Shimano with new wheelsets

New wheel set makes carbon clincher technology available for more people
Shimano introduces a new road racing clincher wheel set WH-RS80-C24-CL with an equal rim construction as the successful Dura-Ace WH-7850-C24-CL wheel set that was introduced last year. Both wheel sets feature an ultra thin and lightweight aluminum rim reinforced with carbon layers. The result is considerable weight saving and more comfortable ride characteristics. This new wheel set has been developed with an Ultegra level freehub that is compatible with 8, 9 and 10-speed cassettes. The wheels feature a wide flange hub design and an offset rim for increased rigidity and power transmission. The hubs have been developed using Shimano’s proven cup and cone bearings that are known for their great durability and adjustability. The rims have been provided with a rim wear indicator. Weight: 1521 g per set.
Availability in the market: July 2008


Tubeless
Shimano is introducing a new Dura-Ace tubeless wheelset that is more than 100 grams lighter than the current one due to the use of an ultra thin aluminum rim reinforced with carbon layers. Besides saving weight, this technology also ensures an incredible comfortable ride. This wheelset WH-7850-C24-TL has been developed with a titanium freehub body with quick engagement mechanism. It has a wide flange hub and an offset rim to increase rigidity. Weight will be 1400g for a set. Shimano introduces this tubeless technology also at a medium range level. WH-RS60-C24-TL is a tubeless wheel set that features the same rim as the Dura-Ace version but with an Ultegra level hub and freehub that is compatible with 8, 9 and 10-speed cassettes. The hubs have been developed using Shimano’s proven cup and cone bearings that are known for their great durability and adjustability. Weight: 1590 g per set. Both tubeless wheel sets feature a wide flange hub design and offset rim for increased rigidity and power transfer. All Shimano tubeless wheel sets can be used for normal clincher tires as well.
Availability in the market: July 2008

50mm Carbon Clincher
Shimano is also introducing a 50 mm high profile carbon-aluminum composite clincher Dura-Ace wheelset WH-7850-C50-CL. It combines Pro Tour performance with the convenience of clincher tires. It has a titanium freehub body with quick engagement mechanism plus a wide flange hub and offset rim for increased rigidity. It has been developed with Shimano’s cup and cone bearings and the rim carries a rim wear indicator. Weight: 1700 g per set.
Availability in the market: Already available

Carbon Sports North America Launched

Carbon Sports, the high-end manufacturer of lightweight wheels, has founded Carbon Sports North America. Carbon Sports North American is based in Ottawa, and its operational structure includes secure bonded warehousing in upstate New York.

David Bell, chief executive officer of Carbon Sports North America, said, “The fact that we are actually part of Carbon Sports Germany enables us to focus exclusively on the representation and distribution of Carbon Sports products in all of North America. We are able to provide the quality of service with our very high-end products which the public is well entitled.”

Bell said that “by having a dedicated North American company, we are able to drastically reduce this waiting period by maintaining a substantial inventory, which will effectively eliminate the current seven months other countries are forced to wait.”

source: Bicycle Retailer