The big brand wheels were all tested under the same conditions to see how they would perform when the rims were heated by braking. This compilation video is very interesting.
Video big brand carbon wheels fall apart in testing
Wheel brand Alto has is claiming its rims can withstand braking heat better than its competitors. And it has run a testing round which it says proves the claims.
Alto Cycling, in conjunction with Spark Wheel Works, tested its own carbon clinchers and those of other major brands.
All of the wheels were run by an electric motor with a 1,200 watts output. Furthermore, to simulate bike and rider weight and 135lb of radial load was applied.
The test planned to run each of the wheels for 20 minutes with the brake pulled onto the rim at 7lb of force.
And if the wheel survived that period, the braking was increased to 9lb and test continued for another 20 minutes.
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Carbon clinchers by Mavic, ENVE, Zipp, Knight, Boyd, FSE, Bontrager and Roval were all tested.
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There have been problems with wheelers braking apart in the past. In extreme cases, especially on hot days where riders do a lot of descending, the resin keeping the carbon together has heated to the extent the rims have come apart.
And the test by Alto Cycling effectively sought to see how each carbon clincher would perform under that pressure.
Perhaps not surprisingly, Alto’s product performed best. It’s run last for the full 40 minutes. Yet the next best lasted for 5½ minutes.
That discrepancy in results – that the company behind this test was so far ahead – perhaps undermines the test.
Indeed, a disclaimer is added, saying the video is aimed at presenting “raw data” to the consumer.
“We are not making any claims regarding rim performance or safety under normal riding conditions or with brand specific brake pads.”
But the video is still well worth a look
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