Aero wheels
Gipiemme Paia Ruote Carbon H6.0
The Gipiemme Carbon H6.0 tubular wheels are a good aero option suitable for most conditions, and they come in at a reasonable price for this kind of wheel.
Gipiemme make these wheels in Italy using 100% carbon fibre monocoque rims that are 60mm deep and 20mm wide. The hubs are Gipiemme's own GPMClights, made from forged aluminium, and they spin on sealed bearings – although you can get DT Swiss 240 hubs for £100-£150 more. When I say Gipiemme make these wheels in Italy, they make both the hubs and the rims in their own factory.
Bontrager Aeolus 3 D3 wheels
Bontrager's shallowest Aeolus D3 wheels combine impressive aerodynamics with a reasonable weight and predictable handling, making them an excellent all-conditions option.
As you'll probably know, over the last few years many manufacturers have begun to concentrate on the aerodynamics in the section of the wheel where the rim is leading as well as the section where the tyre is leading. Zipp, for example, have focused on this with their Firecrest designs. Bontrager have done so too; D3 means Dual Direction Design.
Vision TriMax T42 wheels
The Vision Trimax T42 is a versatile alloy/carbon wheelset that's suitable for everyday use as well as racing.
Okay, first the essential info... when Vision describe these as 'carbon alloy clinchers' they mean that they're alloy with a carbon surface on the deep section of the welded rim. They call this Carbon Structural Integration, or CSI for short, and explain it like this:
Bontrager Aura 5 wheels
The new Bontrager Aura 5s are very good aero wheels that, although not cheap, offer impressive value for money.
First, well done to Bontrager for getting the weights right. The Aura 5's published weights are 770g (f) and 970g (r) – and that's exactly what they measured on the road.cc scales, plus 68g and 70g for the quick release skewers.
Enve 45 clincher, DT 240 hubs
Lightweight, aerodynamic, reliable and fast, these Enve 45 clinchers with Swiss DT 240 hubs are fantastic all-rounders. The UK distributor has just reduced the price on them too, so it's well worth taking a look if you're in the market for some high-end wheels.
