WHICH WHEELS?

For time trialling, there's little doubt that a deep rimmed front wheel and a disc rear is (just about) the fastest combination going.  

There's plenty of choice out there and since I've tried lots of different makes and types over the years I might be able to save some of you some time and money by giving you some of my free advice (not like me to give anything for free but hey ... I must be mellowing with age!).  

I've been sponsored by Sonic Cycles for several years now and after having used their Citec offerings believe they certainly take some beating.

Take a look at the independent 'aero' tests carried out by Roues Artisanales and you'll see Citec front wheels rate amongst the best.  For anything more aerodynamic, you're going to need to shell out a lot more dosh.  That's for sure! 

As far as discs go ... (again) I've used many different makes, shapes and weights over the years and reckon the hollow lenticular ones are fastest (with the exception of Renn and the older 'el-cheapo' Heds you often see on Ebay which, in my opinion, aren't very good at all).

Although Corima are one of the lightest and probably rate best in the weight to cost band, I found they gave a very harsh ride.

When I was with Planet X I tried out a hollow lenticular disc which weighed in at 1350 gms or so ... yet found it faster than the Corima.

The very best / fastest must be the Campagnolo Ghibli but as that costs an arm and a leg, what's the best alternative taking weight, aerodynamics and cost etc into account?

Well the Citec disc ticks a lot of the boxes. The quoted weights are +/- 30 gms (I've checked on my Mrs' kitchen scales and the 8000 clincher disc comes in at a tad over 1000 gms. How many clincher discs come in at that?).  They are lighter than most ... AND are hollow and lenticular in shape.  On top of that, they're also very reasonably priced!  Pound £ for pound lb there's nothing to beat them.

Where else can you get a disc as light as that for under £880?

If you really want to throw the boat out, how about one (tubular version) weighing only 745 gms? Well take a look at the 8000 Ultra ... all for only £1525.00.

You won't be able to get these wheels cheaper anywhere else in the UK. Have a look and see (you're going to anyway .. I know!). If you THINK you can, let me know and I'll beat it!

I have it on very good authority (Mr Berns ... the UK importer) that it's unlikely, although not impossible, that delivery will be any less than two weeks.  Three to four is more realistic. So if anyone in the UK is telling you that Citec wheels take two weeks to deliver ... take it with a pinch of salt.  You're only going to be disappointed.

Having said all that, we're still quite a few weeks away from the start of the season so if you plan ahead, you'll have plenty of 'drooling' time before actually putting them to use.

Citec offer a wide range of products.  However, only the personally hand-picked ones are shown here.  These are the ones I'd use!   If you require any other Citec wheel, let me know and I'll be able to source it for you as cheap and as quick as anywhere else in the UK.