Zen Carbon Wheels Xiamen

[ZenCarbonBike]

Hey everyone

We have more Gravel rim to add to our extensive offerings
So if 35mm and 37.4mm did not suit your needs we have 36mm inner width now!

[Theolean]

The white one is an eye-catcher 

BTW: do you have an overview, of all rim profiles that you offer? Or is the easiest option to contact you with a set of requirements / ideas?

[ZenCarbonBike]

The white one is an eye-catcher 

BTW: do you have an overview, of all rim profiles that you offer? Or is the easiest option to contact you with a set of requirements / ideas?

Good Day

Thanks 

Unfortunately not as we have such a large Range it is best to contact us with and idea of what it is you are after and we will give you option that best suit you requirements.                                          What is it you have in mind and I can give you something here briefly

[Serge_K]

Very nice. The 90/120kg weight limit. Is it rider weight, or system weight?

[ZenCarbonBike]

Very nice. The 90/120kg weight limit. Is it rider weight, or system weight?

Good Day

It is the rims Limit

[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.

VaporLite II 60mm Update

Following development and testing progress, the VaporLite II 60mm is now expected to be available to order from the end of July.
We are now accepting pre-orders ahead of the official release. Current production time is estimated at 8 weeks, with first deliveries expected during early September.
Designed around modern 30–32mm tyres, the VaporLite II 60mm focuses on aerodynamic efficiency, crosswind stability, stiffness, manufacturing consistency, and rider confidence, while maintaining our proven durability standards.

VaporLite Ultra Rim 385g
3.1mm Carbon Bladed Spokes (2.1g inc nipple)

1,069g ±30g – ZC215RC Hub (215g, 20F/20R)
1,089g ±30g – ZC235RC Hub (235g, 20F/20R)
1,097g ±30g – ZC235RC 2024 Hub (235g, 20F/24R)
1,109g ±30g – ZC245RC Hub (245g, 24F/24R)

All +/-30g

(Optional Spoke widths 3.25mm, 3.95mm, 4.5mm, 5.1mm and 5.9mm spoke widths available upon request (3.5g inc nipple))

Hidden Nipple System Spokes Available

3.2mm Carbon Spokes (2.1g inc nipple)
3.95mm Carbon Spokes (3.5g inc nipple)
5.2mm Carbon Spokes (2.7g inc nipple)

Rim Options
Race Ready
Weight: 415g
Designed for riders seeking the lowest possible wheelset weight without compromising everyday usability.

Heavy Duty
Weight: 445g
Increased material in key areas for heavier riders, rougher roads, or those prioritising long-term durability.

Hub Options & Rider Weight Limits
ZC215RC
Approx. 100kg rider/system weight limit
Lightest option in the range
Available as VaporLite Ultra+

ZC235RC 20/20

Lightweight all-round performance option

ZC235RC 20/24

Increased rear-wheel stiffness and durability
Ideal for larger riders, higher power outputs, and all-round use

ZC245RC 24/24

Maximum stiffness and robustness within the Ultra range


Steel and Titanium spoke option also available.
Please contact us below for more information

[ZenCarbonBike]

Good day members,
Please see an example of a customer's new VaporLite II 50mm wheelset build.

Rims
Depth: 50mm
Weight: 350g per rim
Hooked rim design
UD paint-free matte carbon finish
Spoke access holes in rim bed
Drain / pressure relief hole
White gloss ZEN decals


Build Specification
3.1mm ultralight bladed carbon spokes
ZC235RC ultralight hubs
20 front / 20 rear spoke count
Silver hubs
36T ratchet
S&S ceramic bearings
SRAM freehub


Weight & Rating
Maximum system weight: 120kg
Estimated wheelset weight: 1019g ±30g

Actual Finished Weights
Front wheel: 474.8g
Rear wheel: 553.1g
Total wheelset weight: 1,027.9g

A seriously impressive build, coming in at just over 1kg while retaining a 120kg system weight limit.
The actual finished weight is only 8.9g above the quoted target weight

[ZenCarbonBike]

Good day members,
Another example of the original VaporLite wheelset built for a customer.

Rims
Original VaporLite rims
60mm front / 60mm rear
23mm internal width
Hooked tubeless-compatible profile
Spoke holes in rim bed
Drain holes
Maximum system weight: 120kg
Marble glossy finish

Decals
Silver Zen Decals


Hubs
H-Works SR261 hubset
Silver finish
Steel bearings
36T ratchet system
Shimano HG freehub
24 front / 24 rear spoke count


Spokes
Polished silver Sapim CX-Ray spokes



Estimated Weight
1,288g ±30g

This build shows that the original VaporLite is still a fantastic option for riders wanting a deep-section wheel with excellent durability. The combination of Sapim CX-Ray spokes, H-Works hubs, a 24/24 spoke count and 120kg system weight limit makes it a great choice for everyday riding, racing and heavier riders looking for added peace of mind.

[ZenCarbonBike]

First WG60 Wide Gravel Wheelset Build Completed

We have completed the first production build of our new WG60 gravel wheelset, and the final weight has come in lighter than estimated.

Specification:

* 60 mm front / 60 mm rear
* 37.6 mm internal width
* 44 mm external width
* Hooked tubeless-ready rims
* UD paint-free matte finish
* ZC270Rc centre-lock hubs
* Shimano HG freehub
* Steel bearings
* 20/20 spoke count
* 3.1 mm blades carbon spokes

Weight

* Original estimated weight: 1,360 g
* Actual completed weight: 1,320.5 g

That’s almost 40 g lighter than the original estimate.

Available in depths 45/50/55/60 and 65mm.
Mixed depth builds with a range steel/titanium and carbon spokes specified with a wide range of hub options.
For any information or questions please feel free to contact us or ask us any questions

[ZenCarbonBike]

Good Day Members

Introducing the New Zen TiX Titanium Spoke Range

We’re pleased to introduce the new Zen TiX titanium alloy spoke range, available across selected Zen Carbon wheelsets.
Designed to bridge the gap between traditional stainless steel and carbon spokes, the Zen TiX range combines low weight, excellent fatigue resistance and improved vibration damping, making it an ideal choice for riders looking for a balance of performance, comfort and durability.
Unlike carbon spokes, titanium spokes can also be replaced individually if damaged, making them a practical option for riders covering high mileage or regularly riding on poor road surfaces.
The following technical specifications and performance figures are based on the manufacturer’s laboratory testing and engineering data.

Why Titanium?
Titanium alloy offers several advantages over conventional stainless steel:
•   Approximately 60% the density of steel, reducing rotational weight.
•   Naturally corrosion resistant.
•   Excellent fatigue resistance for long service life.
•   Lower elastic modulus than steel, helping absorb high-frequency road vibrations for improved comfort.
•   Maintains stable spoke tension over extended use.
•   Individual spokes can be replaced if required.

Engineering Features
Every Zen TiX spoke features:
•   Precision titanium alloy construction.
•   Arc-shaped spoke head to reduce stress concentrations.
•   Bell-mouth head profile for improved load distribution within the hub flange.
•   Smooth head-to-shaft transition to minimise fatigue cracking.
•   Thread-rolled spoke threads for improved durability.
•   Straight-pull design.
•   Available in Natural Titanium or Black PVD finishes.

Available Models
Zen TiX Pro
Designed for endurance riding, everyday road use and heavier riders.
Specifications
•   Round / Oval profile
•   Diameter: 2.0mm
•   Weight: 3.7g (270mm)
•   Tensile strength: 1120 MPa
•   Maximum load: 360kgf
•   Laboratory fatigue life: 19,166 cycles
•   Available in Natural Titanium or Black PVD

Zen TiX Titan
Designed for high-power riders, sprinting, gravel and heavy-duty wheel builds.
Specifications
•   Double-butted profile: 2.0–1.5×2.3–2.0mm
•   Weight: 3.7g (270mm)
•   Tensile strength: 1142 MPa
•   Maximum load: 366kgf
•   Laboratory fatigue life: 25,295 cycles
•   Available in Natural Titanium or Black PVD

Zen TiX Aero
Designed for lightweight road performance while maintaining excellent strength.
Specifications
•   Double-butted aerodynamic profile: 2.0–1.3×1.97–2.0mm
•   Weight: 2.9g (270mm)
•   Tensile strength: 1120 MPa
•   Maximum load: 282kgf
•   Laboratory fatigue life: 49,525 cycles
•   Available in Natural Titanium or Black PVD

Zen TiX Aero SL
Our lightest titanium spoke for riders seeking the lowest possible rotational weight.
Specifications
•   Double-butted aerodynamic profile: 2.0–1.25×1.8–2.0mm
•   Weight: 2.6g (270mm)
•   Tensile strength: 1244 MPa
•   Maximum load: 255kgf
•   Laboratory fatigue life: 48,646 cycles
•   Available in Natural Titanium or Black PVD

Laboratory Fatigue Testing
The Zen TiX range has undergone manufacturer laboratory fatigue testing under repeated cyclic loading designed to simulate real-world riding conditions, including acceleration, braking and road impacts.
Recorded laboratory fatigue life:
•   Zen TiX Pro — 19,166 cycles
•   Zen TiX Titan — 25,295 cycles
•   Zen TiX Aero — 49,525 cycles
•   Zen TiX Aero SL — 48,646 cycles
According to the manufacturer’s laboratory testing, the Zen TiX Aero models achieved fatigue lives approximately 1.5–3 times greater than many conventional stainless steel spokes tested under the same conditions.

Tensile Strength
Ultimate tensile strength:
•   Zen TiX Pro R & Pro E — 1120 MPa
•   Zen TiX Titan — 1142 MPa
•   Zen TiX Aero — 1120 MPa
•   Zen TiX Aero SL — 1244 MPa

Wheel Building
The Zen TiX range has been developed specifically for modern high-performance wheelsets and is compatible with road, gravel and MTB applications.
Features include:
•   Straight-pull design
•   High spoke tension compatibility
•   Thread-rolled spoke threads
•   Arc-head design for improved fatigue resistance
•   Premium wheel builds with steel, titanium or carbon spoke options

Available Wheel Builds
Zen TiX spokes will be available across all Zen Carbon wheelsets alongside:
•   Pillar stainless steel
•   Sapim CX-Ray (Inc Silver stainless steel now available)
•   Alpina HyperLite
•   Carbon spokes

giving riders another premium option depending on whether their priority is comfort, durability, weight or outright stiffness.

We’re excited to introduce titanium as a new premium spoke option within the Zen Carbon range available in black or titanium color.
For riders looking for a wheelset that combines comfort, durability, low weight and long-term reliability, the new Zen TiX range offers an exciting alternative to both traditional stainless steel and carbon spokes.

[ZenCarbonBike]

Zen Carbon Moulded Spoke Hole Rims – More Choice, More Customisation

We've started offering a new range of Moulded Spoke Hole (MR) rims across road, gravel, MTB and BMX applications.

Instead of drilling the spoke holes after the rim is moulded, the spoke holes are formed during the moulding process itself, helping maintain carbon fibre continuity around the nipple bed while opening up some very interesting weight possibilities.

ROAD

MR45R
* 700c
* 25mm internal / 30.9mm external
* 45mm depth
* 345g Flyweight | 370g Standard
* 95J / 110kg | 110J / 130kg
* 18H / 20H / 21H / 24H / 28H / 32H

MR50R
* 700c
* 25mm internal / 30.9mm external
* 50mm depth
* 355g Flyweight | 385g Standard
* 105J / 110kg | 120J / 130kg
* 18H / 20H / 21H / 24H / 28H / 32H

MR60R
* 700c
* 25mm internal / 30.9mm external
* 60mm depth
* 375g Flyweight | 400g Standard
* 105J / 110kg | 120J / 130kg
* 20H

GRAVEL

MR45G
* 700c
* 25mm internal / 31.3mm external
* 45mm depth
* 320g Flyweight | 335g Standard
* 95J / 110kg | 110J / 130kg
* 24H

MR56G
* 700c
* 32mm internal / 38mm external
* 56mm depth
* 415g Flyweight | 455g Standard
* 115J / 120kg | 130J / 150kg
* 24H

MTB

MR30MTB
* 30mm internal
* 238g Flyweight | 278g Standard
* 100J / 100kg | 110J / 130kg
* 28H

MR31MTB
* 29er
* 31mm internal
* 240g Flyweight | 280g Standard
* 100J / 100kg | 110J / 130kg
* 24H

MR32MTB
* 29er
* 32mm internal
* 270g Flyweight | 295g Standard
* 100J / 100kg | 110J / 130kg
* 24H / 28H / 32H

BMX

MR20BMX
* 20"
* 19mm internal
* 215g Flyweight | 235g Standard
* 20H / 24H / 28H / 32H / 36H

[2wheeledbarbie]

what is the lead time on the vapour lite II 50 mm wheels with the standard 3.1mm carbon spokes and black hubs?

[ZenCarbonBike]

what is the lead time on the vapour lite II 50 mm wheels with the standard 3.1mm carbon spokes and black hubs?

Good Day

Lead time is 5-6 weeks
Please contact us on the contact information below for more information

[ZenCarbonBike]

Good Day Chinertown Members

The VaporLite II Ultra 60 is Now Available to order

The new Zen Carbon VaporLite II Ultra 60 has arrived.
Built around a modern 25mm internal U-shaped rim profile, the VaporLite II platform offers multiple layups, hub options and spoke configurations, allowing riders to choose the perfect balance of weight, stiffness and durability.
The weights below are based on the lightest 350g Extreme Ultra-Light rim layup.

Rim layups

• Extreme Ultra-Light – 350g 120kg load limitation
  Race Layup – 380g 120kg load limitation
  Heavy Duty – 410g 130kg load limitation
  

Steel spoke options

ZC240RS hub 240g • 24/24 spokes ( Other hubs available on request H-Works SR261, DT-Swiss 180/240 &350)

• Pillar 1423 steel – 1,339g
  Sapim CX-Ray polished stainless steel – 1,249g
  Alpina Hyperlite – 1,199g

Zen TiX Titanium spoke options

ZC240RS hub 240g • 24/24 spokes ( Other hubs available on request H-Works SR261, DT-Swiss 180/240 &350)

• Zen TiX Pro (Round / Oval) – 1,209g
  Zen TiX Titan – 1,209g
  Zen TiX Aero – 1,169g
  Zen TiX Aero SL – 1,155g

Carbon spoke options

Pro Series ZC270RC 276g hub 20/20 spokes

• 3.1mm carbon spokes – 1,129g
  3.25mm / 3.95mm carbon spokes – 1,185g

Ultra Series ZC235RC 235g hub 20/20 spokes

• 3.1mm carbon spokes – 1,089g
  3.25mm / 3.95mm carbon spokes – 1,145g

Ultra+ ZC215RC 215g hub 20/20 spokes 100kg system weight limit

• 3.1mm carbon spokes – 1,069g
  3.25mm / 3.95mm carbon spokes – 1,125g

Alternative carbon spoke hub options

• THR R2 21/24 Spokes 285g
  ZC235RC 2024 20/24 Spokes 235g
  ZC245RC 24/24 Spokes 245g
  ZC250RC 18/18 spokes 250g estimated availability early September
  

Hidden nipple carbon spoke options

• 3.2mm carbon spokes
  4.0mm carbon spokes
  5.1mm carbon spokes

All weights +/-30g based on UD Paint free finish

Alternative Rim finishes finishes

• UD Paint free gloss
  Plain matte black
  Plain gloss black
  Butterfly weave matte/gloss
  Marble finish matte/gloss
  3K 6K & 12K Carbon weave matte/gloss

No Logos/permanent logos/vinyl stickers and laser applied logos (Custom logos also available upon request)

Hooked or Hookless
Rim Bed Spoke Holes or no Rim Bed Spoke holes for steel and carbon spokes


Features

✔ 60mm depth
✔ 25mm internal width
✔ New U-shaped aerodynamic profile
✔ Laser-etched logos available
✔ Multiple hub, spoke and rim layup options
✔ Custom-built to rider requirements

Whether you’re chasing the lightest possible build or a stiffer race-focused wheelset, the VaporLite II Ultra 60 can be configured to suit your riding style and system weight.

Contact us for specifications, pricing and custom build advice.[/list]

[Rallyfocus]

What's everyone's thoughts on Ti Spokes? I've been waiting for these 60mm Vaporlite 2's to come to market but never really considered Ti spokes on a road wheelset. I have read the XMCS posts by Peter about their Ti spoked options but has anyone been using them?

For a very minor weight penalty over carbon spokes, they seem like a good option. With so many options these days I'm having trouble making a decision. This wheelset will be used mostly on a Cervelo S5 in place of the stock Reserve 64/57 wheelset which is awesomely aero and stable but a bit heavy. Sander has been a huge help but we didn't talk about Ti spokes.