Italy’s Columbus, best known for its tubing and more recently for components like handlebars and stems, has entered the carbon road wheels market with the Cento, Spirit and Gara clincher/tubeless models, with all-road and gravel wheels to follow in 2027. The wheels have been in development for two years, and final assembly is in Italy.
Columbus introduced carbon fibre manufacturing alongside its steel and aluminium tubing in the early 2000s, initially focusing on carbon fork production before expanding to the development of structural frame components. Columbus Components offers carbon handlebars, stems, and seatposts, with wheels now being added to the portfolio.
Columbus says, “The in-house Milan design team partnered with world-leading specialists in carbon composite layup to develop aerodynamic D-shaped, hooked rims for broad tyre compatibility.”
They’re all said to be optimised around 28-30mm tyres.
The Cento
First up, there’s the Cento, which is designed as an all-rounder and comes in 50mm and 62mm rim depths. Despite what we said about the range being optimised for 28-30mm tyres, Columbus reckons you can go up to about 35mm here before the aero advantage starts to fade.
“The 50mm deep carbon rims combine aerodynamic efficiency with a lightweight and responsive ride, providing an elevated ride across all terrains, for sprinters, puncheurs and rouleurs alike,” says Columbus.
The Cento 62 is designed for flatter roads and faster courses and is a little heavier – 1,470g versus 1,440g, according to Columbus’ figures.
Columbus sees the Cento 50 as the more balanced option, with the 62 being more about pure speed and performance. The deeper option also has a higher steering torque in sidewinds. The 62 has a different carbon layup to keep the weight down.
Whichever depth you go for, the rim has a 23mm internal width and a 30mm external width. The Columbus aluminium hub is a dual-sided 36-tooth ratchet system with 9° engagement, and it features ceramic bearings. Each wheel comes with 21 carbon Vonoa spokes in a 2:1 lacing.
The Columbus Cento 50 and Cento 62 are available with black or silver details (which Columbus calls XCr after its stainless steel tubing). They’re each priced at €1,599 (we don’t yet have UK prices).
The Gara
Columbus says that the Gara is designed for endurance, with an emphasis on comfort and durability. It comes in a 50mm rim depth, and this time it’s a collaboration with DT Swiss.
Columbus says that the Gara is the most versatile option here, and that it performs close to the Cento 62 in the wind tunnel while being significantly lighter.
Columbus says, “Built around the DT Swiss 240 hub with the Ratchet EXP system, it includes innovative internal nipple seats made of glass-fibre-reinforced polymer, ensuring accurate alignment and reduced stress on the rim. These technical details enhance reliability and simplify maintenance for long days in the saddle.”
As with the other models, the rim width is 23mm internally and 30mm externally, but this time you get 24 carbon Vonoa spokes laced 1:1 (12 to each side) and held in place with titanium nipples. Although hidden inside the rim, those spokes can be adjusted from the outside with a special tool.
The claimed weight for the Gara wheelset is 1,315g, and the price is €2,399.
The Spirit
The Spirit is the flagship road race wheel in the lineup, again available in a 50mm rim depth. The claimed weight is just 1,249g.
“Featuring an innovative new Integrated Aero HUB design, a single cast monocoque with carbon spokes fused directly to the hub flanges, the Spirit 50 is engineered to perform on mountain climbs while delivering speed and efficiency on the descents,” says Columbus.
With the spokes being fused in place, you can’t replace one yourself if it gets damaged.
You get ceramic bearings and hidden spoke nipples along with a rim profile that has been designed for aero performance.
Again, the rim has a 23mm internal width and a 30mm external width, although this time you’re looking at 18 carbon spokes per wheel.
The Columbus Spirit is priced at €3,999.
