Vuelta's entry level wheels are fitted to a good number of production bikes but their range has until now been a rare sight on any UK retailer's stock list. The rims of the clincher versions have an aluminium braking surface bonded to a carbon load-bearing section, making braking control smoother and more predictable than that of their lighter sprint versions which have a carbon braking surface, requiring the fitment of special brake blocks (supplied).
Unlike the Mavic Cosmic Carbone clinchers, the rims are entirely load bearing - so for a deep section wheel they don't break any new records for lightness at 2080g per pair without tyres, tubes and cassette. That's 324g more than Mavic's Cosmic carbon clinchers but those are another (£146), so we aren't complaining if they are being considered for time trialling. For reference purposes - and where comparing them with the tech spec boxes of our bike tests - a pair of Carbon Pro's weighs 2.9kg complete with Vittoria Rubino Pro tyres, inner tubes and a Dura-Ace cassette.
There are 12 front and 16 rear Alpina aluminium aero spokes and the hubs, which are compatible with both Campagnolo and Shimano cassettes, have a close resemblance to those of the Ambrosio brand that are used and approved by several UK wheel builders.
The tyres fitted without needing to resort to force using tyre levers and they stayed perfectly true throughout testing. The price includes skewers and spare spokes are also included.