two tubular tyre wheelsets have even more in common: both rear wheels have Tune hubs, which are clamped with carbon axles and carry the same rotor, which is profiled for either Campagnolo or Shimano. However, the Campagnolo rotor was slightly undersized on both wheels, so that the sprocket cassette did not fit perfectly. This was not noticeable when riding, but it did give the impression that the gear changes were infrequent and, depending on the position of the sprocket, not quite as precise and fast.
Otherwise, the differences outweigh the differences: Tune's wheel has an almost classic look, the outstanding technical features come in a discreet appearance. The aluminium hub bodies are interwoven with "Aerolite" steel spokes from DT Swiss and filigree-looking carbon rims from Reynolds. The front wheel features 20 radial spokes measuring 1 x 2.3 millimetres in the centre. In the rear wheel, 24 spokes share the job, 16 triple-crossed on the drive side, eight radially spoked on the opposite side.
Lightweight's rims, hubs and the 20 (front) or 24 flat spokes are made of carbon fibre. The manufacturer deviates from the high rim profile, which is otherwise typical for Lightweight, for the "Ventoux" wheels - primarily to make the wheels lighter. We rode both wheelsets for 3,000 kilometres each - and both impressed the tester. Thanks to their low weight, the wheels are impressively agile. The noise that the "Ventoux" wheels make at high speeds is similar to that of disc wheels, but much quieter. In contrast to the "Skyline" wheels, they react much more sensitively to crosswinds; the flat spokes are noticeable here, so a steady hand on the handlebars doesn't hurt. The lateral stiffness of both wheelsets in a stiff frameset was perfectly fine for the test rider, who weighed just under 70 kilograms. After 3,000 kilometres, both wheels were still running smoothly and the hub bearings were free of play.
The biggest difference to wheels with aluminium rims is and remains the braking properties. Both manufacturers supply brake pads as standard, which enable decent braking performance. The Tune pads tend to smear the brake track and the brakes stutter a little shortly before the wheel comes to a standstill. Riding tests with pads from other manufacturers resulted in poorer braking performance and sometimes squeaked miserably. The Lightweight pads decelerate well and wear is acceptable. Campagnolo's carbon brake pads, which were considered a tip for the Lightweight wheels last year, are clearly too weak on the new rims and barely bring the bike to a halt. In the wind tunnel test, "Skyline" and "Ventoux" were surprisingly on the same level and confirm that they are designed less as aerodynamic wonder weapons than as super-light mountain running wheels. With the slightly higher stiffness and the permissible rider weight of 100 kilograms, the lightweight wheels are the favourite for heavy riders; Tune releases the "Skyline" wheels up to 85 kilograms.
Lightweight "Ventoux"
PLUS: Very light, eye-catching look
MINUS: High price
Tune "Skyline"
PLUS: super light
MINUS: little lateral stiffness, stuttering when braking
1) Air resistance measurement for a single front wheel in the wind tunnel, crosswind taken into account
2) Energy required to accelerate a wheelset with tyres from 0 to 30 km/h
3) BA = Operating instructions
4) Both manufacturers offer first-time buyers so-called crash replacement guarantees after registration. Lightweight grants a 30 per cent discount on the purchase price when replacing wheels that have been irreparably damaged in an accident. Tune grants a 50 per cent discount on the price of Skyline wheels when replacing rims damaged in an accident.
* both quick release levers together
(Photos: Marathon.Photos.Com, Daniel Simon)
