Zen Carbon Wheels Xiamen

[NB87]

My AI analysis thanks for pointing out Tines Still requires me to put the information into and dictate  into it.
All it gives me back when I request the information is it in a refined manner.
So am I not allowed to use AI? or to keep people like you happy should I highlight in my reply?
Instead of pointing and criticising my use off  AI and obviously trying to be a smart arse why don’t you try and help answer the question? Otherwise keep your thoughts to yourself.
I don’t claim to be any expert all I try and do is help people who know less than myself and there are others here who know more that’s it.
Absolutely nothing wrong with using AI to refine my answers and improve grammar and spelling


Simple answer to his question
He needs thicker carbon spokes
Or go
20/24 or 24/24 spokes with 3.1mm
Or
20/24 or 24/24 spokes at 3.95mm or 5.1mm as they are about 40% stuffer
And will then give him a stuffer Wheelset

Absolutely nothing wrong with using ai. Ai is useless without the input. Your reply was very clear and informative but didn't really give an answer to what your experience is with the wheel configuration that I chose.

I'm aware what needs to be done to get a stiffer wheelset, but I didn't think I was pushing the limits with the configuration that was recommended to me by Zara. Therefore I would be quite disappointed tbh if I now have to buy another wheelset. When inquiring about the possiblitities I even stated "I'm an 85kg rider and prefer strength over super light weight".

I don't think my values are that abnormal?! If this is a limitation for this configuration people should be made aware of this. I would have happily chosen a different configuration if I knew.

[Sander2177]

Absolutely nothing wrong with using ai. Ai is useless without the input. Your reply was very clear and informative but didn't really give an answer to what your experience is with the wheel configuration that I chose.

I'm aware what needs to be done to get a stiffer wheelset, but I didn't think I was pushing the limits with the configuration that was recommended to me by Zara. Therefore I would be quite disappointed tbh if I now have to buy another wheelset. When inquiring about the possiblitities I even stated "I'm an 85kg rider and prefer strength over super light weight".

I don't think my values are that abnormal?! If this is a limitation for this configuration people should be made aware of this. I would have happily chosen a different configuration if I knew.

Appologies if my answer was not what you wanted and overly complicated
Thing is a lot of the lightweight wheel on market are using 3.1mm spoke simply  for weight reduction. If you’re a lighter rider great and have similar stiffness to a 24/24 steel spoke wheel albeit they are marginally stiffer laterally as they have no stretch like steel.
I have a mate who has just got some wheel for racing and with his numbers he went with 3.95mm on 20/20 spokes. 80kg 1500watt territory.
Your values are not abnormal it’s just a bit of a mine field when buying wheels these days with the amount of information available unfortunately and alot of branded wheels don’t give you all the information.
Don’t get more wheels it’s a pain in the arse but if it’s only the back wheel get some 3.95 spokes and re-lace  the back wheel only

[Tines]

Sorry if this made a wrong impression, the analysis by AI was thorough and interesting but I just wanted to point out that it missed his question.

I obviously don’t have any experience with these but I am interested for a potential future buy.

[Sander2177]

Sorry if this made a wrong impression, the analysis by AI was thorough and interesting but I just wanted to point out that it missed his question.

I obviously don’t have any experience with these but I am interested for a potential future buy.

No worries
Admittedly I over complicated it!
I am no expert I only know what I know far more know more than me!

[jsiegrist]

I have about the same wheels as you although mine are 50/55mm. 3.1 carbon spokes, 20/20.

I am about 78kg.

I just tried the deflection test and can't get it anywhere near the stay. Maybe 2mm of movement, max.

My wheels are quite stiff in a sprint. My sprint power is just shy of 1400 watts and I don't feel anything I would describe as flex in the rear.

My frame is a Speeder 55d size 510, or Medium.

I wanted to share my experience with a set of ZEN 60/55 lightweight rims and hopefully get some input from riders with similar specs.

First off, credit where it’s due: ZEN has handled everything so far in a very professional and supportive way. Every time an issue came up, they responded accordingly and covered the costs to resolve it. That level of service deserves recognition.

Background / setup:
- ZEN 60/55 lightweight rims
- 24mm internal width
- SR270 hub
- 20x 3.1mm (2.1gr) carbon spokes (front & rear)
- System weight limit: 135kg
- Rider: 85kg, FTP ~340W, sprint ~1300W
- Tires: 30mm road + occasionally 38mm gravel (on a frame rated max 38mm)

Initial issue:
After the first rides, I noticed the rear drive-side spokes rotating (bladed spokes losing alignment). ZEN offered to cover a local rebuild/straightening -> great service. Unfortunately, the issue came back twice.

At that point, I suspected the spoke–hub interface might be the root cause (spokes rotating under load). ZEN agreed and sent a new hub + T-head spokes to eliminate that variable. Again, fully covered.

Current situation:
With the new setup, the spoke rotation issue seems resolved. However, under high load (especially sprinting), I’m now noticing:

- Audible movement/“working” from the rear wheel
- Tire rubbing the chainstay (this was already the case with the original spokes)
- Overall feeling of flex under power (this was already the case with the original spokes)

Given my weight and power numbers, I’m starting to question whether this wheel configuration is simply too light / not stiff enough for more aggressive riding.

What I’m trying to figure out:

- Are other riders (~80–90kg, similar power) experiencing comparable flex with lightweight carbon-spoke setups?
- Is this a known limitation of this kind of build (low spoke count + carbon spokes)?
- Or does this still point to something being off in my specific rear wheel?

To be clear: this is not a complaint about ZEN’s service, they’ve been excellent throughout. I’m mainly trying to understand whether I’m running into a design limitation versus a product-specific issue.

If others with similar rider profiles have experience with this type of wheel (especially carbon spokes / low spoke count), I’d really appreciate your input.

[ZenCarbonBike]

Good day, forum members,
For anyone looking for super-deep, ultra‑aero rims, we currently offer 75mm and 80mm depths.
These can be:

Paired as matched depths
Run as mixed depths
Or combined with our 65mm rims

Most of our wheelsets can now be specified with our hidden spoke nipple system, available with 3.2mm or 5.2mm spokes.
Weights

80mm depth

3.2mm spokes: 1397g per set
5.2mm spokes: 1423g per set


75mm depth

3.2mm spokes: 1357g per set
5.2mm spokes: 1383g per set



Mixed‑Depth Options

65 / 75mm combo: as low as 1232g
65 / 75mm with 5.2mm spokes: 1258g

[Nick.Ng]

This will be first set of carbon wheels. Ive spoken to Zara, and she's been amazing, replying to all my questions and been accommodating my budget. Shes sent me this wheelset plan. And I wanted to post it here to ask for your recommendations.

I live in Urban Australia, our landscape isn't flat, and I do have to climb small hills and do alot of twists and turns on my daily commute to work and the weekly group rides. Im upgrading from my stock Giant PR2 wheels (1.9kg) to these Zen wheels for about $700.

My question is that. As im not a crit racer or planning to climb the highest hills locally. Do I need such light wheels? Scrolling on weightweenies and chinertown and everyone always wants to go as light as possible. But does it mean im trading weight for the stability and toughness of let's say a paid of 1300g wheels?

Please give me tips. Do I need these super light weight wheels or should I save the budget and go for normal weight at about 1300g?

[RLA]

This will be first set of carbon wheels. Ive spoken to Zara, and she's been amazing, replying to all my questions and been accommodating my budget. Shes sent me this wheelset plan. And I wanted to post it here to ask for your recommendations.

I live in Urban Australia, our landscape isn't flat, and I do have to climb small hills and do alot of twists and turns on my daily commute to work and the weekly group rides. Im upgrading from my stock Giant PR2 wheels (1.9kg) to these Zen wheels for about $700.

My question is that. As im not a crit racer or planning to climb the highest hills locally. Do I need such light wheels? Scrolling on weightweenies and chinertown and everyone always wants to go as light as possible. But does it mean im trading weight for the stability and toughness of let's say a paid of 1300g wheels?

Please give me tips. Do I need these super light weight wheels or should I save the budget and go for normal weight at about 1300g?

It depends on many things, but in most cases you do not need to go the lightest possible option. 1200-1300g is absolutely great for a wheelset. If you don't mind, how much do you weight?
Weight distribution is also a thing when looking at a wheelset. The closer to the axle the less the weight matters. That means you could go for a hub that has proven to be reliable, like H-Works SR270 or THR R2 possibly, with no real performance loss (maybe even a perf gain?). Pillar 1420 spokes are probably okay. Rim weight option depends on rider weight and power output but it wouldn't hurt to go with just slightly heavier option that might make a stiffer wheelset overall. With those changes you'll still end up with <1300g wheelset most likely.

[Sander2177]

It depends on many things, but in most cases you do not need to go the lightest possible option. 1200-1300g is absolutely great for a wheelset. If you don't mind, how much do you weight?
Weight distribution is also a thing when looking at a wheelset. The closer to the axle the less the weight matters. That means you could go for a hub that has proven to be reliable, like H-Works SR270 or THR R2 possibly, with no real performance loss (maybe even a perf gain?). Pillar 1420 spokes are probably okay. Rim weight option depends on rider weight and power output but it wouldn't hurt to go with just slightly heavier option that might make a stiffer wheelset overall. With those changes you'll still end up with <1300g wheelset most likely.

Could not have said it better myself!
And everyone does chases numbers I'm guilty of that also but performance comes first and 1200g - 1300g is still light.
Like RLA said what your total system limit, you the bike bottles, clothing the lot considering these are a 90kg Load Limit Rims

[Nick.Ng]

It depends on many things, but in most cases you do not need to go the lightest possible option. 1200-1300g is absolutely great for a wheelset. If you don't mind, how much do you weight?
Weight distribution is also a thing when looking at a wheelset. The closer to the axle the less the weight matters. That means you could go for a hub that has proven to be reliable, like H-Works SR270 or THR R2 possibly, with no real performance loss (maybe even a perf gain?). Pillar 1420 spokes are probably okay. Rim weight option depends on rider weight and power output but it wouldn't hurt to go with just slightly heavier option that might make a stiffer wheelset overall. With those changes you'll still end up with <1300g wheelset most likely.

I am 67kgs. My bike is about 9kgs with the stock wheels. So even if im fully kitted out, im below the 90kgs limit. Should I still stick to the rims Zara recommended tho, I believe they are the vaporise, or should I switch for a slightly heavier (but cheaper) rims?

My requirements are 40mm depth, steel bearings, steel spokes (cx ray), 36t ratchet (cuz i heard theyre more durable than the 54t), with 23-25mm internal (im running gp5000 32s).

If not the vaporlite. What you recommend the setup be?

[RLA]

I am 67kgs. My bike is about 9kgs with the stock wheels. So even if im fully kitted out, im below the 90kgs limit. Should I still stick to the rims Zara recommended tho, I believe they are the vaporise, or should I switch for a slightly heavier (but cheaper) rims?

My requirements are 40mm depth, steel bearings, steel spokes (cx ray), 36t ratchet (cuz i heard theyre more durable than the 54t), with 23-25mm internal (im running gp5000 32s).

If not the vaporlite. What you recommend the setup be?

If you want a robust wheelset then getting a bit heavier pieces usually give you that. Not always, but usually.
My personal recommendation would be: SR270 or ZC270RC hub, CX-Ray spokes, rim would be U-profile, 40mm depth, 25 IW, 34 OW, 385g (110kg), image attached.
Should be plenty stiff and reliable for years.

[extremecarver]

If your using 32mm tires, and maybe 35 in the future? I would directly go for a wider rim - Zen has a 28/37 don't they? That will be perfect for 35 and 32mm tires, while the above is perfect for 30 and 32mm tires. I would chose the midweight option in the front, and the standard weight in the back (well I would always go deeper in the back if it's possible. 40mm in the front for less problems in wind, and 50 or 60 in the back)

[ZenCarbonBike]

Good day Forum Members

For those of you who many be considering the VaporLite II Wheelset please find attached photos including sectional cut through showing the spoke hole reinforcement inside the rim.
Spoke hole tensil strength exceeds well over 300kgf in testing.
Rims Estimated Weight 350g as Pictured 337.6g

[veritasdocet]

Bought a set of wheels from Zen and I couldn't be happier.
The rims are the U shape, 60mm depth, normal weight version, 51mm carbon spokes.
The wheels came out beautiful and without any defects, weight is around 1400g as advertised, and I had the option to customize the paint style and decals.

Had no trouble with shipping, they sent them out on time, and most of all customer service was impeccable.
Texted with them on WhatsApp and they always replied as soon as possible, even at late hours for them in China.
Overall couldn't be more satisfied, I'll report back after 100km as well but I can't wait to try them out.

Absolutely recommend them, especially for their professionalism and excellent customer service!

[Samuel BMR]

Received the 65mm Vaypor Lite pair weighing 1140g with 3,2mm carbon spokes.

Will make a more detailed « review » soon, so far very pleased.