Mad Fiber introduces Road.2 wheelset

Second generation wheelset features new lacing pattern and 11-speed freehub

Courtesy

Published: June 17, 2013 at 5:04 pm

Mad Fiber’s Road.2 wheelset incorporates the same carbon construction used on the original Mad Fiber wheels with an 11-speed compatible freehub and a new lacing pattern, which the company claims increases radial and lateral stiffness.

Rather than alternating, as they did on the first generation wheelset, the Road.2 rear wheel has spokes that intersect. In so doing the company claims it was able to boost radial and lateral stiffness by 15 percent. Made Fiber also claims the updated spoke placement improves the trueness and dish of the wheel.

The rear wheel's lacing pattern (more molding than lacing, really) is said to improve stiffness by 15 percent: - Courtesy

More molding than lacing really — Mad Fiber's spokes are constructed from layers of carbon fiber

The new wheelset shares the same rim profiles as the pervious version, sporting a 60mm-deep front and 66mm-deep rear rim. Claimed weights are 1,280g for the clinchers and 1,050g for the tubulars. Unlike many other ultra-light wheelsets the Road.2 has no rider weight limit.

An aluminum freehub body replaces the titanium freehub body used on the first generation wheels. The new freehub enables 11-speed compatibility with Campagnolo, Shimano and SRAM. The freehubs are interchangeable as well as reverse compatible with 10-speed cassettes (and in some instances even 8- and 9-speed versions).

Other additions to the Road.2 include the use aluminum, versus steel, for the axles, as well as an adjustable locking collar for preloading the bearings. Mad Fiber has replaced their external-cam titanium quick-release skewers with internal-cam skewers with carbon levers and hollow steel bodies. Finish quality of the wheels has also been improved, thanks to refinements to the Mad Fiber’s mold and finishing processes.

Price is US$2,999/€2,795 for the clincher or tubular Road.2 wheelset with ABEC-3 steel bearings. For US$200/€200 more buyers can upgrade to Ceramic Speed bearings. Buyers can also choose from several graphics options beyond the standard colors (white for the tubulars, gray/white for clinchers). New color options include all black, gray/red, gray/blue, and gray/orange.

The road.2 wheelset can be special ordered in several custom color combinations: - Courtesy

The Road.2 can be special ordered in several custom color combinations

The Road.2 is available now in clincher and tubular versions. Mad Fiber offers a two-year warranty (including two year crash replacement program).

For more information visit: madfiber.com