The Corima 45R wheelset sits in the sweet spot between all-around road performance and long-distance comfort. With a 45mm profile, a decently usable 22mm internal width, and a new ratchet hub system that’s slightly different to the norm, they’re built to deliver aerodynamic stability, stiffness, and the option to run a wide range of tyres – all in a handmade French package that still feels unmistakably Corima.
> Buy now: Corima 45R wheelset for £1,399.99 from Corima
There’s no shortage of mid-depth carbon wheels promising a balance of speed, comfort, and control. The appeal here is that Corima builds and tests everything in-house, and it has a high-quality, well-tuned feel often lacking in mass-produced budget carbon wheels.
Design and build
The 45R uses a hooked rim (which Corima labels 22TC), meaning it’ll work with all tyres. (Check out our feature What’s the difference between hooked and hookless bike wheels, and which is better for you? if you want to know more on that.) It has a 22mm internal width and a 30mm external width, putting it right in the modern sweet spot for running 28-30mm tyres, though it’ll happily take anything from 25 to 34mm if you want a bit more comfort or versatility.
The finish is classic Corima – a matt 3K carbon weave visible under the varnish, understated black-on-black decals, and a clean, elegant silhouette.
The rims are laced with 20 Sapim J bend black spokes front and rear, keeping things simple, light and easily replaceable should you have any issues. I’m also a firm believer in steel spokes giving a better ride experience than carbon alternatives; they may be slightly heavier, but the natural twang and flex of a good, high-quality steel spoke can really elevate the ride quality of a carbon wheelset.
The new ratchet hub system has 36 teeth and a 10-degree engagement angle. The ratchet rings differ from other brands’ by using a deep, star-like pattern on the external edge, which Corima says increases stiffness and enables it to handle higher torques better than similar designs. In use it feels snappy and direct – ideal for sprint efforts and fast climbs alike. Engagement feels positive, with none of the lag or soft pickup that some pawl systems suffer from.
Weight-wise, the set comes in at around 1,454g on our scales, which includes valves and rim tape, while the listed weight is 1,390g (640g front, 755g rear) – not record breaking but competitive for a 45mm-deep wheelset at this price point.
Setup and performance
Tubeless setup was straightforward: the supplied rim tape, valves and tools made it an easy job – the tape was already fitted, a bit of sealant, and the tyres seated with a track pump.
I ran both Vittoria Corsa Pro and Schwalbe Pro One tubeless tyres in a 30mm width at around 65psi for most rides, dropping to 60psi for rougher roads, and never had a hint of burping or air loss.
On the road, the 45Rs feel every bit the versatile performers they’re billed as. The mid-depth profile gives you a tangible aerodynamic benefit once up to speed, yet remains calm and composed in blustery crosswinds. There’s very little stalling or buffeting from crosswinds either, which means you can push on at speed with maximum confidence. The tight feel is also great when you’re winding up for the all-important village sign sprint, too.
The reasonably wide rim bed allows the tyre to sit plump and stable, improving comfort and reducing rolling resistance, especially when you start experimenting with lower pressures.
Acceleration is brisk thanks to the responsive ratchet hub, the relatively low rotational mass, and high spoke tension. Out of the saddle, they feel solid and efficient without harshness – Corima’s carbon layup clearly aims to balance stiffness with compliance, and as climbing wheels, these feel very good, the extra responsiveness making up for any minor weight difference compared with some rivals.
Over mixed terrain, including Peak District climbs and rougher chipseal descents, the wheels stayed true and unfazed. There’s no ping or twang under power, and I felt that I could really lean into them on high-speed corners with no weird movements or odd sensations underneath me.
The sound of the freehub is muted but mechanical – more refined than loud, but with enough buzz to remind you that something quality is spinning beneath you. I quite liked it, and it made a nice change from the more obnoxious, super-loud versions.
Value
At £1,399, the 45R is in a competitive area. Ere Research’s Genus II CL45 wheelset is probably its closest rival, with a similar spec including steel spokes and a ratchet hub; it’s now £100 less than the Corima, but heavier at 1,425g.
Another close competitor is the Reserve 40|44 wheelset at £1,599 and 1,435g.
Hunt wheels tend to be at the forefront when it comes to value, and its 44_46 Aerodynamicist Carbon Disc Wheelset certainly sounds appealing at £1,179. Stu thought the carbon spoke version was “one hell of a lot of bang for your buck”; it’s pricier at RRP (£1,579) and lighter (1,297g), but I much prefer the ride feel of a wheel using a high-quality steel spoke over a carbon option that can feel too stiff.
For more options, check out our guide to the best road bike wheels.
Conclusion
The Corima 45R isn’t trying to win the numbers game. It’s not the lightest, cheapest, or flashiest wheelset out there. What it does offer is a truly refined ride: fast, smooth, stable, and quietly confident. The ride quality here really is the selling point; the wheels have a high-quality, zippy feel that you usually only get on more expensive wheels.
If you want a do-it-all carbon wheelset that feels special every time you clip in – and you value craftsmanship as much as outright speed – the 45R should be on your shortlist. It’s fast, composed, and beautifully built, delivering real-world speed and comfort in a premium, handmade package at a thoroughly reasonable price.
> Buy now: Corima 45R wheelset for £1,399.99 from Corima
Verdict
Very well made and responsive carbon wheels that perform really well across the board
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road.cc test report
Make and model: Corima 45R wheelset
Size tested: Shimano HG 11/12 speed
Tell us what the wheel is for and who it’s aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?
Corima says: “The 45R carbon wheels will impress you with their versatility, whether on flat roads or climbs. Perfect for punchy riders seeking performance, they combine power and efficiency. With their aerodynamics and lightweight, they are fast. Designed for attacking, they are ready to win it all!”
The 45R is designed as Corima’s do-it-all performance wheelset – a balance of aerodynamics, stiffness, and everyday usability. Built around a 45mm-deep rim with a 22mm internal width, it’s aimed at riders who want one wheelset that can handle everything from fast club rides and sportives to long, hilly days on rougher roads. Corima says its new 36-tooth ratchet hub offers faster engagement and improved durability, while the handmade 3K carbon rims deliver stability, comfort, and strength in a lightweight package.
In practice, those claims hold up well. The 45R feels fast and responsive, with notably smooth engagement and excellent stability in crosswinds. It doesn’t chase the absolute lightest weight, but the balance between stiffness and comfort makes this wheelset a genuine all-rounder. The ride is refined, composed and efficient, with a sense of quality that reflects Corima’s in-house craftsmanship rather than mass production. ‘Performance meets strength’ might sound like marketing fluff, but in this case, it’s a fair summary.
Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the wheel?
From Corima:
Internal width 22mm, external width 30mm, optimised for 28–30mm tyres but compatible with 25–34mm
45mm rim depth providing balanced aero performance and stability
Tubeless Hooked (22TC) design allowing use with both tubeless and clincher tyres
3K matte carbon weave with under-varnish black decals for a clean, high-end finish
20 Sapim black spokes front and rear, laced radially up front and two-cross at the rear
Anthracite Corima hubs featuring 36-tooth ratchet system with 10° engagement
Disc-brake specific wheelset with Shimano HG 11/12-speed freehub
Weight: 640g front, 755g rear (1,395g total)
Includes rim tape, valves, valve nut tool, spoke wrench, and protective wheelbags
Handmade in Loriol-sur-Drôme, France, with in-house carbon design and production
An exceptionally well-finished pair of wheels, in my eyes. Spoke tension was high, and equal front and rear, and the hubs are very smooth, with a ceramic-like feel but standard steel bearings. They have a very classy look about them, and the closer you look into the detail the better they are.
They’re excellent: they feel stiffer and more taut than similar wheels I have used, and like they are built to last.
No issues at all through testing, and high quality bodes well for the future. The fact that they use high-quality J-bend Sapim spokes means you should have no problems repairing them should you have any mishaps, too.
The quoted weight is 1,395g, and they came in at 1,454g on our scales, with valves and tape. For a 45mm-deep wheel that’s pretty good – just 29g heavier than the Ere Research Genus II CL45. They feel lighter and more responsive on the road than that figure would suggest, too.
The sub-£1,500 price point is a competitive space, but this is an excellent wheelset, handmade in France to a high standard, with a unique construction. This is not just another set of budget wheels; the rims’ unique aesthetic combined with the high-quality finish make them stand out, which adds value in my eyes.
Did the wheels stay true? Any issues with spoke tension?
100% true through testing; high spoke tension remained the same with no loss.
How easy did you find it to fit tyres?
Very easy with Vittoria Corsa Pro and Schwalbe Pro Ones in tubeless versions, both in 30mm.
How did the wheel extras (eg skewers and rim tape) perform?
Absolutely fine, and the wheel bags are a nice touch.
Tell us how the wheel performed overall when used for its designed purpose
Very well. They livened up the ride quality of both bikes I tried them on, and gave them a sprightlier feel on the climbs and better acceleration out of corners.
Tell us what you particularly liked about the wheel
I really liked the high-quality finish and the fact that they looked different to other options in the same price bracket. The use of a high-end yet easily replaceable steel spoke is a good thing too, in my opinion.
Tell us what you particularly disliked about the wheel
I’d prefer a more noticeable rim graphic – nothing too loud, but something that lets people know what brand they’re on, at least.
How does the price compare to that of similar products in the market, including ones recently tested on road.cc?
At £1,399, the 45R is in a competitive area. Ere Research’s Genus II CL45 wheelset is probably its closest rival, with a similar spec including steel spokes and a ratchet hub; it’s £100 less than the Corima but heavier at 1,425g. The Reserve 40|44 wheelset at £1,599 and 1,435g is also a close competitor. Hunt wheels tend to be at the forefront when it comes to value, and its 44_46 Aerodynamicist Carbon Disc Wheelset certainly sounds appealing at £1,179. Stu thought the carbon spoke version was “one hell of a lot of bang for your buck”; it’s pricier at RRP (£1,579) and lighter (1,297g), but I much prefer the ride feel of a wheel using a high-quality steel spoke over a carbon option that can feel too stiff.
Did you enjoy using the wheel? Yes
Would you consider buying the wheel? Yes
Would you recommend the wheel to a friend? Yes
Use this box to explain your overall score
Overall, an excellent all-round wheelset, handmade in France with a competitive price and a unique look. The wheels rode very well with a tight, lively feel that livened up the bikes I have been using them on, and I would happily recommend.
About the tester
Age: 41 Height: 175cm Weight: 79kg
I usually ride: cervelo aspero My best bike is:
I’ve been riding for: Over 20 years I ride: Most days I would class myself as: Expert
I regularly do the following types of riding: cyclo cross, commuting, touring, club rides, sportives, general fitness riding, mtb, gravel
5 thoughts on “Corima 45R wheelset”
These Corima’s look excellent
These Corima’s look excellent, if only they were a bit wider – 25mm internal / 32mm external.
As I have the new FFWD Ryot
As I have the new FFWD Ryot 44s, I’d say they’re a direct competitor.
Hard to see how these are
Hard to see how these are particularly compelling. Middle of the road ID, middle of the road weight and a reasonably high price point.
Exactly…the design seems a
Exactly…the design seems a little outdated with latest thinking on width. And I am definitely not a fan of the non-captive spoke head design of the hubs.
These Corima’s look excellent
These Corima’s look excellent, if only they were a bit wider – 25mm internal / 32mm external.