Road carbon wheel: performance, lightness, and innovation for your road bike
The road carbon wheel has become a must-have for all demanding cyclists who want to optimize their road bike’s performance. By combining lightness, stiffness, and aerodynamics, a pair of carbon wheels transforms your riding experience, whether in competition, sportives, or during long rides on asphalt.
Why choose a road carbon wheel?
One of the main benefits of a road carbon wheel is its reduced weight. Thanks to the use of high-modulus carbon fibers, the rims are significantly lighter than traditional aluminum models. This weight reduction improves not only acceleration but also the bike’s agility on hilly sections and climbs, allowing the cyclist to make the most of every watt of power.
In addition, carbon offers superior stiffness, which translates into better power transfer from the crankset to the road. The increased stiffness of carbon rims optimizes restarts and responsiveness, especially during sharp accelerations or sprints.
Aerodynamics and riding comfort
Another major asset of the road carbon wheel is its aerodynamic profile. Carbon rims can be designed with deeper profiles (often 40 mm or more), reducing air drag and significantly improving efficiency at high speeds on flat terrain. This aerodynamics helps conserve the cyclist’s energy and achieve higher speeds with less effort.
Carbon, although stiffer, can also contribute to a smoother riding comfort, especially when paired with tubeless or wide tires, which help reduce vibrations felt on the road.
How to choose your road carbon wheel?
When buying a road carbon wheel, several criteria should be considered to maximize the benefits:
-
- Rim depth: low profiles (25-30 mm) are ideal for excellent handling and mountains, while medium or deep profiles (40-80 mm) offer enhanced aerodynamics for long distances or time trials.
- Total weight: the lighter a wheel is, the easier it makes climbs and restarts.
- Tire compatibility: some carbon wheels are optimized for tubeless tires, which improves comfort and reduces the risk of punctures.
Road carbon wheels at Roues RAR
At Roues RAR, every road carbon wheel is designed and hand-built in our workshops in France, using proven expertise and rigorous testing to guarantee high performance and exceptional durability.
Our road carbon wheel range offers different models to meet all expectations:
-
- EVEN: perfect balance between lightness and performance on all types of terrain.
- EXALT: technical excellence and premium quality for the most demanding cyclists.
- AURA: innovation and efficiency for optimized comfort and speed.
- MAGNUM: extreme aerodynamics for pure speed and time trials.
Each wheelset is custom-made, with a wide selection of profiles and configurations tailored to your riding style.
Comparison guide – Road carbon wheels
| Model |
Profile (mm) |
Material |
Internal Width (mm) |
Range |
Recommended Use |
Estimated Price |
| TEMPO |
26 |
aluminium |
24 |
Versatile Aluminum |
Training / All-round |
799 € |
| TEMPO PATIN |
24 |
aluminium |
21 |
Versatile Aluminum |
Training / All-round |
799 € |
| PRO 24 |
24 |
Carbon |
21 |
Entry-level Versatile Carbon |
Mountain / Lightness |
999 € |
| PRO 40 |
40 |
Carbon |
21 |
Entry-level Versatile Carbon |
All-round |
999 € |
| PRO 50 |
50 |
Carbon |
21 |
Entry-level Versatile Carbon |
Polyvalent / rapide |
999 € |
| EVEN 3.3 |
30 |
Carbon |
24 |
Versatile Carbon |
Montagne / légèreté |
1 499 € |
| EVEN 4.3 |
40 |
Carbon |
24 |
Versatile Carbon |
All-round |
1 499 € |
| EVEN 40 PATIN |
40 |
Carbon |
21 |
Versatile Carbon |
All-round |
1 499 € |
| EVEN 5.3 |
50 |
Carbon |
24 |
Versatile Carbon |
Versatile / Fast |
1 499 € |
| EVEN 50 PATIN |
50 |
Carbon |
21 |
Versatile Carbon |
Versatile / Fast |
1 499 € |
| EVEN 6.3 |
60 |
Carbon |
24 |
Aero Carbon |
Flat / Speed |
1 499 € |
| MAGNUM 80 |
80 |
Carbon |
24 |
Aero Carbon |
Pure Speed / Triathlon / Time Trial |
1 499 € |
| MAGNUM disc |
Disc |
Carbon |
24 |
Aero Carbon |
Pure Speed / Triathlon / Time Trial |
1 799 € |
| EXALT 4.3 |
40 |
Carbon |
24 |
Premium |
Versatile / Performance |
2399 € |
| EXALT 5.3 |
55 |
Carbon |
24 |
Premium |
Balanced Aero |
2399 € |
| AURA 24 |
24 |
Carbon |
21 |
Ultra High-end |
Ultra-light / Mountain |
3699 € |
| AURA 4.1 |
40 |
Carbon |
24 |
Ultra High-end |
Ultra-light & Versatile |
3699 € |
| AURA 5.1 |
55 |
Carbon |
24 |
Ultra High-end |
Aero & Ultra-light |
3699 € |
FAQ – Road Bike Wheels
What is the difference between a carbon and an aluminum road bike wheel?
Carbon wheels are significantly lighter, stiffer, and offer better aerodynamic performance. Aluminum remains more affordable but cannot compete in terms of road efficiency and power transfer.
Which rim profile should I choose for a road bike wheel?
A low profile (24-30 mm) is ideal for climbing and mountains. A medium profile (40-52 mm) is suited for all-round use. A deep profile (60-80 mm) is best reserved for flat terrain and time trials.
Are RAR road bike wheels tubeless compatible?
Yes, almost all RAR carbon wheels are tubeless-ready. This allows you to ride at lower pressures for increased comfort and a reduced risk of punctures.
How long does it take to receive a pair of RAR road bike wheels?
RAR wheels are hand-built in Maubeuge, France. The manufacturing and delivery timeframe is 15 to 30 business days.
Do RAR road bike wheels come with a warranty?
Yes, RAR offers an unlimited warranty on its wheels, which can be registered online. It is one of the most comprehensive warranties on the market.
Disc brakes or rim brakes for a carbon road bike wheel?
Disc brakes provide better modulation in all weather conditions and are now the industry standard. Rim brakes remain relevant for older bikes—RAR offers both options on most of its models.
What is the starting budget for a pair of RAR carbon road bike wheels?
The RAR range starts at €999 per wheelset with the PRO models, going up to €3,699 for the ultra high-end AURA models.
Roues de vélo carbone françaises
0
