Zen Carbon Wheels Xiamen

[ZenCarbonBike]

Hi @ZenCarbonBike and everyone 👋

I'm building a new 700C aero gravel bike (frame max tire 50C, flat-mount 160mm, 12×100/142). I'll most likely run a SRAM XPLR AXS 1×13 groupset (not 100% decided yet — but if so I'd need an XDR freehub). I've seen the 45mm hooked / 32mm internal / 40mm external superlight gravel rim posted here and I have a few questions before ordering:

Tire range: what's the recommended min/max tire width (ETRTO) for that 32mm-internal gravel rim? My frame tops out at 50C and I'll likely run 40–45C — is the 32mm internal actually meant for wider/"60c" frames? Would one of your 25–28mm internal gravel rims be a better match for me?
Freehub: is XDR available on the ZSL / ZC270 / SR270 hubs (in case I go SRAM 13-speed)?
Spokes: for gravel use at ~70 kg, would you recommend the 24/24 Sapim CX-Ray build over the 20/20 carbon-spoke one? I saw a report here of carbon spokes rotating on the rear under load on gravel.
Hub/spoke combinations you offer for gravel (hole counts, ratchet, bearings) and the weight of each.
Rim bed: is a no-holes (tubeless, no rim tape needed) option available?
Other options / recommendations: is there anything else in your gravel range you'd suggest for my setup that I might have missed? I'm open to advice on the best depth / internal width / hub / spoke combo for an aero gravel build on a 50C frame.
Thanks a lot — really impressed by the feedback in this thread! 🙏

Hi @Grailstore,

Thanks for your questions.

Tyre size

The 32 mm internal rim is best suited to 45–60C tyres. If you’re mainly planning to run 40–45C tyres on a frame with a maximum clearance of 50C, I’d probably recommend one of our 25 mm or 29 mm internal width gravel rims instead. They provide a slightly more rounded tyre profile and are a better match for the tyre sizes you’re planning to use.

Freehub compatibility

Yes. All of our current hubs are available with Shimano HG, SRAM XDR or Campagnolo freehub bodies, so SRAM XPLR 13-speed isn’t a problem.

Spokes

At around 70 kg rider weight, I’d be happy recommending either a 20/20 carbon spoke build or a 24/24 Sapim CX-Ray build. Both are excellent options.

The carbon spoke wheelset is lighter and slightly stiffer, while the Sapim CX-Ray build offers a little more compliance and is easier to service if required.

Regarding spoke rotation, this generally only occurs on older straight-pull carbon spoke systems. All of our latest carbon spoke hubs use T-head carbon spokes, which locate positively in the hub flange and prevent the spokes from twisting under load.

Hub options

We have a wide range of hub options depending on your riding style and preferred spoke type.

Carbon spoke hubs

* ZC215RS – 215 g – 20/20
* ZC235RC2024 – 235 g – 20/24
* ZC245RC – 245 g – 24/24
* ZC276RC – 276 g – 20/20
* ZC288RC – 291 g – 20/24

Steel spoke / all-road & gravel hubs

* ZC240RS – 240 g – 24/24
* SR261 – 268 g – 24/24 (all-road)
* SR308 – 301 g – 28/28 (gravel)
* SR330 – 326 g – 24/24 (heavy-duty gravel)

All hubs use a 36-tooth ratchet system as standard, with an optional 54-tooth upgrade. Steel and ceramic bearing options are available across the range.

Spoke options

We currently offer:

* Sapim CX-Ray
* Pillar steel spokes
* Titanium spokes
* Carbon spokes in 3.1 mm, 3.25 mm, 3.95 mm, 4.5 mm, 5.1 mm and 5.9 mm versions.

We also offer hidden nipples for both steel and carbon spoke builds where compatible.

Rim bed options

Yes. We can manufacture both traditional spoke-hole rim beds and no-spoke-hole tubeless rim beds.

For carbon spoke wheels, we can also produce no-spoke-hole rims. However, hidden internal nipples aren’t available with every carbon spoke configuration.

My recommendation

For your build, I’d probably recommend a 45–50 mm deep rim with either a 25 mm or 29 mm internal width, depending on your preferred tyre size. For 40–45C tyres, I’d generally lean towards the 25 mm internal option.

For the hub, I’d recommend either the ZC240RS with Sapim CX-Ray spokes or the ZC235RC2024 with carbon spokes. Both make excellent aero gravel wheelsets, with the carbon spoke version being lighter and slightly stiffer, while the Sapim CX-Ray build offers excellent durability and easy servicing.

If you’d like more detailed recommendations or pricing, feel free to contact us via WhatsApp or email and we’ll be happy to help you choose the best combination for your riding.

[ZenCarbonBike]

Can you give more information about the impact test.

The VaporLite II has been designed to offer different performance levels depending on rider priorities, while maintaining high impact resistance across the range.

We currently offer three layup options:

Extreme Ultralight

* Rim weight: 350 g
* Rider weight limit: 120 kg
* Impact test rating: 110 J

Race Layup

* Rim weight: 380 g
* Rider weight limit: 120 kg
* Impact test rating: 110 J

Heavy-Duty Layup

* Rim weight: 410 g
* Rider weight limit: 130 kg
* Impact test rating: 120 J

The impact rating is determined using a controlled vertical drop impact test on a fully built and tensioned wheel, with no tyre, inner tube or tubeless tyre fitted. A weighted impactor is dropped directly onto the bare rim, making this a particularly demanding test because there is no tyre to absorb or dissipate any of the impact energy. The impact energy is measured in joules (J).

To put these figures into context, many premium ultralight carbon road rims on the market are typically tested to around 90–100 J, while the UCI minimum impact requirement for wheel certification is 40 J. Even the lightest VaporLite II layup exceeds those figures, while the heavy-duty version achieves an even higher impact resistance.

Rather than producing a single rim, we’ve developed three different layups so riders can choose the balance that best suits their needs—whether that’s the lowest possible weight, race performance, or maximum rider weight capacity and impact resistance.

[2wheeledbarbie]

At 110 J, what are the pass criteria? Does the wheel show no visible cracking or delamination and remain within specified radial and lateral runout limits? Also, what impactor shape and padding are used? I am trying to understand whether the 110 J figure is directly comparable with the ISO/UCI wheel-impact test and what condition the wheel remains in after the impact. sorry for all the questions.  I'm really interested in purchasing a vapour lite II wheelset. 

The impact rating is determined using a controlled vertical drop impact test on a fully built and tensioned wheel, with no tyre, inner tube or tubeless tyre fitted. A weighted impactor is dropped directly onto the bare rim, making this a particularly demanding test because there is no tyre to absorb or dissipate any of the impact energy. The impact energy is measured in joules (J).

To put these figures into context, many premium ultralight carbon road rims on the market are typically tested to around 90–100 J, while the UCI minimum impact requirement for wheel certification is 40 J. Even the lightest VaporLite II layup exceeds those figures, while the heavy-duty version achieves an even higher impact resistance.

[ZenCarbonBike]

At 110 J, what are the pass criteria? Does the wheel show no visible cracking or delamination and remain within specified radial and lateral runout limits? Also, what impactor shape and padding are used? I am trying to understand whether the 110 J figure is directly comparable with the ISO/UCI wheel-impact test and what condition the wheel remains in after the impact. sorry for all the questions.  I'm really interested in purchasing a vapour lite II wheelset.

The VaporLite II wheel uses the same vertical impact test standard as the UCI. The test is carried out on a fully built and tensioned wheel with the tyre removed.

Test parameters:
   ●   Impact energy: 110 J (±5%)
   ●   Impact striker: Flat steel anvil fitted with a 20 mm silicone pad
   ●   Striker mass: 6–10 kg, with the drop height adjusted to achieve 110 J of impact energy
   ●   Impact location: 90° from the valve hole, between two spokes
   ●   Number of impacts: One
Pass criteria:
   ●   No visible cracking or delamination of the rim.
   ●   Radial and lateral runout must not change by more than 1.0 mm after the impact.

I hope that helps, but if you have any other questions, please don’t hesitate to ask.

[Rallyfocus]

Can anyone comment on the crosswind stability of the new Vaporlite II wheels? I'm looking to build a lighter set of wheels for my new Cervelo S5. The Reserve 57/64 are very good in cross winds and fast but are pretty hefty. I'd like to build something with similar depths, widths, and carbon spokes but 300+g lighter. The Vaporlite II seems like a great option, but if they aren't good in crosswinds (I live in a windy area) I'll just stick with what I have.

I understand the physics of more rotational weight should inherently make a wheel more stable. But what are people finding with Vaporlite's? and what depths are you running?

One last question, standard DT ratchets and freehubs compatible with the hubs being used on the ultra and pro series?

[ZenCarbonBike]

Can anyone comment on the crosswind stability of the new Vaporlite II wheels? I'm looking to build a lighter set of wheels for my new Cervelo S5. The Reserve 57/64 are very good in cross winds and fast but are pretty hefty. I'd like to build something with similar depths, widths, and carbon spokes but 300+g lighter. The Vaporlite II seems like a great option, but if they aren't good in crosswinds (I live in a windy area) I'll just stick with what I have.

I understand the physics of more rotational weight should inherently make a wheel more stable. But what are people finding with Vaporlite's? and what depths are you running?

One last question, standard DT ratchets and freehubs compatible with the hubs being used on the ultra and pro series?

Thank you for your interest in the VaporLite II wheelset.

As the VaporLite II rim was only officially released on 28 May, customer wheelsets are only just starting to be built and shipped. For that reason, there is currently very little independent real-world rider feedback available regarding crosswind performance.

From a design perspective, the VaporLite II uses a modern U-shaped rim profile with a 34mm external width and 25mm internal width. This profile has been developed to provide predictable handling and improved stability in crosswinds.

It’s also worth noting that crosswind stability is highly subjective and varies from rider to rider. Factors such as wind strength, local terrain, rider weight, bike geometry, tyre size, riding position and riding style all influence how a wheel feels in crosswinds.

Like any aerodynamic wheel, a 50mm depth rim will always be affected by crosswinds—you cannot overcome the laws of physics. Modern U-shaped rim profiles are designed to make these aerodynamic forces more predictable and manageable, but if maximum crosswind stability is your priority, a shallower 30–35mm wheel will naturally offer the most stable handling.

Regarding hub compatibility, our Ultra and Pro series use a DT Swiss-style ratchet system. While standard DT-style ratchets and freehub bodies may be compatible, manufacturing tolerances can vary slightly between different brands. Mixing components from different manufacturers may affect fit or performance.

For the best fit, reliability and long-term performance, we always recommend using replacement ratchets and freehub bodies supplied by the original hub manufacturer.

[Rallyfocus]

Thank you for your interest in the VaporLite II wheelset.

As the VaporLite II rim was only officially released on 28 May, customer wheelsets are only just starting to be built and shipped. For that reason, there is currently very little independent real-world rider feedback available regarding crosswind performance.

From a design perspective, the VaporLite II uses a modern U-shaped rim profile with a 34mm external width and 25mm internal width. This profile has been developed to provide predictable handling and improved stability in crosswinds.

It’s also worth noting that crosswind stability is highly subjective and varies from rider to rider. Factors such as wind strength, local terrain, rider weight, bike geometry, tyre size, riding position and riding style all influence how a wheel feels in crosswinds.

Like any aerodynamic wheel, a 50mm depth rim will always be affected by crosswinds—you cannot overcome the laws of physics. Modern U-shaped rim profiles are designed to make these aerodynamic forces more predictable and manageable, but if maximum crosswind stability is your priority, a shallower 30–35mm wheel will naturally offer the most stable handling.

Regarding hub compatibility, our Ultra and Pro series use a DT Swiss-style ratchet system. While standard DT-style ratchets and freehub bodies may be compatible, manufacturing tolerances can vary slightly between different brands. Mixing components from different manufacturers may affect fit or performance.

For the best fit, reliability and long-term performance, we always recommend using replacement ratchets and freehub bodies supplied by the original hub manufacturer.

Thank you for the information, everything you said makes perfect sense. I was hoping that hub spare parts would be interchangeable and available locally but also understand that it can't be guaranteed that 3rd party party will work properly. I have all four of my current wheel sets built up with DT 240/180 hubs so it would be nice to have that flexibility. I'm going to look over the options a bit more. I'll reach out via WhatsApp with more specific questions if I plan to order. Thanks again!

[ZenCarbonBike]

Thank you for the information, everything you said makes perfect sense. I was hoping that hub spare parts would be interchangeable and available locally but also understand that it can't be guaranteed that 3rd party party will work properly. I have all four of my current wheel sets built up with DT 240/180 hubs so it would be nice to have that flexibility. I'm going to look over the options a bit more. I'll reach out via WhatsApp with more specific questions if I plan to order. Thanks again!

Hello,

If required, we can also build the VaporLite wheelset with DT Swiss 180, 240 or 350 hubs, paired with Pillar, Sapim CX-Ray or Alpina Hyperlight spokes.

Please bear in mind, however, that due to the high cost of DT Swiss hubs, these builds are considerably more expensive and therefore not as competitively priced as our standard builds.

The hubs we currently use have been selected because we consider them to offer comparable performance, reliability and durability, while providing significantly better overall value.

[ZenCarbonBike]

Coming Soon – VaporLite II 60 mm

Following customer feedback and the growing trend towards wider road tyres, we’ve been working on a new 60 mm VaporLite II rim profile, designed primarily around 30–32 mm tyres.

Our design focuses on balancing aerodynamic performance, excellent crosswind stability, stiffness, and consistent manufacturing, while maintaining a 120 kg rider/system weight limit.

Current target specifications:

60 mm depth
25 mm internal width
30.6 mm external width at the tyre bed
36.3 mm maximum width
Target rim weight: 385 g

Estimated wheelset weights VaporLite Ultra:

Carbon Spokes Bladed 3.1mm (Optional Spoke widths 3.25 / 4.5 / 5.1 & 5.9mm. Hidden Spoke Nipples 3.2 & 5.2mm all available upon Request)

1,069 g ±30 g – Paired with our new ZC-215Rc hub (215 g), replacing our previous lightest hub. ZC235Rc 20F 20R
1,089 g ±30 g – ZC235Rc 2024 (235 g, 20F/24R).
1,099 g ±30 g – ZC245RC (245 g, 24F 24R).

Estimated wheelset weights VaporLite Pro:

Carbon Spokes Bladed 3.1mm (Optional Spoke widths 3.25 / 4.5 / 5.1 & 5.9mm Available upon Request)

1,129 g ±30 g – ZC270Rc hub (276 g  2oF/24R)
1,149 g ±30 g – ZC288Rc (288 g, 20F/24R).


Titanuim Spokes

1,179 g ±30 g – ZC40RcS (240 g, 24F 24R).

Steel Spokes

1,339 g ±30 g – ZC40RcS (240 g, 24F 24R) Pillar 1423
1,249 g ±30 g – ZC40RcS (240 g, 24F 24R) Sapim CX Ray (Stainless Steel Colour now also avaibalbe)
1,199 g ±30 g – ZC40RcS (240 g, 24F 24R) Alpina Hyperlight

Estimated current timeline for the rim to be available to order is approximately 25 days — around 22nd July.


18-Spoke Hub Update

A couple of weeks ago we announced our new 18-spoke front/rear hub, weighing approximately 250 g. Testing of the hub has now officially begun, with the test report expected within the next week or two.

When paired with the original VaporLite rim, we’re currently targeting a 100 kg rider/system weight limit. We’ll share the full test results and final specifications once testing has been completed. This hub will be available across most of our road rim ranges

As always, we’d love to hear your thoughts and feedback on the new products.

[ZenCarbonBike]

Estimated current timeline for the 60MM VaporLite II rim to be available to order is approximately 25 days — around 22nd July.

[Rolle2k]

Coming Soon – VaporLite II 60 mm

Following customer feedback and the growing trend towards wider road tyres, we’ve been working on a new 60 mm VaporLite II rim profile, designed primarily around 30–32 mm tyres.

Our design focuses on balancing aerodynamic performance, excellent crosswind stability, stiffness, and consistent manufacturing, while maintaining a 120 kg rider/system weight limit.

Current target specifications:

60 mm depth
25 mm internal width
30.6 mm external width at the tyre bed
36.3 mm maximum width
Target rim weight: 385 g

Estimated wheelset weights VaporLite Ultra:

Carbon Spokes Bladed 3.1mm (Optional Spoke widths 3.25 / 4.5 / 5.1 & 5.9mm. Hidden Spoke Nipples 3.2 & 5.2mm all available upon Request)

1,069 g ±30 g – Paired with our new ZC-215Rc hub (215 g), replacing our previous lightest hub. ZC235Rc 20F 20R
1,089 g ±30 g – ZC235Rc 2024 (235 g, 20F/24R).
1,099 g ±30 g – ZC245RC (245 g, 24F 24R).

Estimated wheelset weights VaporLite Pro:

Carbon Spokes Bladed 3.1mm (Optional Spoke widths 3.25 / 4.5 / 5.1 & 5.9mm Available upon Request)

1,129 g ±30 g – ZC270Rc hub (276 g  2oF/24R)
1,149 g ±30 g – ZC288Rc (288 g, 20F/24R).


Titanuim Spokes

1,179 g ±30 g – ZC40RcS (240 g, 24F 24R).

Steel Spokes

1,339 g ±30 g – ZC40RcS (240 g, 24F 24R) Pillar 1423
1,249 g ±30 g – ZC40RcS (240 g, 24F 24R) Sapim CX Ray (Stainless Steel Colour now also avaibalbe)
1,199 g ±30 g – ZC40RcS (240 g, 24F 24R) Alpina Hyperlight

Estimated current timeline for the rim to be available to order is approximately 25 days — around 22nd July.


18-Spoke Hub Update

A couple of weeks ago we announced our new 18-spoke front/rear hub, weighing approximately 250 g. Testing of the hub has now officially begun, with the test report expected within the next week or two.

When paired with the original VaporLite rim, we’re currently targeting a 100 kg rider/system weight limit. We’ll share the full test results and final specifications once testing has been completed. This hub will be available across most of our road rim ranges

As always, we’d love to hear your thoughts and feedback on the new products.

On the 50mm VaporLite II there was three different layups (the ones below)... will there be the same on these 60mm? What do you expect Race layup to weight?
Also these will be possible to order as 20F/24R(Carbon spokes) and 24F/24R(Steel/titanium) spoke configuration?

Extreme Ultralight: 350 g, Rider weight limit 120 kg, Impact test rating 110 J

Race Layup: 380 g, Rider weight limit 120 kg, Impact test rating 110 J

Heavy-Duty Layup: 410 g, Rider weight limit 130 kg, Impact test rating 120 J

[ZenCarbonBike]

On the 50mm VaporLite II there was three different layups (the ones below)... will there be the same on these 60mm? What do you expect Race layup to weight?
Also these will be possible to order as 20F/24R spokes?

Extreme Ultralight: 350 g, Rider weight limit 120 kg, Impact test rating 110 J

Race Layup: 380 g, Rider weight limit 120 kg, Impact test rating 110 J

Heavy-Duty Layup: 410 g, Rider weight limit 130 kg, Impact test rating 120 J

Yes, we expect the 60mm to follow the same three layup options as the 50mm. Based on current projections, the weight difference should remain consistent at approximately +30g per rim between each layup, although this is still to be confirmed.
For reference, both the Extreme Ultralight and Race layups share the same rider weight limit and impact rating. The additional weight in the Race layup is primarily there to improve stability, particularly at higher speeds where extremely lightweight rims can become less composed.
There will be full compatibility across our hub range. Based on current information, this should include:
Carbon spoke hubs (1:1 lacing):

ZC-215Rc – 20F / 20R
ZC-235Rc – 20F / 20R
ZC-235Rc (2024) – 20F / 24R
ZC-245Rc – 24F / 24R
ZC-270Rc – 20F / 20R
ZC-288Rc – 20F / 20R

2:1 lacing options:

ZC-250Rc – 18F / 18R
THR Industries R2 – 21F / 24R

Steel / titanium spoke hubs (1:1 lacing):

ZC-240Rs – 24F / 24R
ZC-261Rs – 24F / 24R

So yes, a 20F / 24R configuration will be possible via the ZC-235Rc (2024) platform.

[ZenCarbonBike]

Good Day Everyone

ZEN Carbon WG Series – Additional Gravel Rim Sizes Now Available

A few weeks ago we posted the new WG60 (60 mm deep / 37.6 mm internal / 44 mm external).
One of the most common questions was whether additional depths would be available.

We have now expanded the range.

37.6 mm Internal Width / 44 mm External

Model Super Light (100–110 kg) Lightweight (120 kg)
WG45 440 ±15 g 470 ±15 g
WG50 460 ±15 g 490 ±15 g
WG55 480 ±15 g 510 ±15 g
WG60 500 ±15 g 530 ±15 g
WG65 525 ±15 g 555 ±15 g

35 mm Internal Width / 42 mm External

Model Super Light (100–110 kg) Lightweight (120 kg)
WG50 Wide 475 ±15 g 505 ±15 g
WG60 Wide 495 ±15 g 525 ±15 g

Options include:

* Hooked or hookless
* With or without spoke access holes (tape-free rim bed option)
* Super Light or Lightweight layups
* Sapim CX-Ray, Pillar 1423, titanium or carbon spokes
* Hope, DT Swiss, H-Works and other hub options
* Multiple carbon finishes
* Permanent or custom decals

I know quite a few people were waiting for more depth options after the original WG60 release, so thought it was worth posting the updated lineup with some finished photos of a WG60 rim

[ZenCarbonBike]

Update – New 18H Carbon Spoke Road Hub

Good Day Everyone

A quick update on the new 18Hole carbon spoke road hub.

The hub has now successfully completed torque fatigue testing and is expected to be available in approximately 3 weeks.

Torque Fatigue Test

Test Conditions

* Applied torque: 200–220 N·m
* Test cycles: 30,000

Results

* No deformation, torsion or fracture of the hub shell.
* No deformation, torsion or fracture of the freehub body.
* Bearings remained smooth with no jamming or pitting.
* No significant wear of the 60T ratchet mechanism.

According to the manufacturer, the applied torque exceeds the peak pedalling torque typically produced by professional road sprinters, while the 30,000-cycle test exceeds their standard 20,000-cycle durability requirement for road hubs.

Current Specification

* Approx. 250 g hub set
* 18H front / 18H rear
* 2:1 spoke lacing (front and rear)
* AL7075 hub shell, freehub body and axle
* 12 × 100 mm / 12 × 142 mm thru axle
* 60T ratchet
* Compatible with carbon spokes up to 4.2 mm

The wheelset shown in the attached photos is built with the new VaporLite II 50 mm rim (lightest layup) using 3.1 mm carbon spokes.


For the VaporLite ultralight version layup rim 330g/350g is recommended maximum system weight is 100 kg.
Compatible with other carbon road rim we have available

Please contact for further information

[ZenCarbonBike]

Good Day Everyone 

Another custom build we put together for a rider looking for something a little different from the usual catalogue wheelsets.
Specs:

• 45mm front / 50mm rear rim depth
• 24mm internal width
• 31mm external width at the bead
• 34mm maximum external width at the widest point of the rim
• Ultra-light layup
• Hooked tubeless-ready design
• Drain holes and bed-drilled spoke holes
• Gloss white finish
• Holographic decals
• ZC270 hubs in silver
• 36T ratchet system
• Ceramic bearings
• 20/20H drilling
• HG freehub
• 5.1mm carbon spokes (3.5g each)
• 1186g

One of the advantages of working directly with a factory is that we're not limited to fixed catalogue options. Most of our wheelsets are built to order and can be tailored to the rider's exact requirements.
We can customise across road, gravel and MTB applications, including:
• Rim depth and profile
• Internal and external widths
• Standard, light and ultra-light layups
• Hub models, colours and freehub options
• Carbon, steel and titanium spokes
• Spoke counts and lacing patterns
• Paint, decals and finish options
• Rider weight limits and intended use

This particular build combines a wide all-round rim profile with a lightweight layup, ceramic-bearing ratchet hubs and carbon spokes for a clean-looking performance wheelset.