We've tested wheelsets based on Halo's Aerorage rims in the past and been impressed not only with the quality of the build but also with the pricing. For 2010, Halo have developed the new Spin Master rear hub, which promises to raise an already impressive wheelset to a much higher performance level.
The front hub features fully sealed bearings fitted into a super-svelte body, available in white, as shown, or black anodised, and with 16 or 24-hole small flanges. The hub weighs a minimal 79g and our front wheel complete with Halo aero bladed spokes weighed in at an impressively light 740g for a 24-spoke setup. The 16-spoke version should please weight weenies even more.
The rear hub is where the Halos really shine, though. With the new Spin Master internals, the three rear pawls now have 30 points of engagement – a standard hub has just 24. This means that when you turn the pedals and engage the freewheel, the Spin Master has a superbly positive feel, operating without any drag and making for crisper shifting, especially when under load.
Other than this smoother feeling you’ll only notice the hub when freewheeling, as it makes a very close-clicking buzz. It’s similar to that of a Chris King rear hub (King hubs have a similar number of pickup points) but at around a third of the cost. We tested the 32-spoke design, with a complete weight of 1,080g, but a lightweight 24-hole version is also available.
Out on the road, this wheelset is very impressive. Though it’s light enough, at just over 1,800g for the pair, the Aerorage rim and bladed spokes make for a superbly strong setup. These are among the most rigid wheels out there, inspiring you to corner harder and ride more at the limit than other race wheels.
Halo have taken what was already an impressive set of wheels, dropped a little of the weight and made the rear hub markedly better, but retained the hard wearing nature of the standard Aerorage wheelset.
