The Ritcheys look conventional with their silver Sapim spokes and medium-profile rims, but closer inspection reveals the trifecta or crow’s foot lacing pattern on the drive-side at the rear, with one radial spoke between two others crossing it. This is designed to increase lateral rigidity, as are the large rear hub flanges.
The other spokes all cross once or twice, but don't touch where they cross, aiding compliance. At this price, we expected fireworks, but the WCS Zetas aren’t out and out racers. They’re marketed as lightweight, all-round training and racing wheels with excellent ride quality.
On the road the Vanadium alloy rims proved light and keen to accelerate or climb, but they lacked the zip of some other wheels at this price. They're hard to characterise, as they aren’t the most exciting but do everything competently.
