When opting for the best set of road bike wheels for climbing, we often find ourselves disputing over the properties of such road bike wheels that would make them ideal for such a purpose. However, we forget that “what goes up must also come down”. This urges us to consider attributes for road bike wheels ideal for both uphill and downhill travel. While we can agree that weight should be the foremost determining factor, we have taken the liberty to research through the different types of road bike wheels designed for climbing. After much consideration, we have picked out “Zipp 202 NSW Carbon Wheel – Clincher” as “Our Overall Best Choice”.
Aero performance; better rigidity; lightweight for the steepest climbs; crosswinds balanced | Overall Best Choice
Zipp 202 NSW Carbon Wheel – Clincher is the best set of Road Bike Wheels for Climbing. It comes with Sawtooth dimples allowed to cheat winds and the aero rims are designed for rough use but still light enough for climbs., with better stability top crosswinds. The Showstopper braking surface with a lot of grooves boosts braking and control no matter the condition. They are light on the scales, and also out on the road.
Features & Considerations:
- Carbon Clinchers
- 32mm deep & 25.4mm wide rims
- Excellent aerodynamics
- Enhanced speed and stability
- Showstopper brake track
- Lightweight
- Weigh 1375 g
In the following table, we’ve listed the best road bike wheels in the market for climbing up and down:
| Road Bike | Why we recommend this | Weight (grams) |
|---|---|---|
| Zipp 202 NSW Carbon Wheel | Our choice of best road bike wheels for climbing | Aero performance | 1375 |
| Fulcrum Racing Zero Carbon Disc Wheelset | Another good choice for climbing up and down. Tubeless compatible. | 1450 |
| Campagnolo Bora Ultra 35 WheelSet | Aero-profile. Optimized braking. | 1370 |
| Mavic R-Sys SLR WTS Rear Wheel | Deep, wide rims. Faster acceleration. | 1295 |
| Campagnolo Zonda C17 WheelSet | Wide rims. Reduced rolling friction | 1596 |
| ROL Wheels D'Huez Road Bike Wheelset | Aero and wide rims. Lightweight. | 1430 |
| Token Ventous Carbon Road Clincher Wheelset | Light, wide, and fast set of wheels. | 1342 |
| Yuanan Aero Carbon Tubular Tubeless Road Bike Wheel | Improved braking power. | 1625 |
| SHIMANO Dura-Ace 9100 C40 Carbon Clincher Road Wheelset | Better drive rigidity. Lightweight. Stiff. | 1485 |
9 best road bike wheels you can buy today for climbing up & down
Below, we have created a comparison table for 9 best road bike wheels for climbing, where they have been selected based on their specific features which make them ideal for such road bike riding discipline. It is advisable to take a quick glance at the table for a quick understanding of why and how a particular set of wheels will be best for you. Also, it will surely save you time if you do not want to go through the whole article.
| Wheel Type | Preview | Weight (g) | Hub Type | Rim Material, Type | Hub Bearing Used | Braking |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zipp 202 NSW Carbon Wheel | 1375 | Zipp Aluminum Cognition Hub | Carbon/Clincher | Swiss stainless steel | Rim/silicon carbide Showstopper brake track | |
| Fulcrum Racing Zero Carbon Disc Wheelset | 1450 | Axial clutch, Carbon and aluminum with Oversized Fringes/Aluminum with Oversized Flange | Carbon/Clincher / Tubeless | USB CERAMIC BEARING with adjustable cup and cone bearing system | Disc/AC3 treated twill carbon braking surface | |
| Campagnolo Bora Ultra 35 WheelSet | 1370 | Carbon fibre hub e | Carbon/Clincher | CULT bearings | Rim/textured AC3 treated special break track | |
| Mavic R-Sys SLR WTS Rear Wheel | 1295 | Aluminum with steel FTS-L | Maxalt Aluminum /Clincher | QRM SL Steel cartridge Bearing | Rim/Carbon alloy coated with Exalith 2 | |
| Campagnolo Zonda C17 WheelSet | 1596 | HG Shimano/SRAM, ED CampagnoloMEGA-G3 Oversize flange(Rear wheel) | Optimised Aluminium/Clincher | USB ceramic ball bearings | Rim /Carbon |
|
| ROL Wheels D'Huez Road Bike Wheelset | 1430 | 3D Forged Alloy ROL | Low Profile alloy/Clincher, Tubeless Ready | ABEC 5 TPI Steel Sealed Cartridge Bearings | Rim/Resin | |
| Token Ventous Carbon Road Clincher Wheelset | 1342 | Z1 | Clincher | TFT | Rim/Carbon Fibre(Conti-Fiber) | |
| Yuanan Aero Carbon Tubular Tubeless Road Bike Wheel | 1625 | Novatec A72SB/Novatec F372SB | High TG carbon fiber/carbon fibre/tubeless ready or non tubeless | Hybrid ceramic ball bearing | Rim/crystal polished braking surface | |
| SHIMANO Dura-Ace 9100 C40 Carbon Clincher Road Wheelset | 1485 | Shimano Dura-ace | Aluminum with carbon laminate/Clincher | Digital cone | Rim/Aluminum alloy |
1. Zipp 202 NSW Carbon Wheel: Aero performance; better rigidity; lightweight for the steepest climbs; crosswinds balanced | Overall Best Choice
- Type: Wheelset
- Wheel diameter: 28”
- Wheel Weight: 1375g
- Rim Material, Type & Profile: Carbon/Clincher/U
- Rim Depth/Internal Rim Width/External Rim Width: 32mm/16.25 mm/25.4 mm
- Spoke used: black Sapim CX-Ray bladed stainless steel spokes
- Spoke Count & Pattern: 18 ,radial/24, 2-cross
- Hub used: Zipp Aluminum Cognition Hub
- Bearings used: Swiss Stainless Steel
- Brake: Rim/Textured/ Zipp silicon carbide Showstopper brake
- Cassette body: 10 or 11-speed hub: yes, for Both Shimano and SRAM; XDR
- Zipp’s Showstopper brake track: These are modern rims that have been upgraded with Zipp’s Showstopper brake track which is textured and saturated with silicon carbide particles. In addition, the specific directional grooves on the brake track have deepened while increasing in number. There are angled sipes that dissipate water and have a silicon-carbon coating. As a result, braking performance is highly optimized in a variety of conditions – wet, dry, etc. will allow more control to the rider – resulting in shorter braking distances.
- Reduced overall weight due to rim, hub, and bearing material: The weight advantage of carbon is felt greater on a deeper section carbon rim, a shape that is difficult to replicate in aluminum. Lighter carbon fiber layer up means the reduced weight on the outer edge of the wheel. Fewer spokes on the front wheel – low weight. Only 24 spokes on the rear wheel to save weight.
- Rim does not overheat and last longer: Carbon fiber rims do not overheat from excessive braking or sudden braking during descent. Do not have to deal with flats. Radial front lacing stresses the hub flange more there is a very minor risk of breaking the hub flange if you are using a hub not built for radial lacing. Being tubeless, you can run lower pressure tyres over rougher roads.
- Stiffness of wheel, hub for easy climbing: Carbon material for the rims increases stiffness. This allows them to accelerate quickly during climbing. Low-profile cross-section of the rims helped to deal with crosswind while traveling downhill on a terrain that is tricky and uncertain. It allows you to transfer your energy into power as effectively as possible. The radially laced front wheel is stiffer, uses fewer spokes, shorter
- Axial Clutch Technology in the Cognition Hubset: This allows better coasting by reducing the internal hub drag Riders can. Allows better cornering speed.
- Steel Bearings: Zipp exclusive unique scalloped edge hub shell design on the front hub ensures that the diameter of the bearing bore is unchanged even when the radial spoke tension applied is high. This helps the bearings to maintain their position, increasing the stiffness of the wheel under a lateral load – which would be climbing. In addition, the stainless steel material used here ensures durability and reduces rotational friction.
- ABLC Sawtooth technology dimple pattern: This design by Zipp ensures that when a rider is doing a speed of 20 miles per hour, the 12 nodes that are incorporated by this new design – begin cutting back drag force at the rate of 50 Hz. Small sheet vortices are generated by the Sawtooth which decreases the adverse pressure exerted on the profile of the rim – allowing it to better handle crosswinds and minimize the side forces felt by the wheel. Shorter spoke length allows better aerodynamics,
- Zipp’s ImPress technology: Impress Technology is used to apply graphics directly on to the wheel, which allows the dimples to control the rate at which air is deflected off them on the wheel surface.
- Spoke pattern, length, and material to balance rotating weights: The stainless steel spokes used here means it will never be susceptible to rusting. Radial spoke pattern on front wheels means shorter spokes. 24 hole, 2x pattern rear spoke. The angle of the spoke is more tangential and it will end up crossing more of the spokes. – increased wheel strength. Can withstand the extra force on the rear wheel. Spokes are J-bend while locking nipples are Sapim and external.
- Braking performance is reduced significantly in wet conditions
- The rear wheels still make a sound and riders need to adjust their braking time and technique to get the best performance.
The Nest is the leading manufacturers of the fastest wheels in the world. The Zipp 202 NSW Carbon wheelset easily makes its way to the top of the list for best road bike wheels for climbing. Called the ultimate climbing wheelset by the NSW advanced development team, carbon clinchers with this wheelset will allow the rider to go up easily on the most difficult uphills and allows greater descent speed while retaining good control on the brakes. The 33mm rims are lighter even with the carbon fiber layer and since the weight has been shed off at the wheel’s outer edge – they can serve raiders faithfully over a long period of time. Since this wheelset is more focused on climbing where crosswinds are sure to affect the wheel – these wheels flex very little sideways when a load is applied in that direction.
Aerodynamic drag is dealt with by ABLC Sawtooth technology and used ImPress graphics while Showstopper brake track will allow optimized braking performance in all conditions. Axial Clutch Technology in the cognition rear hub is used to bring down the rolling resistance which is a major advantage during descents which are long and helps to retain speed during biking up, traveling through, and coming down mountain tracks. By releasing the ratchet mechanism. NSW(Nest Speed Weaponry) seals on these wheels ensure that it is equipped with the latest technology offered by Zipp.
Zipp 202 NSW Carbon Wheel
2. Fulcrum Racing Zero Carbon Disc Wheelset: Tubeless compatible; smoother riding; boosted stiffness; better wheel balance
- Type: Wheelset
- Wheel diameter: 28”
- Wheel Weight: 1450g
- Rim Material, Type : Carbon/Clincher / Tubeless (2-Way FitTM)
- Rim Depth/Internal Rim Width/External Rim Width: 30mm/19mm/26.5 mm
- Spoke used: Aluminum Aero straight pull
- Spoke Count & Pattern: spokes- 21 two-to-one(14 left, 7 right)/ 21, two-to-one(7 left, 14 right)
- Hub used: Center Locking Disc
- Bearings used: ceramic (USB) sealed
- Brake: Disc brake/AC3 treated twill carbon braking surface(AFS Disc Brake Option)
- Compatible with: Shimano / SRAM 11-speed road, Shimano / SRAM 8, 9, 10-speed, SRAM XDR
- 2-Way Fit Tube System: Fulcrum has innovated 2 –WAY FIT technology that would allow their tubeless rims to be compatible with normal clincher tires and tubes. A modification in the valve area allows tubes to fit accurately in the tires while maintaining their stability. Fulcrum 2-Way Fit would allow us to change to standard clincher tires in case of a puncture to a tubeless tire used here.
- Braking Surface: An initiative of the Fulcrum R & D division. AC3 treatment on bike wheels reduces resins on the wheel surface while becoming rougher. The goal is to get the most out of the contact between the brake pad and the fiber. The result is better gripping capability while getting rid of water and moisture in wet conditions According to results from Fulcrum lab tests, braking power increased around 50 percent after AC3 treatment.
- USB – CERAMIC ULTRA SMOOTH BEARINGS: Fulcrum® has developed the hub for this wheel in their R&D department. The hub is an Ultra Smooth bearing with USB – CERAMIC ULTRA SMOOTH BEARINGS technology. This provides 50 % more smooth riding while reducing weight and maintenance issues.
- 2:1 Spoke Ratio and DRSC: The 2:1 spoke ratio on both the front and rear wheels makes it easier to balance the rotational force from pushing on the paddles reducing effective.power to energy transfer. Thanks to this technology patented by Fulcrum, two spokes are working together to distribute the tension instead of one increasing stiffness in the rear wheel spokes allowing the rider to transfer power from the paddles more efficiently. Tension on the drive and non-drive sides are more evenly balanced which means the durability of the rim, spokes, and hub is more. The disc brake being used here with the 2:1 ratio helps to maintain the direction of the front wheel during braking. In addition, the direction Rim-Spoke coupling system(DRSC) here ensures even distribution in the rim, spokes, nipples, and the hub.
- Disc Centre Lock(AFS Axle System): To attach the hub to the disc brake, Fulcrum has developed the AFS Axle System. The release mechanism of the butt area is more constraining allowing optimal braking performance and ensures more structural stiffness.
- Anti-Rotation System: The spoke and the hub housings have been designed in such a way that the overall structure is more stiff making it easy to retain the tension, increasing responsiveness, and enhancing the aerodynamics of the wheel.
- Guarantee of Quality: All Fulcrum wheels have a little label attached to their body so that in case of any defect or failure of the wheels, Fulcrum can trace the product
- Carbon Hub with cup & cone bearing: The user is made from carbon fiber with a cup and cone-bearing. This allows the hub to provide better support for the frame and balance the rotational force from pushing down on the pedals. This type of rubber is inserted in the outsole that defines the combination of tread geometry, density, and proprietary rubber compound. This enhances better traction and durability.
- ARC TECHNOLOGY: Carbon sheets are layered in the mold so as to create different zones on the wheels on the basis of vibration in these zones during racing.T800 high modulus carbon is used to reinforce the spoke eyelets, while maintaining the rest of the wheel should be as light as possible. This makes the wheel more responsive to efforts to modify motion after it has been fully generated.
- Plasma Electrolytic Oxidation: This is a process where surface aluminum alloy in the freewheel hub is oxidized through electrical discharges. This modifies the alloy to become more resistant to wear while strengthening it.
- MOMAG system: MoMag is the “Mounting Magnet” system where the valve hole is used to insert nipples into the rim and uses a magnet to guide the spoke to the connecting point. The absence of holes in the rim means that the rim is uniform in all points throughout its structure, with no weakness zones or stress points. The clincher profile also makes rim take unnecessary, allowing the wheel to maintain its lightweight property.
- These bike wheels are not aerodynamic, which is a major disadvantage when opting for the best product here.
- Only a few small size tires can be used on the 2-Way Fit technology.
Under the Italian component brand Campagnolo, Fulcrum Racing Zero Carbon Disc Wheelset comes with wheels that are compatible with Campagnolo’s products as well as Shimano/Sram systems. Fulcrum Racing Zero Carbon Disc Brake version has been components specially designed to be compatible with disc brakes. Rims used here have a 19 mm internal width and use USB ceramic bearings on this disc version. The spoke eyelet is reinforced with ARC technology covering that reinforces its elasticity allowing this wheel to prove the best of all worlds – technology, performance, and innovation. It can support tires between 23mm to 50 mm.
30 mm rim depth helps to maintain wheel lightness even when going uphill while the wider rim and aluminum spoke will allow you to come downhill with more confidence Oversized flanges distribute the load better in the spoke while the spokes have a 2:1 ratio on both the front and rear wheels for balancing rotational forces. The performance of the wheel is more consistent because of the spoke anti-rotation system. Wheel balance is improved by rim dynamic balance while the undrilled rim bed boosts stiffness.
Fulcrum Racing Zero Carbon Disc Wheelset
3. Campagnolo Bora Ultra 35 WheelSet: Aero-profile; optimized braking; comfortable riding; rigid, reactive and lightweight wheelset
- Type: WheelSet
- Wheel diameter: 28mm
- Wheel Weight: 1370g
- Rim Material, Type: Carbon/Clincher
- Rim Depth/Internal Rim Width/External Rim Width: 35mm/17mm/24.2mm
- Spoke used: Stainless Steel Aero, double-butted
- Spoke Count & Pattern: 18, radial/21(G3) Rear
- Hub used: Carbon fiber hub
- Bearings used: CULT bearings
- Brake: Rim/Textured/All Conditions Carbon Control pr AC3
- Compatible with: Campagnolo 9-11 Speed Cassette
- Exclusive G3 spoke pattern on rear wheel: Campagnolo has developed a spoke pattern that allows it to transfer power more efficiently while improving the axial stiffness. There is less stress transferred to the spokes to the right of the rear wheel hubs because the number of spokes on this side is twice the number on the left. The oversize flange present here improves the rigidity of the rim in relation to the hub and hub axle making the wheel more responsive..The added grip between the rim and the brake pad will allow the rider brake consistently and minimize braking distance even when in conditions are wet even when you are turning corners at high speeds.
- CULT ball bearing in the HUB: The ball bearings in the Hub are made of ceramic and stainless steel under a patent developed by Campagnolo called CULT(CERAMIC ULTIMATE LEVEL TECHNOLOGY). There is minimal contact between the wheel and the crankset due to the layer of oil. The ball bearings have a hard but smooth surface on which the ceramic balls rotate which also makes both the bearing and balls durable.
- Rim Dynamic Balance: Carbon fiber used on these wheels are structured in such a way in the wheels so that the rim formed always has excellent balance. This added feature means that the rim will be balanced even when the rider will be going fast.
- All Conditions Carbon Control(AC3) Technology: the purpose of this texture of design on the wheel rim is to improve the braking performance of the rim in all conditions. There will be a 3% increase in braking performance which will give these wheels a significant advantage over its competitors. Braking performance is boosted by 43% in dry conditions and 55% in wet conditions.
- Wider rims: The Bora Ultra 35 Overall great build quality as supple synthetic leather which is actually more rigid than genuine leather was used to make the upper part ensuring perforated ventilation. These tires increase wheel mobility and when the tire pressure is low, help to make the ride more comfortable by gripping more.
- Red Compound brake pads: The Campagnolo Quick Release is a major upgrade from the simple lock/release system. The lever is at a central position with respect to the hub axle axis and has a light profile which reduces drag force on the wheel. The lever is symmetrical with a drill lightening shape with an aluminum die which is not easily damaged by rusting, more pressure. The new blend is designed especially to optimize braking performance in every condition damaging the brake pad.
- Quick Release axles: Campagnolo has redesigned its axles to allow them to have an aerodynamic profile wheel block which is extremely light. They have a steel spine with a drill lightening lever. The wheel block can be properly closed to adjust wheel pressure, increasing sensitivity in the wheels.
- Less Maintenance: The nipples are made from aluminum and are self-locking so that just the perfect amount of tension is maintained in the spokes.
- The wheel has a “Box V” rim profile with a nose that is flat on the spoke-side. The brake track is also not tapered or angles so this wheel will be more affected by crosswind and drag from the wind while riding, which is disadvantageous to the aerodynamics of the wheelset.
- The installation of the additional spikes can be tricky because the rubber of the sole may interfere while tightening them.
The Campagnolo Bora Ultra 35 WheelSet has a rim depth of 35 mm making it an extremely versatile carbon wheel, which is very stiff and measures on the lower side of the weighing scale. The carbon hubs have a CULT ceramic cup and cone bearing made from Cronitect® steel, which makes the system 9 times smoother. The stiffness of both the hub and the rim makes this wheel extremely aerodynamic and is less affected by crosswinds.
Oversized flanges on both the front and rear hubs account for increased rigidity of the wheels and making the wheels more reactive. The carbon fiber hub also means that it flexes very little sideways when putting under a lateral load while maintaining its lightweight. AC3 (All Conditions Carbon Control) Technology makes the wheel extremely safe in all conditions so that you can confidently brake due to the shorter braking distance while having more control. G3 spokes allow for the smoothest ride even for heavier riders while maintaining balance the tension of the spokes on either side of the wheel and maximum power to energy transfer while maintaining that the spokes are not put under extensive stress. The stainless steel material of the spokes makes the wheels more reactive, lightweight, and improves wheel aerodynamics All of these make the Bora Ultra 35 a good choice for climbing and flat heel riding.
Campagnolo Bora Ultra 35 WheelSet
4. Mavic R-Sys SLR WTS Rear Wheel: Deep, wide rims; faster acceleration, better handling, and higher stability
- Type: Rear Wheel
- Wheel diameter: 28”
- Wheel Weight: 1295 g
- Rim Material, Type: Clincher /Maxalt Aluminum
- Rim Depth/Internal Rim Width/External Rim Width: 26mm/15mm/19mm
- Spoke used: Carbon Tracomp
- Spoke Count & Pattern: 20 radial (left), 2 cross(right)
- Hub used: Aluminium FTS-L
- Bearings used: QRM SL hub bearings
- Brake type/Surface/Used: Rim/Carbon alloy coated with Exalith braking
- Cassette body: Shimano/SRAM 10/11
- Yksion Powerlink rear wheel: PowerLink tyres are designed for real wheel usage. The design has been specially developed to minimize rolling resistance of the wheel and to transfer power for more efficient pedaling. The tread pattern accounts for better gripping while the 210 TPI high-density casing will allow you to accelerate faster. The wheel also incorporates anti-puncture technology made from nylon which male it durable.
- Lighter freehub body: The freehub uses FTSL (Force Transfer System Light) which supports the contact surface area between the hub and the pawl by means of two inserts made from stainless steel which accounts for the excellent power to energy transfer ratio at the wheel, This also strengthens the mechanism for cassette drive while maintaining its low weight.
- Lightweight MAXTAL Rim with ISM 4D: This rim is exclusive to Mavic wheels. This material is called 6000-0series aluminum, which offers 30% better braking performance. In addition, the UB Control technology presents a milled braking surface that removes shuddering while enhancing braking friction. The ISM 4D is a technology patented to Mavic only, where the new aerodynamic rim shape is 50 grams lighter and decreases drag force. Momentum can be retained during instant acceleration without any damage to the rim.
- Carbon Tracomp Spokes: New technology for spokes. The light spokes here make for an extremely stiff rear wheel and allow to transfer power from the pedals quicker and with more efficiency.
- Stiff rims: Lateral stiffness of the rim is therefore optimized for performance under all conditions due to MoMag and Tacncom technology- allowing better control and handling while coming downhill and maximum energy transfer when climbing uphill. The aluminum nipples are screwed by means of a thread by pressing the base of the inner rim inwards while the outer rim is left untouched. This allows the rim to provide four times as much resistance under stress while boosting stiffness by 20%. Energy is better transferred from the rear wheel
- Exalith 2 brake tracks on the rim: A Mavic exclusive, Exalith technology on the rear aluminum rim has accounted for the long life of this wheel without any damage to the brake pads despite bringing down braking distance by 18% in all conditions. The alloy is treated with Exalith so that rim is less susceptible to wear and tear for many kilometers! This shoe does it all whether you want to gravel grinding or you want to make an adventure by gliding through a flowy track,
- Lighter cartridge bearings on the hub: Qualité de Roulements Mavic Super Light bearings used in the hub are very light. The hub axles with this hub are machined with low tolerances and positioned individually ensuring maximum accuracy.high his type of closure is simple yet effective and reliable. You can quickly and easily secure your foot with an enveloping fit. As a result, these bearings are extremely smooth and long-lasting
- The TraComp spokes can be permanently damaged if they are hit on their sides.
- Mavic only recommends using Mavic Special Exalith brake pads with this wheel. Replacing the Mavic brake pad with any other product can cause braking performance to decline significantly and also hurt the rider in due process.
- The FTS-L freewheel system requires more maintenance as friction wears the hub over time due to the damage inflicted on the freehub body.
This design from Mavic is specially developed for climbing, making Mavic R-Sys SLR WTS Rear Wheel the lightest clincher wheel produced by Mavic yet. The strength of the Maxtal alloy allows it to maintain low weight but improve the aerodynamics of the wheel. ISM 4D rims weigh only 370g, which allows the rider to efficiently transfer pedaling power and help deflect wind smoothly – saving watts. These Rims allow riders to go down hills faster but also have to deal with increasing downhill wobble speed. The Tracomp Mavic spokes flex very little side-to-side under extreme loads by compressing, instead of losing the tension distributed to their bodies by the hub. The wheels feel lighter and its rotational inertia is on the low-end side – meaning that wheels are now lighter, more efficient, and stiff. These wheels are supported by QRL SL hubs which are optimized for lightweight and the bearings run smoothly and longer. Additionally, the hollow tube shaped carbon spokes on the rear drive side of the Mavic wheel allows it to be more stiff, by absorbing compressing forces for both normal and heavy load conditions by using Tracomp technology.
Yksion Powerlink rear wheel reduces the force resisting the motion of the tire(rolling resistance) making it easier for the wheel to transfer effective power and increase the acceleration of the rear wheel.
“We have only mentioned the features for the rear wheel only. If you are looking to buy the complete wheelset please click here.
Mavic R-Sys SLR WTS Rear Wheel
