Fastest UCI Wheelset: Scribe’s New Aero Wheels

by priyanka.patel tech editor

Here’s the article with the requested “Did you know?”, “Pro tip:”, and “reader question:” boxes added, adhering to all specified guidelines:

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Scribe Launches Ultra Lightweight Carbon Wheels, Claiming Aerodynamic Supremacy

A new generation of deep-section carbon wheels is pushing the boundaries of performance, and Irish brand Scribe is the latest to enter the fray with its Élan Ultra and Core Ultra wheelsets, boasting significant weight reductions and aerodynamic optimizations. The company asserts its new 65mm deep wheelset will be the fastest UCI-compliant option available, leveraging innovative carbon fiber spoke technology.

The demand for lighter, faster wheels has surged in recent years, with manufacturers successfully reducing overall weights while maintaining aerodynamic profiles. it’s now commonplace to find deep-section wheels weighing less than 1,300 grams. This progress is largely attributed to the increasing adoption of carbon fiber spokes, a trend Scribe is now fully embracing.

Did you know? – Carbon fiber spokes are lighter than steel, contributing to reduced wheel weight and improved acceleration. They also offer diffrent vibration damping characteristics.

Élan Ultra: Carbon Spokes for Unrivaled Performance

The flagship Élan Ultra wheelset is available in 50mm and 65mm depths, targeting riders prioritizing both weight and aerodynamics. According to company claims, the 50mm version tips the scales at 1,149 grams, while the 65mm option weighs in at 1,289 grams – both highly competitive figures. These weights are achieved, in part, through the use of Scribe’s new OSL8 (oscillate) carbon fiber spokes.

The wheels utilize T1100 carbon fiber hooked rims, featuring a 24mm internal width and 32mm external width. They are constructed with 20 spokes both front and rear, and are optimized for tires ranging from 28mm to 50mm in width.

Pro tip: – Wider internal rim widths (24mm+) generally allow for lower tire pressures, improving comfort and grip without increasing rolling resistance.

Core Ultra: aerodynamic Steel for Value-Conscious Riders

For riders seeking a more affordable option, Scribe is also releasing the Core ultra range. These wheels utilize aero-bladed steel spokes, weighing 1,338 grams for the 50mm version and 1,486 grams for the 65mm deep version. Despite the difference in spoke material, the Core Ultra shares the same rim profile and hubs as the Élan Ultra.

Reader question: – How does spoke count affect wheel stiffness? Generally, more spokes increase stiffness, but modern hub and rim designs can mitigate the need for excessively high spoke counts.

Testing and Advancement: A Focus on Aerodynamics

Scribe previously tested its Core 60 wheels in CN Labs, achieving strong results against established brands. While independent testing of the new wheelsets is pending, Scribe has released data from its own wind tunnel testing conducted at the Silverstone Sports Engineering Hub.

One analyst noted that initial testing revealed an Alpina Aerolite spoke was marginally more aerodynamic than the initial 5mm carbon fiber spoke Scribe was developing. Though, the brand prioritized the ride quality and aesthetics of the carbon spoke, ultimately refining the design to achieve a performance advantage.

The finalized OSL8 spokes demonstrated a wattage saving over the benchmark 5mm carbon spoke, leading to their implementation in the new wheels. Testing was performed using a 28mm Continental GP5000 tire on a Scribe Core 60-D wheel, focusing on front-wheel-only performance.

maintenance and Pricing

Scribe assures riders that while the carbon spokes require minimal truing, they can be adjusted if necessary, simplifying long-term maintenance.

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