Best lightweight wheels: Lower weight for faster climbing
The best lightweight wheels can transform the way your bike rides and feels
1. Quick list
2. Easy tubeless setup
3. Superlight disc clinchers
4. Sub-kilo featherweights
5. Race proven at the highest level
6. Supple ride quality
7. Best value
8. Best of the rest
9. How to choose
The best lightweight wheels will help you to climb more easily as well as provide faster acceleration and make your bike feel all-over more lively. They're a natural complement to the best lightweight bikes.
Much of the weight-shedding gains can often come from the rims, which lowers inertia so that you get a more rapid take-off than with heavier options. Lightweight wheels are also typically carbon-heavy, with carbon hubs and even carbon spokes often featured.
Many of the all-rounder best road bike wheels we've shortlisted have deeper rim depths and provide greater aero benefits. You don't have to sacrifice aerodynamics by reducing rim depth to keep a lightweight wheelset's weight down though and you can find lightweight wheels with rims up to 60mm depth but still skimming under 1,300g weight.
Here's our pick of the best lightweight wheels you can buy. Further down, we've got a guide to how to choose the best lightweight wheels for your needs.
Quick list
The Cadex 36 Disc wheelset boasts all the latest tech, including hookless beads and carbon spokes for a wheelset weight of 1,302g. Cadex even has its own tyres designed with wheels for aero gains and improved tubeless fit.
The Partington MKII R Series wheels are some of the lightest disc clinchers around. Featuring carbon hub shells, spokes and rims. They roll on CeramicSpeed bearings as standard
Lightweight has held a reputation as a manufacturer of some of the lightest wheels on the planet for decades. These wheels are under a kilo for the pair but are rim brake only.
At 1,265g, the updated Roval Alpinist wheels are among the lightest available and this second version is now tubeless-ready. Despite their lack of weight, they're stiff and they hold speed well on the flat too.
The 353 NSW wheels weigh 1,290g and have Zipp's sawtooth rim profile that varies between 42mm and 45mm depth and a wide 25mm internal rim that's designed to fit 28mm or wider tubeless tyres.
The Vision Metron 30 SL wheels are sub 1500gram clinchers that are a little more affordable and well-rounded than some of the more exotic options here. Featuring a 30mm depth front and rear and a hooked 19mm internal rim width.
Best lightweight wheels
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The best tubeless setup
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
The latest set of wheels from Cadex didn't set out chasing a reduction in weight. Instead, it was designed to be an all-day wheelset that balances weight, aerodynamics, stiffness and comfort. Being designed with a depth of 36mm, hookless bead and carbon fibre spokes, a positive side effect is that they come in as some of the lightest wheels available today.
Weighing in at 1,302g, they are beatable on the scales (and for less money) but the performance they offer extends beyond a reduction in weight. The carbon fibre spokes offer extreme stiffness without being harsh, the ceramic bearings offer increased durability and efficiency, and the wide internal width maximises stability and cornering confidence.
But most impressive is Cadex's continued ability to make tubeless wheel systems that just work. In all our testing with all three of Cadex's tubeless wheels, the tubeless tyres have been a breeze to fit, and have retained air perfectly - no snapped tyre levers, and no leaks whatsoever.
All in all, while the price is high, the Cadex 36 is a wheelset that works in all scenarios, so is a great choice for those looking to own a single wheelset that will perform brilliantly no matter what your ride entails.
If you're looking for a deeper section wheel, don't discount the Cadex 50 Ultra Disc, which we weighed at 1,316g including tape and valves when we tested them.
For all the reasons we love them, take a look at our Cadex 36 Disc wheelset review.
Superlight disc clinchers
2. Partington MKII R Series
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
Partington has a single wheelset range, The R Series MKII which has a 1,160g claimed weight, despite its mid-depth wheel profile which is higher at the rear than the front as well as having a different profile.
Partington has worked with CeramicSpeed to develop the carbon hub shell and the bearings. The rim profile is filled with low-density aerospace-grade foam which the brand says adds to its rigidity.
The wheelset uses rim-to-rim carbon spokes, which Partington says adds to their exceptional rigidity compared to other wheels of this weight. As with the Campagnolo Bora Ultra wheels, there's a non-pierced rim bed, which means no taping, saving yet more weight. The wheels are hooked and can be run with tubes or tubeless. They're stiff and hold speed really well on the flat, but deliver an obvious return when climbing at a little over a kilo for the pair.
Read more in our Partington MKII R-Series disc brake wheelset launch story.
Sub kilo featherweights
3. Lightweight Meilenstein Obermayer
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
If your search for lightweight wheels is purely one-dimensional and the reduction in weight is literally the only thing that matters, then you needn't look further than a brand called Lightweight.
The Lightweight Meilenstein Obermeyer wheels are tubular in design and are some of the lightest wheels available today. At 935 grams per pair, they are lighter than many deep-section rear wheels alone.
However, they come with a few downsides. Not least the price, which hovers around the £5,000 mark. They are compatible with tubular tyres and rim brakes only.
They also have a particularly old-fashioned V-shaped rim profile, which has been proven to be less aerodynamic than a more blunt shape, although on terrain where you're going to need these wheels, aerodynamics probably doesn't make much of a difference.
Race proven at the highest level
4. Roval Alpinist CLX II
Specifications
Reasons to buy
At 1,265g including tape and valves, the Alpinist CLX II is one of the lightest options on this list, which makes it an exciting proposition given the price is reasonably competitive among the best lightweight wheels. Of course, they're still a big investment, but they're less than half the price of the most expensive wheels on this list.
While the original wheels were not tubeless compatible, the version II is, with the hooked bead extending tyre compatibility. Thanks to that minimal mass, their acceleration is instant and they climb like little else we've ridden. The 33mm depth means crosswinds aren't an issue, and despite expecting them to suffer aerodynamically on the flats, they hold their own much better than we anticipated.
Supple ride quality
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
The Zipp 353 NSW was launched as the lightest wheel ever produced by Zipp and, at 1,290g (with XDR freehub and tubeless valves included), they're extremely competitive. This weight reduction is made possible thanks to Zipp's switch to hookless rims, the sawtooth rim design, and a redesigned clutch that uses fewer parts.
They're designed as a 'road endurance' wheel, meaning despite their low weight, they're not restricted to short-term hill climbs. Instead, they are ready to be ridden all day long.
With a particularly large 25mm internal rim width, they come with a minimum recommended tyre width of 28mm, which is perfectly in line with current road bike trends, and is also pretty future-proof. That rim width means 28mm tyres are given a nice rounded profile, which offers extreme grip, stability and confidence during corners, to a level that is quite possibly the best on the market. It also makes for a more aero tyre-to-rim transition.
These are disc-brake and tubeless-type only, yet like any tubeless-ready wheelset, you can still fit an inner tube should you wish.
The downside, however, is the huge price tag, and if it's purely the minimal mass that you're after, there are similar-weight wheels available for less.
Affordable carbon performance
6. Vision Metron 30 SL
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
The Vision Metron 30 SL is the brand's climbing focussed wheelset. At 1,470g, they may not be the lightest option here but when it comes to reliability and all-round performance, they deliver in spades. Unlike some of its rivals, Vision offers both rim- and disc-brake options which broaden its appeal to a bigger audience.
Furthermore, the Vision Metron 30 SL wheel family is available in tubular and clincher TLR versions - it all depends on your individual preference. Measuring in with a 19mm internal rim width, the Metron 30 SLs are right up there with contemporary standards allowing you to run wider rubber and lower pressures.
The 2:1 spoke lacing pattern ensures stiffness of the highest order without compromising ride quality, enabling the wheels to respond instantly to pedal inputs - a boon for out-of-the-saddle attacks. The wheels are compatible with most hub standards; Shimano 10/11-speed, Sram 10/11-speed and FSA 12-speed. Like all of Vision's products, the Metron 30 SLs are covered by a two-year warranty.
Best of the rest
7. Black Inc 28//33
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
Released in 2023 alongside the updated Factor O2 VAM lightweight/aero bike, the Black Inc 28/33 wheelset has a claimed 1,142g weight. Black Inc says that this is thanks to a nano-impregnated resin, high modulus T-700 and T-800 carbon fibre and an offset spoke bed.
The rims have a hooked bead, so they're compatible with a wider range of tyres than a hookless design and are aero-optimised for 28mm tyres on the 23mm internal width rim. Black Inc says that they're aerodynamically efficient at a wide range of yaw angles.
The alloy hubs are thru-axle compatible and are available with the full range of freehubs including SRAM XDR and Campagnolo N3W. They turn on CeramicSpeed ceramic bearings for that touch more speed.
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
In our Parcours Ronde Review, we concluded that the Ronde wheels hit a sweet spot between comfort, handling and all-out speed, thanks to the solid build and stiffness-to-weight ratio. But more impressively, they do so with a competitive 1,423g weight and an impressive £1,049 price tag.
They achieve this by designing two altogether separate rims, the front is 35.6mm deep and 32mm wide, while the rear is deeper at 39.3mm but narrower at 30.5mm.
The result is a stable front wheel that tracks well through corners and remains unaffected by crosswinds and a rear wheel that benefits from extra aerodynamic performance.
There's even more information on these in our Parcours Ronde wheelset review.
9. Campagnolo Bora Ultra WTO 33
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
The headline features of Campagnolo's Bora Ultra WTO 33 wheels aren't the most impressive in this list, but once you get to riding them, you begin to understand why so many people love the Campagnolo brand.
At 1,385g, they're 130g heavier than the lightest tubeless-ready wheels featured here, and yet they still request a rather high asking price. However, there is so much more to these wheels than meets the eye. Firstly, the rim itself is completely sealed, meaning there's no need for tape or plugs when setting them up tubeless. The spoke nipples are hidden inside the rim, and they're laced to an all-new striking-looking hub. These hubs encase a 36-tooth ratchet system with Campagnolo's own CULT ceramic bearings for speed and efficiency.
They are disc brake and tubeless only, and their 21mm internal rim width is bang on trend with the progression towards wider tyres.
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
When our reviewer put these wheels to the test, the only negative he came away with was the price tag, proving that the Bontrager Aeolus RSL wheels are a darn good set of wheels to use.
Everything about them checks the future-proof boxes. They are tubeless-ready, disc-brake compatible, and feature an on-trend 21mm internal width. The 37mm depth is a few mm deeper than some of the purebred lightweight wheels here, meaning they capture a little bit of the extra flat-land aerodynamic performance without gaining too much weight.
At 1,360g, they're not the lightest mainstream wheelset available, but they're certainly sprightly on the climbs.
For more details, check out our Bontrager Aeolus RSL 37 TLR review
11. Syncros Capital SL
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
Syncros has managed to pack a mid-depth 40mm rim with a wide 25mm internal width into a wheelset with a claimed weight of just 1,170g. The Syncros Capital SL wheelset isn't just available in this depth though, there's a 60mm depth with a claimed 1,290g weight. For the depths, both wheelset weights are impressive.
It's achieved this using a similar rim-to-rim carbon spoke design to Partington and a patented process which it says achieves high tension in its 16 spokes front and rear.
Syncros has worked with Schwalbe to develop new Pro One Aero tubeless tyres in 28mm width to help increase the Capital SL wheels' aerodynamic performance. These have differential front and rear characteristics, with the front tyre more aero and the rear tyre more durable and grippy.
You can read more in our Syncros Capital SL wheelset launch story.
12. Mavic Cosmic Ultimate 45 Disc
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
Another lightweight wheelset with a rim-to-rim monocoque carbon spoked construction, the Mavic Cosmic Ultimate 45 Disc has a claimed wheelset weight of 1,255g.
It's a little deeper than some here at 45mm, with a profile designed for aero efficiency, although its 19mm internal width is a little narrow by current standards. Mavic says that it's compatible with 25mm to 32mm tyres and the undrilled rim means that you can set up tubeless without the need to add tape.
The carbon hubs include a free hub with 40 points of engagement and Shimano 11-speed compatibility, although you can also convert to SRAM XDR or Campagnolo N3W. The wheels are thru-axle but are also convertible to quick release by replacing the end caps.
How to choose the best lightweight wheels
Before splashing out on the first set of wheels you set eyes on, it's worth looking at the various attributes that make up the best lightweight wheels. Not only are the following factors fundamental in terms of compatibility with your bike (disc, tubeless, wheel width), but they also have a direct impact on the strength, efficiency and longevity of a wheel.
Are lighter bike wheels better?
Reducing the rotational mass of a wheel is a far more important upgrade than trying to lighten your frame. If you think about it, climbing wheelsets are around 350-500g lighter than the aero equivalent, so not only are you losing total mass, you get the added benefit of saving energy (and wattage) to overcome inertia.
Of course, all else being equal, a lighter wheelset will be faster, but 'all else' is never equal. Reducing weight will usually come at the expense of something else. That could be depth, strength, or even compatibility with tyres.
Take a moment to consider your requirement for aerodynamics. If you're only ever riding along on the flat, then a lightweight pair of wheels will ultimately be slower than a heavier, more aerodynamic pair.
Are disc brakes heavier than rim brakes?
Despite their surge in popularity, and the many benefits that come with them, disc brakes are indeed heavier than rim brakes, so if you're a weight weenie trying to keep your setup as minuscule as possible, you might want to bear this in mind.
On the other hand, disc brake wheel rims can be built lighter than rim brake wheel rims, as they don't need to handle the forces and heat generated by braking. They can also be wider and have a more aero profile because they don't need to fit into a rim brake calliper. This has also driven the trend to wider tyres on road bikes, themselves potentially faster, more comfortable and more aero than the 23mm tyres of yesteryear.
Of course, if you only have one bike to work with, then that will already dictate which type of braking system you'll be using. A disc-brake wheelset won't work with a rim-brake frame and vice versa. When choosing the best lightweight wheels for your bike, you'll need to ensure you get the correct braking type.
Are thru-axles heavier than quick-release?
Again, yes. With disc brakes came the requirement for stiffer axles, and the solution was 142x12mm thru-axles. Modern disc brake bikes will usually have these thru axles. Modern rim brake bikes will usually still use quick release skewers, and the best lightweight wheels tend to follow the same script. But just to be on the safe side, double-check your bike's axles and ensure your new wheels match or can be converted.
Which rim depth is best for lightweight wheels?
Lightweight wheels for climbing possess a far shallower profile than their deep-dished brethren, usually around 25-40mm, which is great for climbing and cross-winds but not so much for straight-line efficiency.
For many, however, the sacrifice in aerodynamics is worth the gain in gravity-trumping weight. It all comes down to the type of terrain you ride - if your local training roads are mountainous or hilly then it's wise to go with a climbing wheelset; if it's flat or rolling, go aero.
Are carbon wheels worth it?
While it's no secret that carbon is stiffer, more responsive, and better at absorbing vibrations than aluminium, there isn't much of a weight discrepancy between the two materials. In fact, in some instances, aluminium is lighter, and it's certainly cheaper. If the wheels listed in this guide are a little on the steep end of your budget, then look to aluminium for some cost savings.
Do lighter tyres make a difference?
The best lightweight wheels are all about keeping weight to a minimum while still retaining stiffness so it's imperative that you choose a tyre that complements its function - there's little point in fitting chunky 30mm tyres as this defeats the purpose. It's also worth considering the compatibility, as, with the introduction of tubeless wheels and hookless beads, not all tyre manufacturers are guaranteed to be compatible.
The brands behind all of the best lightweight wheels will have a tyre compatibility chart that tells you what's safe (and more importantly, what's not safe) to use.
Note too that the trend to wider rims may mean that a tyre that's nominally 25mm wide plumps up closer to 28mm on many wheelsets. You're getting the best of both worlds: a lighter tyre and added tyre width.
Should I go tubeless?
Almost all wheels are now tubeless-ready, so you can set a pair of tubeless tyres up without inner tubes. Compared to butyl inner tubes, tubeless sealant will save you a slug of weight. It's more nuanced if you want to spend more and fit latex or TPU inner tubes. Tube-type tyres are usually lighter than even the best tubeless tyres.
One source of rolling resistance is the friction between the inner tube and the tyre casing, which you'll avoid by going tubeless. It's more significant with butyl inner tubes than with latex inner tubes. Tubeless also reduces the risk of pinch flats and the sealant provides some added puncture protection.
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Josh is Associate Editor of Cyclingnews – leading our content on the best bikes, kit and the latest breaking tech stories from the pro peloton. He has been with us since the summer of 2019 and throughout that time he's covered everything from buyer's guides and deals to the latest tech news and reviews.
On the bike, Josh has been riding and racing for over 15 years. He started out racing cross country in his teens back when 26-inch wheels and triple chainsets were still mainstream, but he found favour in road racing in his early 20s, racing at a local and national level for Somerset-based Team Tor 2000. These days he rides indoors for convenience and fitness, and outdoors for fun on road, gravel, 'cross and cross-country bikes, the latter usually with his two dogs in tow.
