Dion Lewis
Finding the perfect wheelset for your bike can be a difficult task. There are plenty of factors to consider starting from the wheel type to rim depth and so on. Taking all this into account while searching for your new wheels can easily seem quite daunting.
However, there is no need to worry. We have spent hours researching and testing a multitude of aero bike wheelsets from various companies to provide you with the best options worth the price. How did we do that? We went through countless customer reviews and combined their experience with our evaluation of the wheels to create a more accurate and honest review of these products. While doing so, we have kept the different types of bike racers and their preferences in mind.
So if you are on the lookout for a new set of aero bike wheels, you have come to the right place. Scroll down below to see our comprehensive list of the best aero wheels for the money available in the market today.
Considerable Criteria Before Buying Aero Bike Wheels
There are many factors to consider when upgrading your bicycle wheels. Keeping track of all these factors can seem a little difficult. So, here is a short list to help you make a more informed decision about your new hoops!
Rim Depth:
The rim depth is one of the most important things to consider when buying aero wheels. The depth of your wheels can make a huge difference in overall speed and performance. The depth of the rims determines how aerodynamic your wheels are. It also has to do with crosswind stability and control. And so, to help you choose your desired rim depth, we have assembled the small chart given below.
| Rim Depth | Size | Properties |
|---|---|---|
| Shallow | 25 – 40 mm | Light. Great for climbing and accelerating. |
| Mid depth | 40 – 60 mm | Overall best option. |
| Deep | 60+ mm | Very fast on flat terrain. However, it can be stiff and harsh too. |
Braking surface
We all buy aero wheels to ride faster. Therefore, as we ride faster we also need the appropriate brakes to maintain our speed or stop when necessary. To do so, a proper braking surface is required. The best braking surface is able to stop the bike as expected by the rider and also to protect the wheels from any damage that may occur due to excessive heating.
Clincher, Tubular, or Tubeless?
The table below should help you answer the age-old question?
| Clincher | Tubular | Tubeless |
|---|---|---|
| Reliable, easy to use and repair. | Lighter and requires a bit of expertise to ride flawlessly and is difficult to repair. | Comparable to clinchers however they are much lighter. Tubeless are quite hard to take care of as well. |
Bike Compatibility:
Perhaps this is the most important factor of all. You must check if the wheels you want are compatible with your bicycle. This will help you narrow down your search for the wheels you want and also help you make a better decision before you make an expensive purchase.
Our Top Pick(s)
We have found many amazing products for you. After hours of intensive research and trials, we have accumulated this list of products addressing all of its features and weaknesses. Out of all the products we evaluated, we found that Zipp 404 NSW Tubeless Wheel is the best option for its superior performance and technology. Also, it is a wheel that will suit most riders and their preferences in road bike styles. That is why we have chosen this wheelset as our “Overall Best Choice”!
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In the following table, we’ve listed the best aero wheels in the market for the money:
| Aero Wheelset | Why we love this |
|---|---|
| Zipp 404 NSW | Speed. Technology. Efficiency |
| Zipp 808 Firecrest | High-quality. Lightweight. Superior aero performance. |
| ICAN 86mm Carbon Wheelset | Fast aero wheelset at an affordable price. |
| Spinergy Stealth SS | Ideal for criteriums, short-course triathlon, and everyday riding. |
| Easton EC90 Aero 55 | Hand-built, fast and strong tubular wheel |
| Reynolds 65 Aero Wheelset | An attractive aerodynamic wheelset |
| Mavic Comete Pro | Aerodynamic carbon rim with supreme rolling efficiency. |
| SHIMANO Dura-Ace 9100 | An aerodynamic wheelset with versatile capabilities. |
| Campagnolo Bora | Rapid, sporty and bold aero wheelset. |
| VISION Metron | Light and ultrafast aero wheels that are easy to use. |
| Profile Designs 78/TwentyFour | Exclusive aero wheel developed with patented technology. |
| Zipp Super-9 | Unique, multipurpose and premium aero wheels. |
12 best aero wheels you can buy today for the money
We have made a comparison table for you so that you can have a better understanding of the products included in this article and see which aero wheels are right for you. The comparison table consists of all the performance attributes and specifications of the best aero wheels for the money available in the market today.
| Wheels | Preview | Strength | Speed | Control | Braking | Rim Depth | Tubeless ready? | Weight | Hub | Spoke | Spoke number: F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zipp 404 NSW | No products found. | Normal | High | High | High | 58mm | Yes | 1690g | Cognition | SapimCX-Ray | 18/24 |
| Zipp 808 Firecrest |  | Normal | High | Normal | High | 82mm | Yes | 950g | 77/177D | Sapim CX Sprint | 24 |
| ICAN Carbon Wheels |  | High | High | Normal | High | 86mm | Yes | 1787g | ICAN Standard | Sapim CX-Ray | 20/24 |
| Spinergy Stealth SS | No products found. | High | High | Normal | Normal | 43mm | No | 1825g | Shimano/SRAM | Stainless Steel | 16/20 |
| Easton EC90 Aero 55 |  | High | High | Normal | High | 55mm | No | 1330g | Easton Echo | Sapim CX-Ray | 18/20 |
| Reynolds 65 |  | Normal | High | Normal | High | 65mm | Yes | 1600g | Industry-9 | CX-Ray | 20/24 |
| Mavic Comete Pro | No products found. | Normal | High | High | High | 64mm | No | 1635g | Industry Drive 360 | straight pull, aero, double-butted, steel | 18/20 |
| Shimano Dura-Ace 9100 |  | Normal | High | High | High | 50mm | No | 1851g | Shimano/SRAM | Optbal spokes | 16/21 |
| Campagnolo Bora |  | High | High | Normal | High | 45mm | Yes | 1496g | USB Ceramic | Steel spokes | 18/21 |
| Vision Metron 40 SL |  | High | High | Normal | Normal | 40mm | Yes | 1450g | FSA P.R.A hub | Sapim aero bladed spokes | 16/21 |
| Profile Designs 78/Twenty Four |  | High | Normal | High | High | 78mm | No | 996g (rear) | 6061-T6 Alloy | Sapim CX- Ray | 20/24 |
| Zipp Super-9 |  | Very High | Very High | High | Normal | Disc | No | 1175g | Zipp 177DD | N/A | N/A |
1) Zipp 404 NSW Tubeless: Speed. Technology. Efficiency | Overall Best choice
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That’s right! We are back with another Zipp product. The Zipp 404 NSW Tubeless wheel is a highly efficient product built with the most advanced technology in the industry. Whether you want to for climbing or racing on flat terrain, these wheels will perform their absolute best. The NSW carbon clincher tubeless ensures incredible speed and performance. The wheels allow you to choose between traditional clinchers or tubeless. Choosing tubeless has a lot of advantages such as flat protection, smooth ride, lower tire pressure, and low rolling resistance.
The features of these wheels are endless. The 404 NSW amazing crosswind stability that easily beats its competitors available in the market. The NSW exclusive showstopper brakes show the best performance for cornering and also offer the shortest stopping distance.
Cognition’s Axial Clutch technology reduces drag while coasting and also maintains the bike’s speed at hard turns and corners. The ImPress graphics, a technology that prints nice graphics onto the wheels which maintain the rate at which airflow hits the wheel. Therefore, the graphics do not just give the bike a great look but also provide great stability. And last but not least, Zipp’s ABLC SawTooth technology reduces overall drag on the wheels which takes the bike’s performance just off the charts.
Regardless of the type of riding you are planning to do. These wheels are perfect for it! They provide everything a biker needs to perform well and of course enjoy the ride. So don’t wait any longer. Upgrade your wheels today!
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Zipp 404 NSW Tubeless Wheel
2) Zipp 808 Firecrest Tubeless: High-quality. Lightweight front wheel with superior aero performance.
- Rim Type: Tubeless
- Rim material: Carbon
- Rim Depth: 82mm
- Weight: 950g
- Hub: 77/177D hub set
- Spoke: Built with Sapim CX Sprint J-bend spokes
- Spoke Count: 24
- Maximum rider weight: 250lbs/115kg
- Lightweight: The lightweight of the wheels reduces the rotational weight which allows for a greater acceleration and speed.
- Build Quality: Excellent build quality which provides great aero performance and durability.
- Rim Technology: Firecrest rims consist of Aerodynamic Boundary Layer Control which is a patented technology owned by Zipp. It allows clear airflow on the carbon rim surface and therefore provides top of the line control and stability to the rider.
- Disc braking system: Offers increased stopping power and control of disc brakes.
- Color: This wheel is available in White Decal.
- Accessories: This package also includes QR hub adaptors along with the wheel.
- This superior product comes at a high price.
- The 808 Firecrest Tubeless wheel does not come with a rim braking system.
The Zipp 808 Firecrest Tubeless is the fastest disc-brake wheel in the market. The high-grade design combined with the great build quality provides everything you want in your aero wheels.
The proprietary Firecrest technology offers impeccable performance for crosswind stability and speed. The 82mm rim provides great cornering, control, and comfort. On top of all that the disc brakes allow powerful braking performance. A true product of high-end design and engineering, the 808 Firecrest Tubeless wheel is the top choice for you to stay competitive in your next race.
Zipp 808 Firecrest Tubeless Wheel
3) ICAN 86mm Carbon Time Trial Wheelset: Standard quality. Fast aero wheelset at an affordable price.
- Rim Type: Clincher Tubeless Ready
- Rim material: Carbon
- Rim Depth: 86mm
- Weight: 1787g (With CN Spokes)
- Hub: ICAN Standard hubs
- Spoke: Sapim CX-Ray Spokes, Mac Aero CN 494 Spokes
- Spoke Count: Front: 20, Rear: 24
- Maximum rider weight: 243.5lbs /110kg
- Lightweight: Light compared to other deep-section wheels.
- ICAN Standard hubs: High quality, smooth-rolling hubs which consist of two sealed bearings on the front and four sealed bearings on the rear.
- High Strength Carbon Fiber: Built with high modulus Toray T700 carbon fiber which provides both stiffness and lightweight performance.
- Aero Spoke: Dynamic Shaping to reduce wind resistance and noise
- Accessories: This package not only includes the wheels but also a skewer, Brake pads, and rim tape.
- It does not perform well with crosswinds when going downhill.
This set of aero wheels from ICAN comes with the most aerodynamic rims that they have to offer. It is perfect for long flat rides, time trials, and triathlons. The build quality is just amazing. The 86mm carbon rims make the wheel very light with positive braking performance and reliable durability. In other words, these wheels provide everything that a high-end wheelset does while being priced on the affordable side. So if you are still looking for your new time trial or triathlon wheels, look no further.
ICAN 86mm Carbon Time Trial Wheelset
4) Spinergy Stealth SS: Fast, strong and ideal for criteriums, short-course triathlon, and everyday riding.
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Spinergy’s Stealth SS is really in a league of its own. Fast and durable carbon wheels without a weight limit that are able to be trued. It really does not get better than that. These aero wheels are sturdy and give you more control when you are riding. On top of all of that, the aerodynamic design assists the rider in such a way that you need less effort to speed up. These wheels really make your bike an all-rounder.
The wheels look great too. The sleek carbon design will definitely make your bicycle stand out in the crowd. With all of its exceptional qualities, the Stealth SS really is well suited to meet your criterium, short-course triathlons, or even everyday regular riding needs.
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Spinergy Stealth SS Carbon Aero Wheel Set
5) Easton EC90 Aero 55 Tubular: Hand-built fast and strong tubular wheel that is perfect for any type of riding style.
- Rim Type: Tubular
- Rim material: Carbon
- Rim Depth: 55mm
- Weight: 1330g (Set)
- Hub: Easton Echo
- Spoke: Sapim CX-Ray, Bladed Straight Pull
- Spoke Count: Front:18, Rear: 20
- Maximum rider weight: N/A
- Superfast: The aerodynamic rim design allows very high speed.
- Strong build: Just like every other high-end Easton wheel, this wheel is hand-built and made to be sturdy and stiff.
- Braking performance: Easton’s matte carbon finishing process provides efficient and consistent braking.
- Versatility: Highly versatile and can be used in almost any type of riding.
- Color: This amazing wheel comes in black.
- Some users have complained about the durability of the front hub on the wheels.
- The wet braking performance of the aero wheels is not the best in the market.
The Easton EC90 Aero 55 wheel is one of the most versatile wheels available today. It has everything any biker can want in their bike wheel. It can be used for triathlons, sprinting, racing, climbing and any other type of bicycle activity you can think of. This product is a mixture of refined materials, exclusive rim design, and years of aero wheels building experience. Therefore, it is definitely worth the price!
Easton EC90 Aero 55 Tubular Front Bicycle Wheel
6) Reynolds 65 Aero Wheelset: Premium quality, an attractive aerodynamic wheelset with lightweight climbing ability.
- Rim Type: Clincher Tubeless
- Rim material: Carbon
- Rim Depth: 65mm
- Weight: 1600g (Set)
- Hub: Industry 9 – 6-degree engagement, 3 pawl freehub
- Spoke: CX-Ray
- Spoke Count: Front:20, Rear: 24
- Maximum rider weight: N/A
- Design: Reynold’s Dispersive Effect Termination (DET) rim profile reduces turbulence, increases lateral rigidity (good for climbing), crosswind stability and comfort.
- Rim depth: 65mm offers high aerodynamic gain.
- Rim width and Hub: The 19mm rim and Industry 9 hub lessen resistance while rolling and improves the ride quality.
- Braking System: The disc brakes provide excellent responsiveness and modulation.
- This premium product has a premium price.
Reynold’s 65 Aero is an attractive, lightweight, and aerodynamic wheelset that rigorously competes with the market leaders. The design, rim profile, and build are just out of this world. This product is worth every penny. This wheelset excels at reaching blazing high speed. Reynold’s DET technology provides lateral stiffness which allows the wheels to have great crosswind stability and the 65mm rim depth makes it very aerodynamic.
Although this bike is very aerodynamic, it is light enough for climbing hills. It is an all-round premium product that provides the perfect balance between lightweight and aerodynamics. Such a comprehensive wheelset is hard to come by in the entire industry.
Reynolds 65 Aero Carbon Disc Brake Wheelset
7) Mavic Comete: Aerodynamic carbon rim with supreme rolling efficiency.
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These Mavic wheels will help you stay ahead of your rivals. These wheels are the perfect blend of speed and efficiency. Everything about these wheels is absolutely brilliant, starting from the UST technology which provides lower rolling resistance and flat prevention to aerodynamic shape which reduces drag and increases crosswind stability. Also, the iTgMax carbon clincher gives an impeccable performance in any weather condition.
This set of wheels has a huge fan base. Many users have reviewed this product and there are hardly any negative reviews. So if you want to win your next race, start training with these amazing aero wheels!
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MAVIC COMETE PRO CARBON SL UST Clincher Road Bike WHEELSET
8) SHIMANO Dura-Ace 9100: An aerodynamic wheelset with versatile capabilities.
- Rim Type: Clincher, D2 Rim design
- Rim material: Carbon rim with alloy braking surface
- Rim Depth: 50mm
- Weight: 1851g
- Hub: Shimano/SRAM quick pawl engagement
- Spoke: Optbal spoke system
- Spoke Count: Front:16, Rear: 21
- Maximum rider weight: N/A
- Lightweight carbon clincher: makes the wheels more aerodynamic and provides increased rigidity.
- Alloy braking surface: Provides over the top braking power with improved inertia for sprinters and time trial athletes.
- Stainless steel butted and bladed straight pull spokes: provides excellent balance and stiffness.
- Responsiveness: The high rigidity due to the carbon rims and stainless steel spokes provides a more responsive ride quality.
- Easy to maintain: due to the digital cone bearing adjustment system.
- Color: This wheelset is only available in black.
- Accessories: The package consists of the top-notch wheelset and rim tape.
- The wheels are not stress-relieved after being built at the factory.
- A bit heavier than its competitors especially when climbing.
These Shimano aero wheels are ideal for sprint and time trial riders. Shimano’s carbon D2 rim design with alloy braking surface provides everything that you would want as a racer, aerodynamic performance coupled with perfect inertia and sturdiness. These wheels make your bike lightweight but also makes it rigid enough to be responsive and handle well during races.
As with all aero wheels, the depth of the rim is of the utmost importance. And in that department, these deep-section wheels do not disappoint. The 50mm deep rims make stability the top priority which is crucial for any type of racing.
The bottom line is these wheels ride well in any type of weather condition. They are sturdy, fast, and reliable wheels from a well-known brand that will serve you well for your biking needs.
SHIMANO Dura-Ace 9100 C60 Carbon Road Wheelset
9) Campagnolo Bora WTO 45: Rapid, sporty, and bold aero wheelset.
- Rim Type: Clincher Tubeless
- Rim material: High modulus carbon fiber
- Rim Depth: 45mm
- Weight: 1496g
- Hub: USB ceramic
- Spoke: Steel spokes
- Spoke Count: Front:18, Rear: 21
- Maximum rider weight: N/A
- Rim design: Critical for any aero wheel, the rim design of the Bora WTO 45 offers maximum aerodynamic power.
- Two-way fit: Can be run as a clincher tire or a tubeless tire. The choice is yours!
- Less energy waste: The engineering of the wheels ensures that all the energy is used to increase speed.
- AC3 Technology: The high-tech braking system provides reliable and secure braking in any type of weather.
- Color: The wheelset is available in black with a dark label.
- Some customers have complained about the high price.
Campagnolo built their Bora WTO 45 wheelset with only one thing in mind and that is performance. These wheels are made to handle incredible speed and aid you to cross the finish line. Both the rim profile and the hub are as aerodynamic as possible. This product also provides the rider with the option to run either clincher or tubeless, thus allowing the user to ride in any way they feel comfortable. These are highly efficient wheels that excel at yielding great speed which is the goal of every racer.
However, we have to keep in mind that with great power comes great responsibility. Therefore, despite being super fast these wheels are also very secure. The AC3 Technology braking system ensures safety and security when cornering or stopping in any type of weather. So hurry up and get these wheels to become a winner!
Campagnolo Bora WTO 45 Wheelset
10) VISION Metron 40 SL Clincher Wheelset: Light and ultrafast aero wheels that are easy to use.
- Rim Type: Clincher Tubeless
- Rim material: Carbon
- Rim Depth: 40mm
- Weight: 1450g
- Hub: FSA P.R.A. hubs with ACB bearings
- Spoke: Sapim AERO bladed spokes
- Spoke Count: Front:16, Rear: 21
- Maximum rider weight: N/A
- Easy to use and maintain: The P.R.A hub has a simple and easy bearing adjustment system.
- Light and speedy: The carbon rim design and aero shape give the wheels a reduced weight, boosted speed and it is less affected by drag.
- Hand-built: Entirely built by hand, ensuring top quality.
- Metron SL rim brake: The laser engraved braking surface offers an expected braking force.
- Color: This wheel is only available in black.
- Braking performance is better in dry surfaces than on wet surfaces.
- Cheaper options are available.
The Vision Metron 40 SL wheels are the best match for any road bikes. They execute really well in any weather. Made for road cycling and racing, these wheels will disappoint you if you use them for regular everyday cycling. They will hold true and last you for years to come. The fact that they are hand-built by the company and easy to take care of is proof of just how great the quality is.
The carbon rims and aero design of the wheels are top-notch. They are light and swift and no amount of drag can slow them down. The aero bladed spokes further add to the design of the wheels and aids in speed. If all that is not enough, the brakes on the wheel are just fantastic. The laser-engraved surface on the wheels makes sure that the rider can brake properly and stop when necessary without any difficulty.
VISION Metron 40 SL Clincher Wheelset
11) Profile Designs 78/TwentyFour: Exclusive aero wheel developed with patented technology.
- Rim Type: Clincher
- Rim material: Carbon
- Rim Depth: 78mm
- Weight: Rear – 996g
- Hub: 6061-T6 Alloy
- Spoke: Sapim CX Ray spokes with Sapim Polyax double square nipples
- Spoke Count: Front:20, Rear: 24
- Maximum rider weight: 220lbs/100kg
- Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD): The manufacturer has used patented technology to develop a tough and powerful wheel able to withstand any condition.
- Supreme braking ability: Capable of outstanding braking within small distances and able to withstand the tremendous heat that comes with rapid braking.
- Hand-built: The development of products by hand always delivers exceptional quality.
- Color: This wheel is available in black with a black logo sticker.
- Accessories: The package also includes brake pads, quick release, rim tape and tire levers.
- Might feel difficult to ride in high windy conditions.
The Profile Designs 78/TwentyFour road wheel is one of the best value for money wheels available right now. There are so many great reviews on this specific product. We love how it looks, how it feels and most importantly how it performs on the road. The technology used to build this is absolutely mind-blowing! The CFD technology definitely makes this wheel stand out from its competitors. You will feel the difference on your first ride. Due to the CFD, the bicycle will feel much more robust and will make you more confident when riding your bike.
Built by hand from start to finish, this wheel is nothing short of genius. The braking ability of this wheel is very impressive considering that it has a carbon clincher rim. It can stop the bike very easily in a short distance and is able to resist extreme heating from braking so fast. This wheel will be the perfect addition to your road bicycle.
Profile Designs 78/TwentyFour Full Carbon Clincher Road Bicycle Wheel
- Rim Type: Clincher
- Rim material: Carbon
- Rim Depth: Disc
- Weight: 1175g
- Hub: Zipp 177DD with interchangeable end caps which are compatible with QR and thru-axles
- Spoke: N/A
- Spoke Count: N/A
- Maximum rider weight: 275lbs
- Disc wheel: Rider will face less air resistance due to the disc wheel and therefore achieve faster speeds.
- Unparalleled performance: This wheel was built for ultrafast speed and performance.
- Lightness & Strength: Offers the best of both worlds by being both light enough for maximum acceleration and strong enough to stay in control.
- Long-lasting: Handmade with the finest materials to ensure world-class quality and longevity.
- Dimples: The disc on the wheel is completely covered with Zipp’s Signature dimples which keeps air attached to the surface and reduces drag.
- Color: This sporting looking wheel is available in black decal.
- The wheel is not very compliant on severely bumpy roads.
This list would be incomplete without the Zipp Super-9. This is one of the fastest, coolest, and premium wheels out there. Every single part of this wheel is of the absolute top quality. You will fall in love with this wheel at the first look. Its bold and dashing outlook is definitely eye-catching. This product was handmade by Zipp’s finest to do only one thing and that is to win races. Its speed is outstanding and easily one of the top ones in the market.
The aerodynamic shape of the disc wheel provides unbeatable speed by reducing the drag and increasing energy conversion from the rider to the wheels. It is a highly efficient wheel that optimizes both the bike and the rider’s performance. With all that speed, stopping or slowing also deserves equal importance. Zipp did just that by using their disc brakes which does a superb job at letting the riding control the bicycle with ease. Ideal for time trials, triathlons, and track races, the Super-9 will make you the best of the best.
Zipp Super-9 Disc Brake Carbon Disc Wheel
Conclusion
If you are a bicycle racer, a brand new set of aero wheels may just be what you need. Bike wheels are one of the most important parts of a bicycle especially when racing. They determine everything from your bike’s control to speed. A new set of deep-section aero wheels will not only improve your overall racing experience but also provide faster speed, stability in crosswinds, superior braking performance, and of course exceptional control.
However, not just any wheelset will get the job done. Matching the right wheels to your riding style is crucial to your ride quality. On top of that, the wheels must be compatible with your bicycle.
We have listed the best aero wheels we have found through our research. We hope that this comprehensive list will help you choose the wheels you have been looking for. However, we urge you to not rush into a decision. Take all the time you need to look at as many options as you see fit, otherwise, you might regret buying a set of wheels that is not suitable for you. We know just how special your bicycle is for you and so you should spend your hard-earned money on a pair of aero wheels that will actually be worth it!
We can guarantee that the bike wheels on our list are absolutely worth every dime. However, we are not compelling you to buy one from our list. Our only goal is to make sure that you are happy with your purchase. Therefore, with all that being said, we wish you all the best to find the perfect set of aero wheels that you desire! Thank you for taking the time to read this article!
