The uptake of carbon rims in the last couple of years has been remarkable, with many amateur racers and riders looking to emulate the kit used by the pros. Many of the latest carbon rims currently require tubular tyres, with only a few carbon clincher rims available.

Lew Racing has launched the Pro VC1 carbon clincher rim. It uses a retention system already found in the automotive industry, BSC (Bead Seat Clincher) and negates the traditional hook design, instead relying on the inflated inner tube forcing the tyre’s bead to the bottom of the redesigned rim chamber. The forces previously focused on the rims sidewall are now directed inward toward a more secure position on the rim where it sits on a perch located on the inner diameter of the rim chamber.

As well as relocating the tyre bead, Lew Racing has designed a rim sidewall that’s some three times thicker than any other carbon rim, providing much more structural integrity.In addition, Lew Racing uses reinforced boron and high-modulus carbon in its rims which guards against rim deformation under extreme braking conditions.

Lew Racing also claim that the relocation of the tyres bead towards the bottom of the rim chamber is that it’s more secure, and should eliminate any opportunity of a clincher tyre detaching.

Paul Lew, Founder of Lew Racing says: “Through all of our tests both in the lab and out on the road, the PRO VC-1 is the ultimate clincher wheel both in ride and in safety. Cyclists really feel the difference when riding the PRO VC-1.”

The Pro VC1 features a 46mm depth and is available with spoke drillings from 16 up to 32. And the weight? 380g.

The price is set to be around £600 a rim but the price is to be confirmed when the rims become available. Lew Racing are distributed in the UK by www.prologuebikes.com.