The team behind Swiss Side were involved in Formula One for more than 50 years, so honing aero designs from Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) is something they’re well versed in. Swiss Side’s not the only wheel manufacturer that’s learning from the motor racing industry. Simon Smart, the aerodynamics expert at Mercedes-PETRONAS, worked on the big ticket, Smart ENVE System wheels.

Swiss Side’s engineers focused on three key areas while in the wind tunnel during development of the 485: drag (aerodynamic performance), side force performance (how it reacts in crosswinds) and steering torque (how it responds to steering input). The aim, they say, was not to necessarily create the fastest outright wheel with the lowest drag, but to create a fast wheel in terms of ‘real world performance’. Blasting air at it from a single angle in the wind tunnel only tells one side of a 360-degree story.

As luck would have it, or some would suggest the contrary, I have some pretty gusty conditions on the coast where I live. Usually, this would be a time to switch to shallow rims but I ventured out with the Hadron 485s to test Swiss Side’s claims of stability.

At their widest point the Hadron 485s measure a bulging 24mm with the rim track at 23mm, and the carbon fairing adopts a toroidal profile now popular with wheel manufacturers seeking to design fast, stable aero wheels. In terms of Swiss Side’s claim of offering ‘low side force and steering torque sensitivity in windy conditions’, that box is certainly ticked. These wheels handle very well in unpredictable, blustery conditions.

I also tested the wheels with both 23m and 25mm tyres to see if that brought any different in performance. In terms of exploiting the rim’s aerodynamics, the edge of the tyre should sit flush with the rim. The 23mm tyre was a little better, but the 25mm rubber wasn’t spilling over the sides by any means. Wider tyres can make for less rolling resistance and better traction, as well as a bit more cushioning, so the choice is yours.

I’ve already covered some of Hadron’s speed story but speed typically costs, and that’s particularly the case when it comes to wheels. That said, Swiss Side say they strive to “revolutionise cycling aerodynamics to maximise the performance of affordable aero wheels”, which is a pretty big goal. To keep costs down on the Hadrons, Swiss Side have used an alloy rim, using a 38.5mm carbon fairing alongside the 10mm brake track.

The result is a slightly heavier wheelset compared to a full-carbon affair. Claimed weight for the wheelset is 1,639g (732g front/907g rear), which isn’t too shabby for a clincher. It’s lighter than a set of Mavic’s popular Cosmic Pro Carbon alloy-carbon aero clinchers (claimed weight 1,695g), and a similar price. These aren’t the quickest wheels to jump out of the pack but, in reality, they’re not pitched as super-light climbing wheels, and once up to speed they hold it well.

Similarly to the Darth Vader impersonation the rims make when accelerating (which I find to be a rather reassuring sound), the freehub also makes a bit of a racket. This might cause some stick in the club run when the person in front hears that you’re not pedaling while they’re doing all the work, but with these wheels in the bike, there’ll be no excuses not to switch places and do your turn.

Pros

• Superb handling in windy conditions
• Wide rim gives rider tyre choices
• Wallet-friendly price tag

Cons

• Difficult to get tyres on and off due to wide rim track
• Particularly loud freehub might not be for everyone