Columbus Unveils Premier Carbon Road Wheel Collection, Featuring the Featherlight Spirit

Columbus, a distinguished name in Italian cycling known for its tubing and, more recently, for handlebars and stems, has officially stepped into the carbon road wheel arena. The company has introduced three new clincher/tubeless models: Cento, Spirit, and Gara. This expansion follows two years of dedicated development, with all wheels meticulously assembled in Italy. Cyclists can also look forward to new all-road and gravel wheel options in 2027.

Columbus's journey into carbon fiber manufacturing began in the early 2000s, initially concentrating on carbon fork production before diversifying into structural frame components. Their established Columbus Components line already features a range of carbon handlebars, stems, and seatposts, and the addition of wheels marks a significant broadening of their product portfolio.

The Milan-based design team at Columbus collaborated with leading specialists in carbon composite layup to craft aerodynamic D-shaped, hooked rims that are compatible with a wide array of tire sizes. The company asserts that all these new wheels are optimized for 28-30mm tires, ensuring a blend of speed and comfort.

Among the new offerings, the Cento is presented as a versatile all-rounder, available in 50mm and 62mm rim depths. While primarily optimized for 28-30mm tires, Columbus suggests that these wheels can accommodate tires up to 35mm before any aerodynamic advantages begin to diminish. The 50mm Cento rims are designed to deliver an elevated ride across various terrains, appealing to sprinters, punchers, and rouleurs alike, balancing aerodynamic efficiency with a responsive and light feel.

The Cento 62, a slightly heavier option at 1,470g compared to the Cento 50's 1,440g, is engineered for flatter courses and higher speeds. Columbus positions the Cento 50 as the more balanced choice, with the 62 focusing on pure performance, though it exhibits higher steering torque in crosswinds. The 62mm version features a distinct carbon layup to maintain a lower weight. Both depths share a 23mm internal width and a 30mm external width. They are equipped with Columbus aluminum hubs featuring a dual-sided 36-tooth ratchet system for 9° engagement and ceramic bearings. Each wheel incorporates 21 carbon Vonoa spokes arranged in a 2:1 lacing pattern. The Cento 50 and Cento 62 are offered with black or silver accents, priced at €1,599 each.

Next in the lineup is the Gara, conceived for endurance riding with an emphasis on durability and comfort. This model, available in a 50mm rim depth, is the result of a partnership with DT Swiss. Columbus highlights the Gara as the most adaptable option, performing comparably to the Cento 62 in wind tunnel tests while being considerably lighter. Built around the DT Swiss 240 hub with the Ratchet EXP system, the Gara includes innovative internal nipple seats made from glass-fiber-reinforced polymer, ensuring precise alignment and reducing stress on the rim. These technical details aim to boost reliability and simplify maintenance for extended rides. The Gara maintains the same rim width of 23mm internally and 30mm externally, but features 24 carbon Vonoa spokes laced 1:1, secured by titanium nipples. These hidden spokes can be adjusted externally with a specialized tool. The Gara wheelset has a claimed weight of 1,315g and is priced at €2,399.

The flagship model in this new series is the Spirit, a premium road race wheel also available in a 50mm rim depth, boasting a remarkably low claimed weight of just 1,249g. The Spirit features an innovative Integrated Aero HUB design, where a single cast monocoque seamlessly integrates the carbon spokes directly into the hub flanges. This design is engineered to optimize performance on mountain climbs while ensuring efficiency and speed on descents. Due to the fused nature of the spokes, individual replacements are not possible should damage occur. The Spirit wheels are equipped with ceramic bearings and hidden spoke nipples, complemented by a rim profile specifically designed for superior aerodynamic performance. Like the other models, the rim has a 23mm internal width and a 30mm external width, with 18 carbon spokes per wheel. The Columbus Spirit is available for €3,999.