Knight Composites are a fairly new brand with an impressive background. Their three founders have worked with some of the biggest names in cycling – Reynolds, Enve, Cervélo and Felt – and came together because they figured they could combine that experience to make wheels that are at least as good as anything on the market today.
Their line-up currently includes three rim depths; the 35s we have here, a set of 65mm-deep wheels and an ultra-deep 95mm set. The 35s weigh in at a claimed 1,404g if built around DT Swiss 240 hubs – which is the standard option – or 1,373g if the foundation is upgraded to DT’s 180s. Either way, their nice and light. The price will change depending on hub choice, too. For the 240s, you’re looking at £1,648 for the set, but for the 180s you’ll have to find over £500 more as they come in at £2,199. Our test set is the DT Swiss 240 option.
Knight also claim that the 35s are significantly more aerodynamic than a standard set of box rims (which you’d expect, really, and their wind tunnel tests were done at 30mph, which is a speed we won’t be troubling often on the flat), but even at 20mph you can still expect an aero gain over standard alu clinchers. Because of its aerodynamics rim profile (obviously as you increase the rim depth to the 65s and 95s, the aero gain will also increase) and low weight, Knight pitch the 35 as a do-it-all wheel. Aero, yes, but light and nimble when the road heads uphill. They also say it will ‘cushion the impact of the roughest roads’ – something we shouldn’t have any trouble testing on our local roads.
Build-wise, the 35s are en-vogue with a wide 25.5mm external rim width, which should provide a stable platform for a 25mm tyre or wider, as is the current trend. As we’ve already mentioned, they’re 35mm deep and have a 20/24 front/rear spoke count. They also come with either a white or black decals depending on whether you’re a fan of the stealth look or not.
We’ll be getting out on these as much as possible in the coming weeks, so look out for a full review soon.
Website: Knight Composites
UK distributor: Velobrands
