3T’s first ever wheels are a revolution in design. These tubular hoops come in 40mm, 60mm or 80mm profiles.
A key feature is the unique spoke pocket design that uses an open key-shaped slot to seat the flat spoke heads and a hub with threaded flanges for tensioning in place of nipples at the rim.
This reduces rotational mass by about 30g and the pockets have no adverse effect on the Mercurio’s aerodynamic performance, even if taped over. Their freehub body design can take both Shimano and Campagnolo cassettes.
They weigh 1.39kg (3.06lb), accelerate confidently, are incredibly stiff and are stable in high winds. The handling is responsive and they stop well. They aren’t that comfortable over rough roads, but these wheels are built for speed, and that’s where they excel.
This article was originally published in Triathlon Plus magazine, available on Zinio.