A long awaited addition to the swelling CADEX wheel range - the fan favourite 50!
The CADEX 50 ULTRA represents the company's all-rounder in what is fast becoming an industry standard 3-wheel platform.
Like its stablemates, the 50 represent the best possible wheel at the depth using the CADEX design philosophy of 'Pinnacle Performance Product'
Featuring a hookless rim design to maximise aerodynamics and durability, as well as low-friction hubs with Ceramic Bearings for maximum power efficiency, along with the added control of disc brakes, the CADEX 50 Disc WheelSystem offers unparalleled performance and control at an impresively low weight - even more so given the price point.
If you were around in the 80's then the CADEX name may not be new to you. The name has been resurrected as a moniker for the latest range of top-tier cycling equipment that is designed to be the pinnacle of performance product. The new CADEX range has a different development cycle from much of the product on the market today and rather than being created to satisfy a price point - where compromises are made - the CADEX product line-up has been developed from the standpoint of delivering everything possible without compromise. To this end, CADEX began with conversations with pro teams (CCC initially but you'll see CADEX on other pro team bikes in the coming seasons) and was driven entirely by the needs of the riders.
Simple really. The price point was never a factor in the genesis of the brand - simply the quest for the best performing products. Over a period of 4 seasons and with continuous, no-holds-barred feedback from the pros, CADEX have - in conjunction with riders - created a concise range of products that deliver real world, tangible performance gains (wheels) and comfort and stability (saddles) and compared to much of the competition, the price is not bad either!
With regard to the wheels, CADEX have created a brand new process for the lay-up that has multiple benefits. Rather than a normal circu-linear lay-up, CADEX have removed much of the excess carbon that fills the rim by wrapping the rim with a focus on key strength areas - namely the spokes. This Precision Reinforced Lay-Up employs high-tensile strength carbon fibre and high Tg resin is reinforced at the most crucial points for industry-leading stiffness, ride compliance and strength with no unnecessary weight. The rim bed is also hookless and features a continuous carbon fibre structure enhancing the overall durability and heat management. Indeed, the rim design - with a wide inner rim and less overall weight - improves responsiveness, acceleration and handling.
Hookless designs are becoming more prevalent but uptake is limited, though Giant - CADEX's parent - are changing things up with their own ranges taking the lead from the Flagship brand. This is largely because tubeless tyre standards are anything but consistent so tyres blowing off of rims is a risk - particularly at higher pressures. Since CADEX's drive was to create pinnacle product, it was a given that they would be creating their own tyres and so they forged ahead.
Their hookless design provides the best airflow transition from the tyre to the sidewall of the rim, resulting in reduced aerodynamic loss when compared to standard hook bead rims and the new R3-C40 aero hubs further enhances aerodynamics for a rapid wheel through the air, indeed the CADEX design and construction maximises aerodynamics and durability while reducing mechanical drag with optimised hub internals. Significant reductions in front and side drag ensure that these wheels are extremely fast, yet remain stable in shifting winds, this stems in part from ultralight CADEX carbon spokes which - aside from reducing weight and enhancing comfort - offer improved airflow through a custom-designed aero shape. On close inspection you will find that each spoke is more than simply bladed, but that they have a broad leading edge and sharper trailing edge to improve the airflow over the surface. For the 50 Ultra, they are also wider than the previous wheel versions for even better aerodynamics.
The term 'Carbon Spoke' often elicits a sharp intake of breath and a quivver of uncertainty over repairs and longevity. Panic not - while the spokes are constructed from carbon, they lace like any other spoke and are not 'part of' the rim or hub, making replacements possible in the same way as you would with a metal spoke.
The spokes are also laced into the rim using race-proven Dynamic Balanced Lacing (DBL) technology that varies tension not only between drive and non-driveside spokes, but within the drive side itself. This ensures spokes are set for optimal tension when under dynamic pedalling force versus when static, resulting in superior transmission stiffness and efficiency.
To further maximise performance, CADEX have gone a step further with their latest hoops. The hookless 50 wheels features CADEX's new ultra-hard Ceramic bearings to further improve rolling efficiency with a 1.5x smoother action than steel and the R3-C40 nhub features a 40-tooth ratchet system for immediate pick-up.
Overall the CADEX 50's all-new hookless carbon rims with custom-calibrated spokes, offer outstanding durability and aerodynamics at an ultra-low weight. Combined with purpose-designed hubs that significantly reduce friction to eliminate power loss, the CADEX 50 wheel system offers optimal weight savings, stability and speed when riding in all conditions. The use of Centrelock disc mounts ensures compatibility with the most common disc brake standards and delivers control and confidence when descending or braking in bad conditions.
Aesthetics are CADEX's pleasingly simple Black on Black wordmark graphics, and will pair nicely with any bike you wish to mount them on.
UCI & ITU Approved