Shimano

Dura-Ace 9000 C24 Carbon Road Wheelset - Clincher

Rather than use the "wider is better" design that seems to be all the rage, Shimano put the Dura-Ace 9000 C24 Carbon Road Wheelset to wind tunnel testing. The result: the 21mm front and 23mm rear rim depths, coupled with a rim width of a narrow 20.8mm were found to not only create a smoother airflow, they also increased stability in a crosswind. Additionally, compared with its closest relation, the C24 WH-7900, the C24 WH-9000 features greater rigidity and vertical compliance for a comfortable ride. While the wheels are a high modulus carbon fiber, the braking track is aluminum for reliability.

A lightweight, aerodynamic wheel is useless if it doesn’t accelerate quickly. For this reason, Shimano ensured that the bulk of the rims’ weight is at the center. Shimano used a specifically designed bearing that is able to be pushed to the outside of the hub. The hubs also feature wide flanges for torsional and lateral rigidity, A7075 alloy axles, and a titanium freehub body. Sixteen radial-laced spokes are used on the front wheel and 20 double-cross on the rear.