Kit Upgrade: Wheels
When it comes to kit upgrades you can’t make a smarter move than a new set of wheels
Altair Full Carbon 52
Type: Full carbon clincher
SRP: £1,199.99 pair
Weight: 1,683g (claimed)
Tyres used: Continental Force and Attack
Features: Profile Design has developed a range of wheels designed for triathletes to get the best performance they can at an affordable price (they start at £999.99). We tested the 52mm deep-section full-carbon clincher.
The Ride: Our test rider was quite light but it was still reassuring to find that these wheels have no rider weight limit - a factor that needs to be considered when choosing your upgrade. At 1,683g (claimed) the wheels fall in the middle ground for this sort of offering and certainly were not sluggish on acceleration.
After several miles, the combination of lateral stiffness from the mid-section rims and smooth bearings meant that the wheels really rolled along and felt like a real performance upgrade. Crosswinds did not tend to drag this mid-section rim. They were not the deepest on test but Profile Design does offer an 80mm version for those seeking even more aerodynamic advantage. These wheels are a great all-rounder - you could use them in a sprint-distance race or an Ironman.
Buy them if: You're a novice or intermediate rider on a budget
Forget them if: You want an out-and-out time-trial wheel
Info: profile-design.com
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