Quote from: LP119 on October 29, 2026, 09:22:04 AMI'd be be careful sizing down your stem as the integrated cockpit has quite a short reach at 72mm. I was using a 110mm stem on my Crux with a 79mm reach aero bar and although the GRT was 7mm longer than the Crux, the shorter reach handlebar compensated for the reach difference and went with the same 110mm stem integrated cockpit. I've yet to receive the frame and cockpit so let's hope I didn't mess up 

I went with the flat road handlebar option (77mm reach) as gravel version has too much flare for my liking. My current integrated handlebar seems to have 70mm reach so if anything then the 100mm stem might be too long. Although planning to bring the handlebar a little bit higher, which might cover this difference.

GRT's reach is a little bit longer than on any of my previous gravel/CX bikes so I'm on the opposite side. Will be using slightly shorter stem (110 -> 100) on this to get similar fit. Everyone is different but to me as well the GRT geometry seems to be the sweet spot.

Quote from: k_ba on October 26, 2026, 03:50:34 AMHi,
what would be the mould recommended for a 2by - 48/31T? The new or the old one?

Shouldn't really matter as both will have clearance for 48/31 based on specs.

Quote from: wintermute on June 16, 2026, 04:30:26 PM
Far from it: I race a 50 for European UCI events.

This really all feels a little like an unfit roadie tries gravel problem that could be solved by spending more time mountain biking and or on the trainer 

Just out of curiosity what's your average and max speed in those races. Also what is your average cadence? Thanks!

Quote from: Nick.Ng on May 13, 2026, 10:49:36 AM
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.

Quote from: Nick.Ng on May 13, 2026, 07:18:22 AM


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.

Quote from: peraal on March 11, 2026, 06:27:48 AM
Speaking of spokes. I need some help from you guys and girls to select spokes. I am planning on buying a pair of wheels for climbing, and want them as light as possible, but also durable. The roads here are not so good, and I travel frequently with the bike. I got a quote form Zen with 3.1mm carbon spokes. I have never had carbon spokes before, so got a bit worried. Should I be worried, or am I just overthinking? When I asked for a quote with steel spokes, I got a quote with "sapim cx ray spokes". Is this the "normal"? A bit cheaper, but also a bit heavier. Please help a man who knows nothing about wheels. 

For lightweight climbing wheels the 3.1mm carbon spokes are absolutely best option in my opinion. They are lighter but actually more durable (on paper at least). Been using different carbon-spoked wheels for 3-4 years now with no issues and don't see any reason to go back to steel.
If you still want to go with steel then CX-Ray is the popular choice. I have had to replace a few of those back in the days but nothing major.

Quote from: Matthew on February 28, 2026, 11:29:10 AM
Looks like prices have gone up as today quoted 999 USD plus shipping for Ultras and 899 USD for Pro.

That's unfortunate. Stock Vaporlite Ultra's in 23 or 25? No extras requested?

Quote from: carbonMad on February 23, 2026, 06:16:02 AM
Those are looking good! Would you mind sharing how much they were?

That's no secret. Ultras are 899 USD + shipping.

Vaporlite Ultra 50's arrived (ordered 14.01). Actual weight 991g so well within the margin (XDR freehub). Shaving another 10g with titanium ratchets I'll be trying out in coming season.
Visually high quality as expected. Hubs are really looking nice and has a rubber seal between hub and freehub body, ratchet system uses just one spring. TPI bearings rolling smooth.
Can only be picky about the stickers. One letter was loose, many have sharper ends loose and not sticking back, which means I'll probably have to remove them after some use. Unless I find a way to make them stick. Not really an issue as they are just stickers. Overall very happy with the wheels. Have to wait for the snow/ice to melt to try them out. Pirelli PZero 28/30mm will be mounted on them soon.

I've had a total of 4 sets of Go-Zone wheels and have not had to put any of them to truing stand so far. Although it's a good point to check the actual spoke tension, which I have not done. All my wheels are carbon spoked and 1200-1300g a set(45-50mm rim).
Most used set has around 3000km on them and going strong. Nice and stiff feel when climbing or sprinting out of the saddle.

About the rim profile, they do make proper U-shaped rims. Just pick the right ones.

I have previously bought brand new wheels from known European brands and they were not true after inflating a tire on them  . Based on that experience I already expect them not being true and then it's a nice surprise when they actually are.

Quote from: DavidG on January 18, 2026, 02:15:42 AM
@ZenCarbonBike

What's the minimum tyre width you recommend to fit in your rims 24mm (inner)/ 31mm (putter)?

I wouldn't go under 28.

Decided to try out the new VaporLite Ultra wheels, 50mm 984g. Zara was very responsive and answered all the technical questions I had. Got the order in yesterday, 14.01, so expecting to receive them in Feb-March.

At the moment I have different Go-Zone carbon spoked wheels on road bikes and Elite Gravel Aero+ on my gravelbike. All been perfect and no issues with them. Just interested to see how much difference there is between 1200g and sub-1kg wheels, if any.