Striking, superlight race and all-mountain wheels
Based in Germany, young company Bike Ahead Components’ carbon 6-spoke wheels first caught our eye as specified on Haibike’s range-topping Sleek 29er. Assuming that the bike’s wheels were heavy Taiwanese expressions of a more carbon, more better mentality, it was a bit of a surprise to learn that the wheels are built in Germany around German-made Acros hubs. Not only are the race versions silly light, but there’s a plenty-light all-mountain version as well.
New for 2014, the biturboS wheelset is available in 26in, 27.5, and 29er sizes for both clincher and tubular tyres. Both Shimano and XD freehubs are available along with the usual axle standards and Bike Ahead claims a world record for the wheels’ stiffness-to-weight ratio. And that weight? 1,168g, 1,199g, and 1,289g for the clinchers. All are available from UK distributors LifecycleUK at £2,350 for tubs, £2,500 clinchers. Custom colours and clearcoat finishes are available at an upcharge.
Feel good, ride good.
For those of us with more of a ‘trail’ inclination, Bike Ahead makes the allmountain series, again for 26in, 27.5, and 29er clinchers. Weights are again impressive, ranging from 1,348-1,459g depending on size, making the bike a “cross-country bolide” on the ascents (had to look that one up). Despite the light weights, Bike Ahead Composites claims outstanding levels of lateral rigidity, providing “an unmatched feeling of security.” Rims are 22-23mm wide at the bead seat: not super-wide, but nothing too unnerving either. Rider weight limit is 95Kg including gear and pricing runs £2,500 per set.
stay for the performance?
Obviously, we’re drawn to Bike Ahead’s wheels for their looks- but it looks like they may have the low weight and solidity to back their flash. Prices aren’t cheap- but neither is building a composite wheel (including hubs) in Germany. Visit Bike Ahead Composites’ website or LifecycleUK in Suffolk to learn more.
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Interesting, but it just goes to show what lengths you have to go to with fully integrated hubs to get significant savings over the traditional arrangement.
Being unable to replace a single part (other than axle/freehub) is a worry but they should be quite easy to repair minor damage.and I wonder what the assessment is regarding minor damage repair feasibility.
They just need to mass produce them now to bring the cost down, a lot.
If you snap a spoke, can you fix it by putting the wheel in the freezer?
Very interesting but academic for most of us, how and why would we spend so much on wheels! But if you have vast resources its up to you! Who knows it may trickle down to everyman prices one day.
£2500… nice product but that buys a LOT of holidays or travel…
‘ If you snap a spoke, can you fix it by putting the wheel in the freezer? ‘
hahahaha was just about to ask that 😉
96.3kgs…….in my pants…….I’ll stick with my Hope n Stans.
Well, I’ve got no chance given that weight limit.
Saying that, anything with a weight limit < 100kg never sounds that solid to me anyway, but perhaps that's just cause I'm a fatty!
Skyways all over again …
95kg? I’m out (too fat).
On a more serious note, they are gopping.
“Obciously, we’re drawn to Bike Ahead’s wheels for their looks”
I guess it’s time to get a new prescription. They’re terrible.
I like the way they look however I’m a tad over the weight limit and my bank balance is nowhere fat enough for these bad boys. They would have to be sub 1k before I could even think about them and even then I couldn’t – wouldn’t put my hand in my pocket, there is so much more fun to be had a grand to splash.
Wow, they managed to make a 26er look like a real wagon wheel…
Very Bugly.
1. 20 inch are so much cheaper http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/RALEIGH-BMX-MAG-WHEELS-OLD-SCHOOL-BMX-20X1-75-RARE-80s-BMX-RETRO-/251460872444
2. They are goppingly ugly
3. 95 kg. Seriously? I’m too fat.
4. 2500 pounds? Good lock with that.