Cadex says its new Max 40 WheelSystem provides “best-in-class stiffness-to-weight ratio” at a weight of just 1,250g.
Giant’s in-house brand has also announced two new road handlebars. The 256g Race Integrated Handlebar is designed for hilly days when “every gram counts”. The 325g Aero Integrated Handlebar has flattened tops for “all out speed”.
Also released is the new Cadex Race GC, a lightweight tubeless tyre claimed to weigh 279g and combine low rolling resistance with grip and puncture protection.
The Cadex Max 40 WheelSystem costs £3,499 / $4,000 / €3,950, the Aero Integrated Handlebar is £649.99 / $699 / €750, the Race Integrated Handlebar costs £624.99 / $650 / €720 and the Race GC Tubeless tyre is £64.99 / $100 / €72.50.
Cadex says it expects all products to be available this spring.
“The best all-round road wheel”
Cadex says the Max 40 WheelSystem is the “lightest, high-performance” wheelset it has made.
With a rim depth of 40mm and weight of 1,249g, the brand claims the wheels excel in the mountains and crosswinds alike.
The balance of low weight and aerodynamics comes from the Cadex Super Aero Spokes and thin aero hub flange, according to the brand.
It says the 48-tooth ratchet engagement in the Cadex R3-C48 Aero Hub transfers power quickly. It is available with Shimano HG, SRAM XDR or Campagnolo N3W freehubs.
In its own testing, Cadex claims the Max 40 displayed “greater front and rear wheel stiffness” than wheels in its category, including the Lightweight Obermayer EVO and Syncros Capital SL.
Cadex says the Max 40 WheelSystem’s 22.4mm-wide, hookless internal rim is optimised for the new 279g Race GC tyre in a 700x28mm width.
The road bike tyre uses a 240 TPI Supple Race Casing to lower rolling resistance to 18 per cent compared to the previous model, according to Cadex.
The brand says it also incorporates a Race Shield puncture protection belt and an RR-S compound for reliable grip in varied conditions.
Lightweight, fully integrated handlebars
The Cadex Aero and Race Integrated Handlebars are both carbon bar-and-stem combinations that enhance aerodynamics with full internal cable routing, according to the brand.
The Aero Integrated Handlebar has a flatter top section and longer reach in a bid to reduce drag and help the rider get lower on the bike. Cadex says it weighs 325g in a 420x100mm size.
A rounder and thinner top section on the Race Integrated Handlebar reduces weight to 256g in the same size, according to Cadex. Cadex says the increased 11-degree flare adds control for mountainous races, presumably when climbing and descending in the drops.
Both handlebars have quite a shallow 125mm drop and come in 16 sizes, with an out-front bike computer mount.
The Aero Integrated Handlebar is compatible with 1-1/4in, 1-1/8in and Giant OverDrive Aero steerer tubes (with included carbon shims). The Race Integrated bar is available in 1-1/8in and Giant OverDrive Aero-compatible configurations.
Cadex claims Team-Jayco AlUla puncheur Michael Mathews has already won this season on the Aero Integrated Handlebar at the Gran Premio Castellón.
That suggests the Race Integrated Handlebar is yet to be raced, at least at WorldTour level.
But will it be specced on the eagerly awaited update to the Giant TCR, as the iconic race bike switches to internal cable routing? Watch this space.
