Unless you’re a closet hub fetishist, you may not be aware of Edco. The Swiss manufacturer produces high-end cassettes, hubs, and wheelsets like the carbon clincher Aerosport Furka 58mm on test here.
- Highs: Quality parts, dual freehub, crosswind performance
- Lows: Reynolds version is cheaper, firm ride
- Buy if: You fancy a classic deep-section carbon clincher that behaves itself when it gets breezy
Edco uses Reynolds rims, and with the US company’s history of carbon manufacturing and aerodynamic research, that’s no bad thing. The Furkas share their rim with the Reynolds 58 Aero, but Edco drills and builds them onto its own Aptera hubs with Sapim straight-pull spokes.
In addition to allowing for a higher spoke count – 20/24 in place of 16/20 – the drilling means Edco can match the precise angle of the spokes and internal nipples, avoiding unnecessary stresses. Durability is further aided by the triple-lacing configuration of the rear wheel, which uses twice as many spokes on the driveside for a more even tension balance.
The black Aptera hubs look and feel well made, with quality SKF cartridge bearings. The freehub body accepts Shimano and Campagnolo cassettes without the need to swap parts. (You do need to use the supplied Edco lockring, which accepts a Campagnolo-spline tool only.)
The rims are striking, with a preference for fat, blunt cross-sections rather than a curved, yet pointy vee. Their external width is 26.2mm, but the ‘Integrated Step Hook’ construction (a step in the outer edge of the rim designed to optimise airflow) means they measure a comparatively modest 16mm internally, and give an unremarkable tyre profile with the 25mm Continental GP4000S II rubber included.
Ride quality is classic deep-section carbon clincher: firm, racy and stiff. At 1710g (with rim strips, plus 115g for skewers) the Furkas aren’t feathery, but are competitive for their 58mm depth, and they whoosh up to speed. Noise is a constant, the resonant rims amplify everything. Braking is loud, albeit well modulated and confidence inspiring.
The real surprise is how untroubled they are by crosswinds. They may resemble older style rims, but behave so much better.
