After over two years of development on the rim design and construction, new Dutch brand Scope’s R5C is competitive for weight and price.
- Highs: Stiff, wind resilient ride, well made and fast
- Lows: Fragile stickers and bulky quick releases
The rim is built using mainly unidirectional fibres to offer the best balance between low weight and strength. A 3K woven carbon has been used to reinforce key areas in the tyre bed and spoke holes, while a proprietary fibre/resin blend in the brake track combats overheating and provides consistent braking.
The rim design is modern, with a 24mm profile outside and 16mm internally. The blunted aero shape is on trend too, and at 55mm deep you’ll see an aero benefit (Scope also has 45 and 30mm versions).
Scope also has its own hub design. The wide set flanges are designed to increase lateral stiffness, and on the rear the 2:1 ratio spoking is made to equalise tension between drive and non-driveside. The freehub has 120 points of engagement so pickup from pedalling is instant.
We like that Scope’s used off the peg Sapim CX-Ray spokes, which makes it easier to source spares. We’re not so sure about the aluminium spoke nipples. We prefer brass for its hardiness and resistance to corrosion.
The stiffness of the rim and exemplary build quality make for a wheel with no detectable lateral flex. It does mean a fairly firm ride but with smooth hubs and a quick-to-pick-up freehub it’s a positive sensation.
We’ve ridden these wheels in hot weather, rain and stiff winds. The older Zipp-like Toroidal rim shape stays balanced when you get gusted from the side and braking is positive. You get a little telltale carbon squeal when braking hard for prolonged periods, but we’ve heard worse. Using softer SwissStop carbon specific pads improved sound levels.
The 695g front and 867g rear wheel weights are impressive for a 55mm deep wheel (58mm-deep Zipp 404s are 1526g a pair, but a hell of a lot pricier).
On the downside the vinyl graphics on the rims are easily marked and scratched, and the chromed steel axle quick releases included are bulky, though they still work well. We like that Scope backs up its wheels with a reassuring two-year warranty too.
