Best Carbon Clincher Wheelset – Buyer’s Guide

Most of us remember riding a bike as a kid. Aside from being fun and a great way to exercise, it was also often one of our first forms of transportation other than walking. However, riding for adults can be a far different experience. While as an adult you may ride a bike for the same reasons as a child, you also have likely come to expect more from your purchases – and can afford to purchase better quality products.

This is especially relevant if you ride at an even semi-professional level. This is where carbon wheelsets can come into play. Unfortunately, carbon wheelsets can vary drastically in price and quality without clear indications of what makes one better than another.

That is why we have put together a list of the 10 best carbon wheelsets to help you find the best carbon wheelset for your riding needs. Then, we provide a helpful buyer’s guide, so you know what the different carbon wheelset qualities mean.

Best Carbon Wheelset 2018

1. Queen Bike Carbon Fiber Road Bike Wheels 50mm Clincher Wheelset 700c Racing Bike Wheel: Best-Rated Carbon Wheelset of 2018

The Queen Bike brand of tires may not have much of a reputation, but in terms of affordable carbon fiber wheelsets, they offer something no other product on our list can: hub versatility. Basically, if you are interested in the more durable Campagnolo freehub, this is the only carbon wheelset at the budget end of the price spectrum that offers you a solution. However, that does not mean that you cannot also find a Shimano hub wheel with the Queen Bike offering.

2. ICAN 50mm Carbon Clincher Wheelset Racing Bike Novatec Straight Pull Hub Sapim CX Ray Spokes: Most Durable Carbon Wheelset

ICAN may not have the same name cache as more established brands, but they are quickly making a name for themselves as a manufacturer that spans the wheelset market for both professional and amateur grade products. This specific model falls somewhere in the middle of the pack in terms of price, but does not sacrifice any of ICAN’s innovation.

In fact, ICAN carbon wheelsets make a number of appearances on our list specifically, because they offer a number of advanced components and manufacturing techniques one would expect only to find on a wheelset that costs anywhere from two to three times as much. That being said, this specific ICAN wheelset is one of the more expensive products we reviewed.

3. Superteam Carbon Fiber Road Bike Wheels 700C Clincher Wheelset 50mm Matte 23 width: Best Training Carbon Wheelset

Superteam tires have a mixed reputation to say the least. There can be great value found in this brand, but it requires a bit of luck and a whole lot of research. The difference between one Superteam tire and another can be surprising – even more so considering the brand does not shift too terribly in terms of the price.

These durability issues will generally show themselves after extended use or at higher speeds. As such, these wheels are better suited for training purposes where you may or may not necessarily intend to stress test them.

4. Shimano Dura-Ace 24mm Carbon/Aluminum Clincher Wheel: Best Climbing Wheels

While Shimano may have made its name for freehub designs, the brand also offers a solid entry in the complete wheelset market. Of course, the adage of “you get what you pay for” comes to bear in full force with this wheelset as it is the most expensive product we reviewed.

Still, it is important to note that this wheelset features a climbing wheel. Ultimately, this means that you will fare much better with shifting elevation or strong crosswinds. However, if you are flat time trial rider, this may not be the best for your needs.

5. Superteam 50mm Clincher Wheelset 700c 23mm Width Cycling Racing Road Carbon Wheel Decal: Best Cheap Carbon Wheels

Our second Superteam carbon wheelset strikes an odd comparison with the previous entry. For one, it is not noted for being as fragile as the previous model. However, this is likely due to the fact that this entry is significantly heavier than the previous model such that the components themselves are likely thicker gauged. In fact, this is actually the heaviest wheelset on our list.

This means that while you can expect the durability to hold up a bit better than the previous Superteam, you will also have to exert yourself more. Though, this may not be that big of a deal if you are in the market for a budget carbon wheelset as this is the consistently least expensive product we reviewed.

6. ICAN 50mm 700C Carbon Wheelset Road Bike Clincher Rim Shimano or Sram 10/11 Speed 1510g: Best Classic Carbon Wheelset

Our second ICAN fits within a specific niche that may not appeal to all riders but still squarely fills a definite need depending. Specifically, this wheelset offers the quality build of the ICAN brand at a significantly reduced cost compared to the brand’s other entries on this list. However, it also gives up something in the process.

However, the heavier weight does allow it to accommodate a somewhat heavier rider compared to the other ICANs, though it still lags behind some of the other products in this regard. One thing that stands out is that this product comes hand-tuned for a true wheel rotation right out of the box.

7. ICAN Carbon Road Bike 700C Wheelset Clincher 38mm Rim Sapim CX-Ray Spokes Only 1350g: Lightest Carbon Wheelset with the Smoothest Ride

Outside of the Shimano Dura Ace carbon wheelset, this is arguably the best climber on our list. Unfortunately, this ICAN does not technically qualify as a true climber wheel since its rim depth is 38mm – just 8mm too large for the category. However, this does make this product a prime candidate for the best mid-section carbon wheelset.

Still, as a well crafted mid-section wheelset, the lack of crosswind turbulence combined with a somewhat quicker straight line speed should entice many riders who fall within the weight limit. Of course, this quality comes at a somewhat higher price than many of the other products on our list, though it is still within a reasonable limit.

8. Yoeleo 700C Carbon Wheels SAT C50 Ghost Clincher Road PRO Carbon Road Bike Wheelset for Shimano 11S: Best Carbon Road Bike Wheels

The Yoeleo brand arguably has one of the best reputations for wheelset manufacturers on our list – excepting maybe Shimano, though as mentioned prior, they are known more for their hubs than they are for their wheelsets. Still, this product offers numerous architectural advantages that other products on our list lack.

This provides the bearings both less weight, which is negligible in the first place, as well as less friction – the true draw of ceramic bearings. The decreased friction will not only extend the life of the hub and gearset, it allows the hub to roll more smoothly compared to steel bearings.

9. FASTEAM Carbon Fiber Road Bike Wheels 700C Clincher Wheelset 50mm Matte 23 width 20/24h For Shimano: Best Road Versatile Carbon Wheelset

FASTEAM is another brand that will not register on too many people’s register, but this carbon wheelset definitely offers a distinct advantage when it comes to deep section wheelsets: versatility. However, this is not the same kind of versatility as the other products reviewed. This wheelset can be used on more surfaces and with more riders than others.

However, since this tire is a jack-of-all-trades kind of setup, you should not expect it to provide maximum performance at any of those points. Moreover, the pressure is not the only adjustment you will need to make as the spokes are best served with a pre-ride truing after installation.

10. Sunrise Bike Carbon Road Wheels 700C 50mm Clincher Wheelset 3k Matte Finish with Decal: Best All Around Value Deep Carbon Wheelset

The overwhelming majority of the carbon wheelsets on our list are deep section. As such, figuring out which one is the best will often come down to identifying your specific needs an budget. However, if you are looking for a dependable wheelset at a solid price point, you will be hard pressed to find one better than the Sunrise.

Still, the heavy weight combined with larger gauged components provides the benefit of also being able to support larger riders as the Sunrise also offers the largest maximum weight limit. Still, this is mostly a good, not great, wheelset that finds its value with durability and a low price point.

What is the Best Carbon Wheelset – Buyer’s Guide

Type of Wheel

Depending on how and where you intend to ride, different wheels are better suited for different tasks. It is important you select the proper wheel, or else you may end up making your ride more difficult and less effective than it otherwise could be.

Climbing – These are the lightest and the most shallow wheels. They should weigh around 1,300g or less. Moreover, the rim depth should be less than 30mm. The low weight and small profile provide a smooth ride and easier climbing but are not as durable or fast.

Mid-Section – This is becoming an increasingly popular wheel type due to the fact that it provides some of the benefits of both the climbing and deep wheels. They are less standard in terms of weight, but their rim depth will be between 30mm to 50mm. They are smoother than deep rims and quicker than climbing rims.

Deep Section – These wheels are generally the heaviest wheel sets and have rims that are 50mm and larger. The deeper rims provide a more aerodynamic ride which increases speed. However, the ride can often be bumpier, and cross-winds will cause more turbulence.

Type of Tire

Your preference in terms of tire type will likely hinge more on whether you are a professional rider or not. Professionals will often opt for tubular tires, though clinchers and tubeless tires offer distinct advantages outside of pure performance.

Clincher – This is the most common type of tire for the amateur level of riding. These tires are not quite as durable, nor do they sport quite as good of performance as tubular tires, but they are much cheaper and far easier to replace. These can serve as effective training tires for professionals.

Tubular – If you are professional rider looking for peak performance, you will almost certainly require tubular tires. The tube is not hooked to the rim but is instead glued to it. This reduces weight and allows you to inflate the tires more providing a superior rolling resistance and cornering grip.

Tubeless – This tire type is more common for mountain biking where the rough, uneven riding surfaces can quickly wear out an inflated tire. However, road bikes have started to adopt the technology for their own use. The tubeless road tires provide better rolling resistance than clinchers and are often less expensive than tubulars.

Hub

For anyone who is invested in riding – whether professionally or otherwise – the hub is one of the most important parts of the bike. The design of the hub will ultimately control a number of factors regarding how the bike rides. However, when buying wheelsets, it is important to ensure that the wheels match the hub you intend to use.

Shimano – Shimano is arguably the most popular type of hub used for road biking today. They combine the best features of economic and performance return to provide arguably the best value available. These hubs are noted for some of the most precise shifting which translates to immediate power. Shimano hubs are also easier to find replacement parts for, though they will wear out quicker than Campagnolos.

Campagnolo – This brand of hub is a legacy product that invented a number of the modern biking standards, but they have fallen behind in terms of innovation in recent years. Campagnolo generally hangs its hat on a cassette which is more resistant to notching and a hood design which fits most riders’ hands more comfortably.

SRAM – This hub brand made its name in mountain biking, but much like tubeless tires, is starting to migrate to the road biking market. These hubs are noted for being considerably lighter than their competitors. Moreover, the SRAM shifting allows for shifting multiple gears at once–up to three. Finally, SRAM has a solid track record of innovation–for one, most SRAM hubs are also Shimano compatible.

Spokes

Spokes are likely less important if you are not a professional rider. While the shape and number of the spokes can definitively affect your speed and wind resistance, amateurs are less likely to notice a significant difference–unless they bike in windy conditions or engage in personal time/speed trials.

Number – The number of spokes does not have a clear winner. Instead, this is a bit of a give and take category. The more spokes you have, the more stable the wheel and smoother the ride. However, more spokes also increase the weight of the wheel.

Shape – The shape of the spokes are generally divided into aero, or aerodynamic, designs and round ones. Aero spokes are generally seen as superior, but again, this will play a much larger impact depending on how you intend to ride your bike.

Weight

When it comes to a wheelset’s weight, generally lighter is seen as better. Keep in mind, this perception holds true regardless of whether you are a professional or amateur rider–though each group may hold different reasons for this preference.

For professional riders, a lighter wheel allows them to ride faster. Whether the professional rides tracks, roads, or time trials, speed is always of the essence. Granted, there may be instances when a difference of a couple hundred grams may help one type of competition or another, but that still dictates a relatively light wheel regardless.

For amateur riders, the preference for a lighter wheel is generally based on the ease of the ride. Assuming the manufacturer can still provide a quality riding experience and a durable wheel, a lighter tire simply makes riding the bike easier, requiring less energy to pedal.

Conclusion

In the end, the best carbon wheelset will hinge on what kind of riding you need the wheels to do. If you are looking for budget wheels best used for training purposes, the Superteam or Sunrise should offer a solid product at a low price –
just be sure to keep an eye on them and do not stress test them too far.

However, if you are looking for a wheel that you could conceivably race with, you will likely prefer the ICAN with 38mm rim depth and a surprising 1350g weight. Likewise, if you ride in races with sharp inclines, you will want to look at the Shimano Dura Ultra with its shallow rim.