Wheels

Cero AR30 Evo wheelset

If you're not familiar with Cero, sit up and take note - these wheels are superb value

Cero aren’t the biggest brand around, nor necessarily the best known, however, we’ve been mightily impressed with the Cero hoops that we’ve had our hands on in the past 12 months, including the lightweight AR22s and disc-specific ARD23 hoops.

So impressed, in fact, that we think they’re deserving of bucking the big-brand monopoly. You see, the new AR30 Evo wheelset has been in development for 18 months, providing all the usual refinements you’d expect to see in wheels that could conceivably cost twice as much.

Enter the fray tubeless compatibility housed within an inner rim width of 17.4mm, which is perfect for now-common 25c rubber and above, complete with a 22mm outer width.

If you’re thinking that’s still a little narrow compared to others on the market, there is the benefit of decreased rotational rim weight, despite the 30mm depth – 475g, in case you wondered. All up weight is 1,433g – very impressive considering the alloy construction, rim depth and price – and that’s reflected in the sprightly ride.

Evidently, the AR30 Evos aim for that sweetspot of all-day rideability, reliability, light weight and potent wind cheating capability. Fit them with a racy set of clinchers or a tubeless setup, and you’re going to be laughing.

The hubs have also been tweaked and are shared with the RC45 wheelset – at this price you’re not going to see carbon construction or ceramic bearings, but the double-sealed cartridges made of premium 6061 lightweight aluminium are a great blend of performance and resilience.

The freehub also boasts an anti-bite coating to minimise any slippage between the cassette and the body, resulting, Cero say, in a more efficient ride. Ever noticed how cassettes can bite into cheaper freehubs over prolonged use, making them both tricky to remove and quicker wearing? That should be a thing of the past now.

Spokes come via respected Belgian firm Sapim, with the industry-standard CX-Ray, which boasts a bladed aero profile and reliable stainless steel construction. You get 20 of them in each wheel, hinting at the lightweight intentions.

Cero AR30 Evo

Price: £499.00
Website:Cycle Division

The AR30 Evos are available with a Shimano/SRAM or Campagnolo freehubs, so there’s no need to worry about compatibility, and – even better – Cero’s distributors Cycle Division offer them with interest free finance over up to 12 months, with no deposit necessary.

If you were holding back on that upgrade, it might be time to think again.