Shimano RS30 wheelset

The Shimano RS30 is part of Shimano’s Road Sport series “integrating the best technology of the race-proven DURA-ACE wheels but at economical price points. These wheels are great for training rides and / or use at the local races.”

The RS30 is certainly at the top end of the “economical price point”, but you do get a lot of technology for your money. Alloy rims with off centre spoke holes (the rear is asymmetric like the RS80 we reviewed last year) to which are laced bladed elbowless double butted spokes. Up front, there are 16 radial spokes while the rear 20 are 2-cross. At the heart of these wheels are a pair of Shimano hubs (8, 9 and 10 speed compatible) with angular contact bearings designed to give radial and lateral support for strength and durability.

Translating all the tech stuff: a nice and strong wheelset that should last you a very good few training miles.

My ultra scientific hub performance test (pop bike in workstand, give wheel a spin, see how long it keeps turning) had me bored before the wheels stopped: full marks. The 30mm rims give a little aerodynamic advantage over shallower rims too, really not too shabby for a training wheel!

The RS30s were both true laterally when they arrived, although the front was out by 1-2mm radially. After 250 commuting miles that evolved into a minor lateral wobble that, to be fair, I only noticed when I put it on the truing stand. The rear was still as true as day one. It’s worth noting that the red anodized nipples are not your standard size, so your spoke key might not work.

The graphics don’t really do it for me, but riding these wheels was a pleasure, they are really quite nippy for a training wheel. I reckon you’d have to spend quite a bit more to really notice the difference. At 2050 grams they are not the lightest, but on the flipside, they aren’t scared of the odd bunnyhop, nasty pothole or curb.

Verdict

Sturdy, fast rolling training/racing wheelset