Training wheels

A lot of wheel for not a lot of money is the first thought that springs to mind when it comes to Fulcrum's new Racing Quattro wheels, the latest addition to the Italian wheel manufacturers line-up.

The Cole Rollen Lites are marketed as an 'all purpose wheels for racing and training' and occupy the lowest price rung in Cole's extensive wheel range. At a portly 1920g for the wheelset, the racing claim may be a tad optimistic, but they perform just fine for everyday duties.

Both wheels use identical 20mm wide and 19mm deep rims, laced with 28 straight gauge spokes (radial in front and 2 cross at rear) to the hubs. Pretty standard stuff. The hubs themselves run on sealed cartridge bearings with Shimano and Campagnolo compatible freehubs available.

Gipiemme is an Italian manufacturer with a venerable history and a wide range of wheels, including these Tecno 032s. They're straightforward in appearance, with standard section 19mm clincher rims, small-flange hubs, and elbow spokes rather than straight-pull. Construction is also standard: hubs and rims are aluminium, while spokes are stainless steel. The freewheel splines are aluminium too.

Shimano RS10 wheels

Shimano RS10 wheels - rim

Shimano RS10 wheels - nipple

Shimano RS10 wheels - rear hub

Shimano RS10 wheels - front hub

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.”