NOVATEC JETFLY
£359 › Training wheels only, or capable of more? SPECIFICATION WEIGHT F/R 646/841g SPOKES 20/24 RIM (inside/outside x depth) 17/21.5x32mm ENGAGEMENT LAG 13 degrees
N
ovatec has been producing high quality, reliable wheels for numerous prestigious brands for a long time. Its latest own-brand wheels truly deserve to bring the company out of the shadows, though. We think the Jetflys are undersold as ‘training’ wheels; at under 1500g a pair, with a reasonably fast-reacting, steel-reinforced freehub, they feel very responsive, with just a hint of front wheel flex when you’re really giving it grief out of the saddle. The 32mm-deep rim handles impressively in a full range of wind conditions and sustains speed well. The rim is tubeless-compatible, and although valves and tape aren’t included you do get four spare double-butted spokes and quick release skewers. www.extrauk.co.uk HIGHS Light, responsive, reliable LOWS Slight front wheel flex
RATING ★★★★★
GIANT P-SL1 £229.98
SPECIFICATION WEIGHT F/R 753/1072g SPOKES F/R 18/24 RIM 16/21x21mm ENGAGEMENT LAG 20 degrees
L
ike many top-end wheel producers, Giant bases its P-SL1 wheels around DT Swiss internals. Unlike most you don’t pay a premium for that. The hubs don’t look cheap either, with neat low-profile block flanges for the straight-pull DT Champion spokes. Tight lacing keeps the mid-width rims feeling precise and surefooted and DT’s unique RWS ratchet quick releases keep them secure. Engagement speed and weight are average rather than advantageous but the overall riding character feels great given the very affordable price. Initial issues with spoke breakages on the driveside rear have been solved on the latest sets too. www.giant-bicycles.com
★★★★★
WE SAY...
A winning combination of price, practicality and performance
FULCRUM RACING 5 £239.99
SPECIFICATION WEIGHT F/R 762/963g SPOKES F/R 20/24 RIM 15/21x24mm ENGAGEMENT LAG 12 degrees
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ulcrum’s trusty 5 is brought bang up to date for 2014. The steel freehub resists cassette damage and it’s now 11-speed compatible as standard. The relatively fat hubs with plasticshrouded bearings also feature a large driveside flange with fancy transverse slots that carry twice as many spokes as the offside. They definitely feel comfortable rather than taut, though, and while their relatively low weight makes for keen initial acceleration, they feel soft under a serious power kick. Weight-balanced rolling performance (heavier spokes opposite the valve) and lifespan of the adjustable clamped bearings is always good and red anodised nipples look smart. www.i-ride.co.uk
★★★★★
VISION TEAM30 £299.95
SPECIFICATION WEIGHT F/R 798/1058g SPOKES F/R 20/24 RIM 13/18x30mm ENGAGEMENT LAG 16 degrees
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ith polished, bladed spokes and smoothly rounded hub profiles, Vision’s semi-aero wheelset is a head turner. The wheels aren’t light, so getting the 30mm-deep rims turning takes a fair effort but their stiffness helps you make use of your power. The tight feel aids control in sidewind gusts, although they feel straight-line stubborn rather than agile on descents. Once up to speed on flat or rolling roads they have an easy, momentummassaging pulse that rouleurs will like. The cartridge bearings are well sealed, the tough steel freehub is 11-speed compatible. Tyre fitting is a fight, though, and they’re Shimano/SRAM only. www.windwave.co.uk ★★★★★
144 | May 2014 | CYCLING PLUS
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