Gear Review: Shimano Dura Ace 7900 C50 Wheels
- By Paul Moore
- Published October 17, 2011
Shimano’s Dura Ace C50 wheelset are a beautifully crafted pair of wheels that look sleek, scream quality and instantly give your bike that X Factor. On the scales they fair well weighing 745g for the front and 915g for the rear.
We like the fact Shimano have hit the weight/stiffness balance so they don’t feel flimsy like some light wheels when you first hit a corner at speed. They combine an aluminium rim with a carbon fairing to provide 50mm of wind cheating rim. These are matched with cold forged machined aluminium hubs which roll on Borozon treated bearing races which are super mirror-finished bearing races that reduce friction. These bearings are protected by Shimano’s Labyrinth double contact low-friction seals which effectively shut out water, mud and dirt without affecting rotational smoothness for a super smooth ride. The rims and hubs are laced together with stainless steel butted and bladed straight pull elbow-less spokes which not only makes a strong wheel, but one that is compliant and helps to soak up a little of the road vibration. There are 16 radial spokes up front and 20 in the rear with two cross lacing. On the road they feel fast, solid and stable yet remain compliant enough to take out the sting of rough roads.
We like the quick pawl engagement in the rear hub which provides instant power transfer. While some might argue an all carbon clincher rim might be preferable or lighter, this set up does provide a durable wheel and the aluminium braking surface offers great breaking in the dry and even better in the wet. While they’re are lighter and cheaper, this wheelset offers beautiful build quality with great looks and a ride to match.
Performance: 9
Value: 8
FILED UNDER: All / Gear & Tech TAGS: Bike / Gear / Ironman / Shimano Dura Ace 7900 C50 Wheels / Triathlon / wheel Review
Paul Moore
Paul Moore is the Online Editor for Triathlete Europe. When not glued to a computer he can be found writing books - most recently The World's Toughest Endurance Challenges which you can buy on Amazon. Paul has also written Ultimate Triathlon: A complete training guide for long-distance triathletes which is also available on Amazon.
