Picture this: a wheelset that's not just fast, but blazingly so, pushing the boundaries of aerodynamics and weight in ways that could transform your cycling experience forever. But here's where it gets controversial – are these cutting-edge innovations worth the hefty price tag, or is it just hype? Let's dive into Scribe's latest release and unpack what makes these wheels tick, all while exploring the tech that might just revolutionize your ride.
Over the past few years, the world of deep-section carbon wheelsets has seen a dramatic evolution. We've witnessed overall weights dropping significantly, even as these wheels maintain impressive depths of 50mm or more, paired with aerodynamic rim shapes optimized for slicing through the air. It's become increasingly common to find deep, aero wheels tipping the scales at under 1,300 grams – a feat made possible, in no small part, by the growing adoption of carbon fiber spokes.
And this is the part most people miss: understanding why lighter wheels matter. For beginners, think of it like this – every gram shaved off can mean easier acceleration, better climbing, and less fatigue on long rides. Imagine powering up a hill with wheels that feel almost weightless; that's the magic of these advancements.
Now, stepping into the spotlight is Irish brand Scribe, unveiling their newest carbon-spoked, aerodynamic, and feather-light offerings: the Élan Ultra wheelset. They boldly claim it's among the most aero-efficient on the planet. Debuting alongside it is the Core Ultra range, ensuring there's something for a variety of budgets and preferences.
The Élan Ultra comes in two depth options: 50mm and 65mm. The 50mm version boasts an impressive claimed weight of just 1,149 grams, while the 65mm model clocks in at 1,289 grams – figures that are highly competitive in the market. These lightweight marvels are achieved partly through the innovative OSL8 (oscillate) carbon fiber spokes, which feature a unique wavy design that's unlike anything else out there.
Priced to match their premium status, the Élan Ultra wheelset with its groundbreaking carbon fiber OSL8 spokes will set you back £1,999, $2,599, or €2,299. Meanwhile, the more budget-friendly Ultra Core, equipped with aerodynamic steel spokes, is available for £1,499, $1,999, or €1,699. For context, these prices reflect the high-end engineering that goes into UCI-compliant wheels – meaning they're officially approved for competitive cycling, ensuring they meet strict standards for safety and performance.
But here's where it gets controversial: Is the extra cost of carbon spokes truly justified over traditional steel? Some riders swear by carbon for its stiffness and weight savings, while others argue steel offers better durability and value. We'll explore that debate in more detail shortly.
Delving deeper into the specs, the Élan Ultra wheels feature T1100 carbon fiber hooked rims, offering a 24mm internal width and 32mm external – ideal for a range of tire sizes from 28mm up to 50mm. With 20 spokes on both front and rear, these wheels are designed for versatility, whether you're tackling rough roads or smooth asphalt.
Scribe collaborated with Alpina spokes to craft these flat, carbon fiber, aero OSL8 spokes. Carbon spokes excel at boosting torsional strength – that's the wheel's ability to resist twisting under pedal forces, resulting in a stiffer, more responsive ride. Plus, they shave off weight compared to metal alternatives, which can translate to tangible performance gains, especially in sprints or climbs.
The development story is fascinating: Scribe initially tested and found that an Alpina Aerolite spoke outperformed a standard 5mm carbon fiber spoke in terms of aerodynamics. While they adored the smooth ride and sleek aesthetic of the carbon version (check out the video below for a closer look), it was marginally slower. Enter the new OSL8 spokes, which were designed to surpass that benchmark, delivering even better aero efficiency and a slight wattage savings – meaning you might pedal less to go the same speed.
Testing was rigorous, conducted at the Silverstone Sports Engineering Hub wind tunnel. They focused on front-wheel-only tests using a 28mm Continental GP5000 tire on the Scribe Core 60-D wheel. And here's a practical tip for new riders: although these carbon spokes are robust and rarely need adjustments, they can be easily trued if necessary – a process of straightening them – making maintenance a breeze compared to some more finicky wheelsets.
The more economical Ultra Core wheelset opts for steel-bladed Alpina spokes but shares the same rim profile and hubs as the Élan Ultra, ensuring consistency in performance where it counts.
Carbon or Steel: Which Spokes Are Faster? - YouTube
Watch On (https://youtu.be/8m9u3j5SjFQ)
Tom joined the Cyclingnews team in late 2022 as a tech writer. Despite holding a degree in English Literature, he's spent his entire career immersed in the cycling world. With over 10 years as a certified mechanic – including running his own workshop for the last five years before joining – he's equally at home wrenching in the garage or hitting the road. He's not shy about dismantling bikes during tests to uncover their true strengths.
Riding and racing from a young age up to national level on both road and track, Tom's competed across disciplines. He has a sharp eye for professional team gear and loves spotting innovative components in real-world scenarios. Since joining Cyclingnews, he's interviewed cycling legends like Mathieu van der Poel, Tadej Pogačar, and Alberto Contador. He's also covered launches from brands such as Pinarello, Ridley, and Specialized, tackled challenging events like the Roubaix Challenge on his rim-brake Cannondale SuperSix Evo, tested more than 20 aero helmets in wind tunnels, and penned detailed buying guides on everything from torque wrenches to winter apparel.
But let's stir the pot a bit: With carbon spokes potentially offering marginal aero gains at a premium price, do you think the hype matches the reality for everyday cyclists, or is this just for the pros? And what about the environmental angle – is the push for lighter, carbon-intensive wheels sustainable? Share your thoughts in the comments: Do you prefer carbon for performance or steel for reliability? We'd love to hear your take!
