FSA RD 488 tubular road wheelset review
Italian rollers
FSA are better known for their headsets, cranks and cockpit equipment than they are for their wheels, but these Italian rollers are comfortable, lightweight and fair value at just under a grand.
The 50mm rims mount the conventional bladed spokes straight into a broad base for reassuring outer-edge strength. These wheels are light for their price, so they pick up speed healthily enough.
They track and brake adequately for letting loose on the descents too. The medium flanged hubs and radial spoking also stops them stinging badly if you clobber a pothole unexpectedly.
They went out of true during testing, but the visible nipples made sorting that out easier than with a lot of buried spoke wheels. Spoke key, valve extenders and brake pads are included in the wheel package price.
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Product Specifications
Product
| Name | RD 488 Wheelset (10) |
| Brand | FSA |
| Features | • Extra light and medium flange hubs (same as RD-400) • Sapim bladed spokes • External nipples for easy maintenance • Artisan built entirely by hand • Includes Scatto QR, valve extender and brake pad set • Aluminium cassette for Shimano, SRAM or Campagnolo • Spokes - 20 radial front wheel, 24 radial and 2 cross rear wheel • Rims - UDF Carbon weave • Hub - CNC anodised black with logos • Black spokes |
| Weight (g) | 1397 |
| Front Wheel Weight | 624 |
| Rear Wheel Weight | 773 |
| Rim Size/Diameter | 50 |
