Ward 60a and 80a Carbon Aero Wheels have been methodically developed through extensive aero testing of each of the following factors separately, to provide the best performing wheels possible for the price and intended use:
 
Rim depth
Rim width
Rim shape
Spoke type
Spoke count
Hub
 
The Ward 60a/80a wheelset utilises custom spec. 60 mm deep front and 80 mm deep rear carbon/alloy hybrid rims. These rim depths provide the ideal balance of aerodynamics and cross wind stability with no compromise in either aspect.
 
Our own in-house testing shows that the 60 mm deep version rim is just as fast as the 80 mm deep version rim in the front, yet lighter and more controllable in crosswinds. However the 80 mm deep rim version provides a significant real world aero gain over the 60 mm deep rim version in the rear of the bike, confirmed by indoor velodrome aero testing, without negatively affecting the bike handling. This results in this differential rim depth wheelset. An incredibly versatile, do it all race wheel, without compromising speed!
 
The 60a front wheel repeatedly tested as aerodynamic as a Zipp 808 NSW in the Boardman Performance Centre Wind Tunnel. 60a front wheel also yielded identical aerodynamic performance (CdA) to our Ultimate Indoor Track Front wheel on an outdoor velodrome during back-to-back aero testing runs with the same tyre and tyre pressure.
 
Strong structural premium grade carbon fibre, which is better than the industry standard, is used for the aerodynamic fairing. This is bonded to an aluminium clincher rim brake rim. Parallel aluminium rim brake track measuring 25 mm wide. 19 mm wide internal width.
 
Note: these rims have successfully been run tubeless with a Vittoria Corsa Speed TLR tyre for an entire race season, despite the rim being clincher only specific. Though we cannot recommend running these rims tubeless and do not accept liability of any issues arising from running these rims tubeless.
 
Wider inner rim width causes the tyre to spread out, giving similar benefits to using the next size up tyre on a narrower rim, such as: decreased rolling resistance; improved comfort; and increased grip. But creates a much closer match between rim and tyre width, which greatly improves the overall wheel and tyre system aerodynamics (CdA).
Note: Most “23 mm” tyres measure around 25 mm on these rims. “25 mm” tyres measure around 26-27 mm.
 
Aluminium rim braking surfaces provide excellent and predictable rim braking properties without having to use special and/or expensive rim brake pads. Also prevents overheating issues associated with full carbon rim brake rims and allows the use of higher inflation pressures. These rims have been extensively tested in training and racing with clincher tyre inflation pressures of 180 psi on velodromes without issues, even testing as high as 200 psi (which tested slower). Yes 200 psi in a carbon clincher race wheel! Find another clincher aero wheel that can withstand that!
 
Lightweight, low profile sealed bearing hubs with hollow aluminium axles, utilising reliable but also easily replaceable sealed cartridge bearings. The front hub has been selected specifically because it creates a front wheel with significantly increased lateral stiffness compared to most other hubs. This is noticable in scenarios where side force is applied to the wheel such as when cornering hard, climbing or sprinting.
 
16 lightweight bladed aero spokes, laced radially, are used in the front wheel for an aerodynamic bias where applied loads are lower.
 
24 double butted spokes, laced 2x cross in the rear wheel for a strength and stiffness bias where the applied loads are much higher. The thicker cross section of these spokes increases rear wheel lateral stiffness which is noticable compared to similar depth rear wheels using thin bladed spokes. A rear wheel is not fast if it is flexing onto your brake pads!
 
See wheel testimonials here.
 
All wheels are supplied with High Pressure Tubeless rim tape. It is light weight, yet super strong and durable. We have tested it with a clincher tyre to 200 psi (on a 60a rim) with one single ply without any issues. It is thinner than traditional rim tapes, which makes mounting tyres easier.
*Specification subject to change
 
All Ward wheels are hand built here in the UK, so if the standard wheel specification is not quite to your liking, please get in touch and we can discuss other options. Perhaps you would like different spokes, spoke count, lacing, hubs, nipples, or even a completely different custom build? These can all be achieved with a longer lead time. Price may vary.
 
This is a rim brake optimised wheel specification, but if for any reason you would like a disc brake version, please contact us and we can produce that with an extended lead time.
 
We offer a 3 year warranty for spoke replacement and retrues. This warranty does not cover postage costs or improper use. In the event of hub or rim failure this is covered by the manufacturer’s policy.
 
Our carbon aero rims have a manufacturer supplied quality assurance warranty period of 1 year under normal riding. If there is any damage not caused by human factors, rims can be replaced.