Princeton CarbonWorks Launches Advanced Wake 6560 Evolution II Wheelset

Princeton CarbonWorks has unveiled the sixth iteration of its premier road wheelset, the Wake 6560 Evolution II, asserting it to be the most aerodynamically efficient UCI-compliant wheel they have evaluated in wind tunnel tests. This advanced wheelset, characterized by a wider and lighter hooked rim, epitomizes Princeton's commitment to high-performance engineering, targeting serious cyclists and professional athletes. Its development involved extensive research into tire and rim interactions, culminating in a product that combines aesthetic appeal with significant performance gains, albeit at a luxury price point.

The Pinnacle of Aerodynamic Innovation

Princeton CarbonWorks has launched its latest top-tier wheelset, the Wake 6560 Evolution II, positioning it as the ultimate choice for speed-focused cyclists. This new offering represents the culmination of extensive research and development, emphasizing a holistic approach to wheel and tire interaction. The company's lead engineer, Harrison Macris, highlights their singular focus on creating the fastest possible wheel for competitive cycling. This philosophy has driven them to produce components without compromise, ensuring their presence in elite competitions and on discerning cyclists' wish lists. The Evolution II features a significantly improved hooked rim design that is both wider and lighter than its predecessors, contributing to superior aerodynamic efficiency, especially at larger yaw angles. This design choice, though contrary to some market trends, reflects Princeton's dedication to precise tire control and optimized performance.

The journey to the Wake 6560 Evolution II involved rigorous testing and collaboration. Engineers meticulously analyzed various tire widths (from 23-32mm) on different internal rim widths (21mm, 22mm, 23mm, & 24mm), employing 3D scanning and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) to build a comprehensive portfolio of tire cross-sections. This data, combined with rolling resistance insights, allowed them to identify the most efficient combinations of tire and rim profiles. The most promising designs were then subjected to real-world wind tunnel tests, validating the CFD results. Further refinement came from professional athletes who utilized these wheels to secure victories in prestigious events like the Ironman and 70.3 world championships. Collaborating with experts like Luca Oggiano and Themis Petridi from Nablaflow, a specialist in wind simulation, Princeton has crafted a wheel that not only performs exceptionally but also meets the stringent UCI legal requirements, proving its mettle in the most demanding competitive environments. The internal rim width has been expanded from 21mm to 22mm, and the external from 28.2mm to 33mm, complemented by a new carbon layup that shaves 50g off each rim, reducing total wheelset weight by 10% while tripling the UCI's impact resistance standards.

Refined Design and Uncompromising Performance

The Wake 6560 Evolution II showcases Princeton CarbonWorks' dedication to advanced design and top-tier performance in the cycling world. This new wheelset features a distinct variable rim depth, ranging from 60 to 65mm, a signature element carried over from its earlier versions. The internal rim width has been thoughtfully increased to 22mm, and the external to 33mm, enhancing the wheel's interaction with modern tire profiles. A key innovation lies in the all-new carbon layup, which not only contributes to a remarkable 50g weight reduction per rim but also ensures that the wheelset surpasses UCI's impact testing requirements by a significant margin. This blend of reduced weight, increased durability, and optimized dimensions underscores Princeton's relentless pursuit of engineering excellence, delivering a product that stands out in the competitive landscape of high-performance cycling components.

Beyond its technical specifications, the Wake 6560 Evolution II embodies a meticulous approach to every detail, from its structural integrity to its aesthetic appeal. The continued use of a hooked rim design, a deliberate choice against prevailing market trends toward hookless rims, allows Princeton to maintain tighter control over tire width, ensuring optimal performance and safety. The wheelset, weighing as little as 1,250g when equipped with Tactic Racing TR01V2 hubs and steel spokes, promises superior aerodynamic advantages, particularly at wider yaw angles. Practical features such as non-drilled tire beds simplify tubeless setups by eliminating the need for rim tape, and the wheels are pre-balanced to minimize vibrations. The visual design has also received significant attention, with a range of ten paint finishes and upgraded graphics, affirming that these wheels are as visually striking as they are technically proficient. Available through various channels, these premium wheelsets represent a significant investment, reflecting their advanced technology and the brand's commitment to delivering an unparalleled cycling experience for those who demand the best.