Lightweight have unveiled their deep-section Fernweg carbon tubular wheelset, with an impressive claimed weight of 1,355g (640g front, 715g rear).
Rim depth on Lightweight wheels has never previously strayed past 53mm but the Fernweg wheelset ups the ante to 81mm.
Rim design is relatively simple, with a round edge at the spoke bed and flat walls, and a rim width of 19.5mm, marking a move away from current aero design where a fatter rim profile is preferred on wheels such as the Bontrager Aeolus D3’s on test at RCUK, which are 27mm wide at the widest point. Sixteen spokes feature on the Fernweg front wheel, and 20 on the rear.
“Countless tests in the wind tunnel, on the track, and on the road helped us find the optimum design for the stiffest, lightest and probably most aerodynamic aero wheel set on the planet,” claim Lightweight.
A fully enclosed construction means water cannot enter the rim, so the wheels should maintain their low weight when riding in wet weather.
The wheels have been in development for three years and are designed predominantly for the triathlon market, but Lightweight say they’re also suitable for time trials and road racing.
The Fernweg wheelset is compatible with Shimano/SRAM and Campagnolo freehubs. There’s no word on price or availability yet.
