Lightweight Wheels Review
Lightweight Carbonsport’s wheels and Urgestalt Weiss Ed frame have been gathering some great reviews online and in the press recently so here is a round up of Lightweight wheels review –
From Cyclist Magazine online a few excerpts from their Lightweight wheels review of the Meilenstein Obermayer tubular:
“What stands Lightweight apart is its unique construction, where spokes pass from one side of the rim to the other, in one length, wrapping into the hub flange and with the fibres at each end then woven and bonded directly into the rim construction. This, Lightweight claims, creates the stiffest interface possible and is far more suitable for carbon structures than drilling (or forming) holes and inserting metal spoke nipples. It means the rims, spokes and hubs effectively become a single piece, and allows for much higher spoke tensions.
This latest version has a slightly revised rim profile, but essentially it’s still a V-shape (although now with a slightly blunter edge) which might feel outdated in view of the current trend for wider, rounder rims shapes. Lightweight claims it is not interested in chasing the Zipps and Enves of the world in the wind-tunnel. It insists this rim shape is best for what it’s striving for: low weight and high stiffness.
I noticed immediately that accelerating and climbing took less effort, and not just by a small percentage. The difference was significant. Thankfully too, with the supplied SwissStop pads, this latest version has improved braking performance over its predecessor (upon which I once had a few scary moments on a rain-drenched mountain). It’s still not quite as reassuring as I’d like in the wet, but some of the grabbiness of old had gone, replaced by a more progressive, predictable braking feel.”
Road.CC’s Melenstein Tubular Lightweight wheels review:
“You might expect that because they weigh so little the Meilensteins will flex about all over the place as soon as you jack up the power. That would seem logical, but the biggest surprise in their performance is that they’re very, very stiff. From the first pedal stroke you can feel that these are light wheels and acceleration is little short of superb. Really, you’ll be astonished. It’s the uncanny combination of that light weight with excellent stiffness that really gets you, though. Stand up on the pedals for a climb or a sprint and the Lightweight Meilensteins just don’t give at all. It’s the same story when you’re cornering hard. Lean the bike over as far as you like and the wheels won’t waver, so descending at speed is an absolute treat.
So, yes, there’s no avoiding it, these are expensive wheels, but if you have deep pockets and you’re after something superlight and super-stiff, the Meilensteins can’t be beaten.
The full range of Lightweight wheels + frame is available from Strada. Please call us on 01903 214956 to discuss your requirements.