Schmolke Unveils World’s Lightest 50mm Deep Aero Disc Wheelset at 940g
In a remarkable achievement for cycling technology, Schmolke has introduced the TLO 50, the lightest 50mm deep aero disc wheelset on the market, weighing in at just 940g. Its lightweight design is paired with traditional construction methods, reflecting a commitment to quality that stands out amidst the trends towards ultra-lightweight designs.
Historically, various brands have endeavored to push the limits of weight in road bike wheels. Notable contenders like Lightweight and their Obermayer Evo design reached a pinnacle of 1,280g, while Syncros’ Capital wheels employed a similar bonded carbon design to clock in at 1,170g. Similar designs, such as Partington’s looped-spoke rendition, weighed in at 1,218g.
A standout feature of the Schmolke TLO is not solely its astonishing weight of 977g (including the tubeless kit), but also the traditional framework that underpins its performance. In addition to the TLO 50, Schmolke offers a 37mm deep variant, the TLO 37, reportedly weighing 895g.
While a price point around £3,000 can hardly be labeled as budget-friendly, the TLOs are competitively priced against mainstream lighter alternatives. For reference, Cadex’s Max 40 wheels retail for £3,400, while Partington’s R-Series MKII R39/44s reach £5,500. Lightweight’s Obermayer Evos are notably more expensive at £7,060, and Zipp’s 353 NSW wheels are priced at £3,200. The Schmolke TLOs not only exceed these options in lightness but also present a more economical choice.
Specifications of the Schmolke TLO 50
Contrary to some of its ultra-light competitors, the Schmolke TLO wheels utilize a conventional build, albeit with high-end materials. They feature straight-pull hubs coupled with carbon-bladed spokes, which, due to threaded ends, facilitate maintenance much like standard wheelsets. With 24 spokes on both front and rear, they lace to a 50mm deep tubeless carbon rim.
The TLO 50’s hubs incorporate Extralite’s exceptionally light CyberFront SPD-3 and CyberRear SPD-3, totaling only 212g. For comparison, DT Swiss’s lightest hub options add up to 279g.
Schmolke’s progressive rim design balances weight and performance, sporting a 50mm depth alongside 32.5mm external and 25mm internal widths, making it compatible with wider road tires of 28mm and above. Test data confirms a front wheel weight of 448g and a rear weight of 529g.
The wheelset accommodates a remarkable system weight limit of 115kg, surpassing competitors like Lightweight’s Obermayer EVO and Partington’s R-Series MKII, both capped at 100kg.
Performance Assessment of the Schmolke TLO 50
The TLO 50 wheelset excelled in tire fitting and maintained pressure effectively, seamlessly accommodating Pirelli’s 30mm P Zero TLR tires. When replacing a heavier Mavic Cosmic SL45 set weighing 1,575g, riders can feel the noticeable reduction in overall weight by 598g.
The wheels not only deliver lightweight agility but also exhibit impressive stiffness, countering concerns regarding flex during vigorous efforts. They performed excellently on varying road surfaces, proving resilient while retaining a smooth ride quality.
While climbing, the TLOs enable rapid acceleration due to their low mass, and they maintain a stable demeanor on descents without sacrificing comfort.
Final Thoughts on the Schmolke TLO 50
The Schmolke TLO 50 wheelset impressively merges traditional wheel construction with modern materials to create a product that excels in both performance and weight. Given the ease of standard maintenance, bicycle enthusiasts will appreciate the practicality alongside the aesthetics of these high-performance wheels.
Despite not seeking a purely lightweight option, the combination of stellar ride quality with a competitive price makes the TLO 50 a compelling choice for serious cyclists. Schmolke’s offering transcends mere marketing gimmicks; it delivers genuine performance that impressively challenges the established lightweight market.
Product Overview:
- Price: €3,500.00, £3,000.00, $4,144.00
- Weight: 977g
- Rim Material: Carbon
- Tubeless Compatibility: Yes
- Wheel Size: 29in / 700c
- Brake Type: Disc
- Hubs: Extralite SPD3+ HDC, Ceramic
- Spoke Count: 24
- Rim Depth: 50mm
- Rim Internal Width: 25mm
The Schmolke TLO 50 represents a remarkable achievement in cycling technology, catering to weight-conscious and performance-driven cyclists alike.
Source: Original Source
