• Specification

• Price: £600
• Weight: 1,752g
• Rim depth: 55mm
• Rim width: 23.4mm external; 19mm internal
• Website: Wiggle

In short, you get a full carbon rim built by Taiwanese experts Gigantex. It measures 19mm internally (23.4mm externally), and will safely support 23, 25 and 28mm tyres – basically pretty much the range pro cyclists might use throughout the whole World Tour season. That wide rim provides an ideal platform for wider tyres, ensuring a smooth transition from rim to tyre, improving handling and, potentially, aerodynamics.

That means they’re versatile, and while the 55mm depth of our test wheels naturally means crosswinds can be an issue, it’s nowhere near as bad as you’d imagine (and Cosine also offer carbon wheels in 30mm and 45mm depths).

Naturally, they don’t set the world on fire when the terrain goes uphill, but response and acceleration is certainly more than adequate for a set of £600 wheels. Interestingly, Cosine also make a 30mm version with otherwise precisely the same dimensions, weighing in at 190g less. That weight is lost purely from the rim, so if climbing ability is what you’re after, these are likely a better bet (and £100 less, too). Still, if your climbing is limited to shallower gradients and you want to thrive on rolling or flat terrain, the 55mm section will doubtless serve you well.

The hub sports sealed-cartridge bearings, which means servicing isn’t the easiest, and the freehub is fairly noisy, if you like that sort of thing. When spun in your hand it can be felt clicking away a little more than premium brands.

The freehub body supports Shimano and SRAM 11-speed drivetrains, while a spacer is also supplied for ten-speed compatibility. However, the Ultegra cassette we fitted to it took some persuading, indicating the machining of the splines, or protective coating, could be slightly ‘out’ in terms of thickness.

Joining the dots are Sapim CX Delta alloy spokes, which have an elliptical, bladed profile. They’re solid, with 24 used at the rear (dual-crossed) and 20 (straight-laced) at the front, and match up with the aero intentions of the rim.

The Achilles’ Heel, as with many carbon rims, is in the wet and effectiveness certainly does suffer – enough for me to take noticeable caution as oil, water and grit coated the brake track surface. However, should you get caught in a downpour, the brakes do remain effective enough to get you home, if not push.

Conclusion

As an overall package, these are some seriously impressive hoops for the money. They may not be quite as refined as more expensive wheels, but if you’re considering these alongside something more premium, the phrase ‘diminishing returns’ is always a factor as cost spirals, sometimes to around three times the price of the Cosines. In terms of value-for-money, these wheels are an absolute steal and worth every penny.

Pros

• Fantastic value
• Good ride quality
• Aero performance

Cons

• All riders might not appreciate the loud freehub
• Freehub splines not completely flush
• Reduced braking performance in wet