Black Inc

Thirty Carbon Road Wheelset - Clincher

At first glance you might be mistaken in assuming that the Black Inc Thirty Carbon Clincher Road Wheelset is just another climbing wheelset. These all-carbon hoops blend feathery-light climbing power with superior aerodynamics and a wide, stable rim for an all-encompassing package of power. They charge down rolling hills of vineyards and blast through descents around careening bends with heart-palpitating drops. But these wheels aren't all rim—Black Inc pairs them with bearings from CeramicSpeed to craft hubs that take the ride to the next level with silky smooth bearings that glide faster. The bearings are designed with updated technology to surpass ceramic bearings of yesteryear, which required constant maintenance, so you can power to the front of the pack with less effort, and a feel that's unlike any other.

The Thirty Carbon Wheelset may begin the conversation by boasting its superior climbing capabilities, but don't mistake it for a climbing-only wheel. Its designers opted to stretch the rim to 27mm, which is wider than you'll find on most road wheels and allows for a more aerodynamic feel. The rim achieves superior stiffness thanks in part to its unidirectional carbon layup and unique spoke tensioning, in which Aerolite semi-bladed spokes lace up to the front wheel, and the non-drive side of the rear wheel, with 2mm-plain gauge round spokes lacing to the rear drive side. Black Inc credits this lacing design with a whopping 55% gain in stiffness and only a 1% weight penalty—though we suspect the rim width also plays a role. With the Thirty's shallow rim profile and wide design, the wheels feel sturdier than most lightweight hoops, making them also ideal for rough gravel roads, and the cobbled classics.

While the rims and spokes come together with exceptional construction, there's no doubt that one of the most talked about pieces of the Black Inc puzzle is the hub. The CeramicSpeed bearings combine the buttery-smooth rolling of ceramic bearings with Black Inc's aerodynamically advanced bullet-nose rim for a ride that's faster, smoother, and cleaner feeling than a standard steel bearing. CeramicSpeed leads the way with ceramic bearing construction, with hybrid bearings that use top-grade Silicon Nitride ceramic balls that claim to surpass steel bearings in every possible way. Unlike ceramic bearings of the past, CeramicSpeed bearings are built for everyday use, with superior durability and lasting performance that doesn't require constant babysitting. Black Inc designs its hubs with precise dedication to these bearings, crafting precise hub shells and axle tolerances around the tight tolerances of the bearings to ensure you have season after season of maintenance-free high performance.