We got off to a bad start with these thanks to a couple of punctures caused by linguine-esque rim tape that didn’t keep the spoke holes covered and after a couple of miles… Pop!
They weren’t particularly true out of the box but, to their credit, that didn’t worsen over time. Both wheels are 32-spoke and laced three-cross and they proved strong enough to handle the dodgiest of road surfaces.
They’re not especially light or fast, though, and Shimano’s 105 hubs, which can run super-smooth when set up correctly, soon developed some play.
Shimano use only cup-and-cone bearings and these are easy to adjust. The labyrinth seals keep the bearings well protected from the elements and the freehub’s longevity should prove exceptional as long as you service it regularly. Wear indicators tell you when it’s time for a new set. Weight is 916g for the front wheel and 1,117g for the rear.
