The carbon spokes that connect the rim to the aluminium hub body are two one-piece stars per wheel, with the spoke nipples sitting in the rim. The wheel can be centred and the components can be replaced individually. The set weighs 1,380 grams - hardly less than high-quality system wheels with aluminium rims. However, the high and fairly wide rims and the very flat carbon spokes promise better aerodynamics. The front wheel is very laterally stiff, both wheels together are stable and track-fast even at high speeds. Sprinter types might wish for a slightly stiffer rear wheel; the rider weight is limited to 100 kilograms. The wheels have a high-quality finish and showed no weaknesses in the test - apart from the poorer wet braking behaviour that other carbon rims also exhibit. The set includes brake pads, very light quick-release skewers and a centring tool.
PLUS Easy to maintain; unusual appearance
MINUS High profile only for tubular tyres; comparatively expensive
Reference/Info www.madkinxx.de
Price 1,999 euros - versions for clincher tyres (30-millimetre rim) and tubular tyres (55 millimetres), each for Shimano or Campagnolo
