Ward 80a Carbon Aero Tandem 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
 
Ward 80a Carbon Aero Tandem wheels utilise custom spec. 80 mm deep front and rear carbon/alloy hybrid rims. The deeper front rim depth compared to the 60a/80a road wheelset provides increased strength and stiffness to cope with the increased forces present on Tandem wheels. The extra weight of a Tandem bicycle means that the extra depth is still stable in cross winds.
 
The Ward 80a Tandem front wheel repeatedly tested faster than a Hed H3 trispoke during indoor velodrome aero testing, while also offering hugely increased rim internal volume and ride smoothness.
 
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!
 
A heavy duty sealed bearing hub is used for the front wheel, utilising oversize but also easily replaceable sealed cartridge bearings. The front hub has been selected specifically because it provides a solid foundation for a stronger 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.
 
24 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.