Zipp 808 Firecrest Tubular
The Zipp 808 Firecrest Tubular is a race-proven deep-section wheelset that pairs Firecrest rim shaping with Zipp’s aerodynamic research to deliver a stable, fast profile for road racing. It holds its position for riders who want a balance of deep aero performance and predictable crosswind handling, and is often priced more competitively than boutique carbon offerings like ENVE while matching or exceeding race results in pro-level events. Compared with the very-deep ARC 1100 and ultra-stiff ENVE 7.8, the 808 is a practical choice that combines proven speed, broad service support, and solid value for aggressive racers.
Wind-slicing profile
Crosswind-surf stability
Wind-slicing profile
Crosswind-surf stability
Review Summary
"Users praise the Zipp 808 Firecrest for its outstanding aerodynamic performance and versatile race-day speed with reliable build quality; some report it can feel affected in strong crosswinds and note the premium price."
Sprint-launch boost
Firecrest rim profile with very deep carbon section for maximum high‑speed aerodynamic efficiency.
Sprint-launch boost
Firecrest rim profile with very deep carbon section for maximum high‑speed aerodynamic efficiency.
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Skill Development & Mastery
Time-Saving Convenience
The Zipp 808 Firecrest Tubular is a race-proven deep-section wheelset that pairs Firecrest rim shaping with Zipp’s aerodynamic research to deliver a stable, fast profile for road racing. It holds its position for riders who want a balance of deep aero performance and predictable crosswind handling, and is often priced more competitively than boutique carbon offerings like ENVE while matching or exceeding race results in pro-level events. Compared with the very-deep ARC 1100 and ultra-stiff ENVE 7.8, the 808 is a practical choice that combines proven speed, broad service support, and solid value for aggressive racers.
Wind-slicing profile
Crosswind-surf stability
Sprint-launch boost
Firecrest rim profile with very deep carbon section for maximum high‑speed aerodynamic efficiency.
Tubular-only carbon construction tuned to reduce drag while maintaining crosswind control.
Wind-slicing profile
Crosswind-surf stability
Sprint-launch boost
Firecrest rim profile with very deep carbon section for maximum high‑speed aerodynamic efficiency.
Tubular-only carbon construction tuned to reduce drag while maintaining crosswind control.
$2300-3000 USD
ENVE SES 7.8 Tubular
The ENVE SES 7.8 Tubular is a premium, development-driven aero wheelset that emphasizes a tuned layup for stiffness, low drag and refined crosswind control, aimed at riders chasing marginal gains in road racing. It earns its market-leader status by delivering exceptional stiffness-to-weight and precision handling, albeit at a higher price point than more mainstream options like Zipp or Mavic, making it a top pick for riders prioritizing technical performance over cost. Against the list, the 7.8 stands out for boutique carbon engineering and a ride feel favored by racers seeking the highest-end responsiveness.
Balanced aero-stability
Featherlight stiffness
Balanced aero-stability
Featherlight stiffness
Review Summary
"Riders consistently report the ENVE SES 7.8 Tubular delivers class-leading aero gains, crisp handling and race-proven stiffness, though it is very expensive and a bit heavy for pure climbers."
Buttery cornering
SES-optimized carbon rim shape developed with CFD for low drag and improved stability in gusty crosswinds.
Buttery cornering
SES-optimized carbon rim shape developed with CFD for low drag and improved stability in gusty crosswinds.
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Skill Development & Mastery
The ENVE SES 7.8 Tubular is a premium, development-driven aero wheelset that emphasizes a tuned layup for stiffness, low drag and refined crosswind control, aimed at riders chasing marginal gains in road racing. It earns its market-leader status by delivering exceptional stiffness-to-weight and precision handling, albeit at a higher price point than more mainstream options like Zipp or Mavic, making it a top pick for riders prioritizing technical performance over cost. Against the list, the 7.8 stands out for boutique carbon engineering and a ride feel favored by racers seeking the highest-end responsiveness.
Balanced aero-stability
Featherlight stiffness
Buttery cornering
SES-optimized carbon rim shape developed with CFD for low drag and improved stability in gusty crosswinds.
Tubular construction with wide internal width for modern race tire integration and optimized tire profile.
Balanced aero-stability
Featherlight stiffness
Buttery cornering
SES-optimized carbon rim shape developed with CFD for low drag and improved stability in gusty crosswinds.
Tubular construction with wide internal width for modern race tire integration and optimized tire profile.
$3200-4000 USD
Mavic Comete Pro Carbon SL UST
The Mavic Comete Pro Carbon SL UST blends race-oriented aerodynamics with UST-compatible design and pragmatic durability, positioning it as a reliable option for road racers who want aero speed without the boutique price premium. It is notable for strong service availability, tried-and-true manufacturing, and a more budget-friendly entry point compared with the highest-end carbon wheelsets here, while still delivering competitive drag figures and usable stiffness. Compared to the ultra-high-end ARC 1100 or ENVE 7.8, the Comete Pro offers a sensible balance of performance, robustness and cost for club and pro-am racers.
Hyper-aero shell
UST-ready compliance
Hyper-aero shell
UST-ready compliance
Review Summary
"Reviewers like the Mavic Comete Pro Carbon SL UST for its raw speed and reliable UST system, but some call out its relative weight versus the very lightest competitors and variability across model years."
Explosive roll speed
Mavic aerodynamic rim design focused on minimal frontal area and smooth airflow for sprint and TT speed.
Explosive roll speed
Mavic aerodynamic rim design focused on minimal frontal area and smooth airflow for sprint and TT speed.
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Recreational Enjoyment
Time-Saving Convenience
The Mavic Comete Pro Carbon SL UST blends race-oriented aerodynamics with UST-compatible design and pragmatic durability, positioning it as a reliable option for road racers who want aero speed without the boutique price premium. It is notable for strong service availability, tried-and-true manufacturing, and a more budget-friendly entry point compared with the highest-end carbon wheelsets here, while still delivering competitive drag figures and usable stiffness. Compared to the ultra-high-end ARC 1100 or ENVE 7.8, the Comete Pro offers a sensible balance of performance, robustness and cost for club and pro-am racers.
Hyper-aero shell
UST-ready compliance
Explosive roll speed
Mavic aerodynamic rim design focused on minimal frontal area and smooth airflow for sprint and TT speed.
Race-oriented carbon layup that balances low weight with torsional stiffness for aggressive accelerations.
Hyper-aero shell
UST-ready compliance
Explosive roll speed
Mavic aerodynamic rim design focused on minimal frontal area and smooth airflow for sprint and TT speed.
Race-oriented carbon layup that balances low weight with torsional stiffness for aggressive accelerations.
$1800-2500 USD
DT Swiss ARC 1100 DICUT 80
The DT Swiss ARC 1100 DICUT 80 is a top-tier aerodynamic tubular wheelset engineered for minimal drag, featuring precision hub internals and a rim profile optimized through CFD and wind-tunnel testing. It ranks among the most technically optimized choices on the list, delivering outstanding aerodynamic efficiency and high-quality hubs (with serviceable internals) that justify its premium positioning versus more value-driven options like Mavic or Reynolds. For racers seeking the lowest aerodynamic penalty and crisp hub performance in sustained high-speed events, the ARC 1100 represents a technical advantage worth the investment.
Ultra-low drag
Featherweight rim
Ultra-low drag
Featherweight rim
Review Summary
"Users praise the DT Swiss ARC 1100 DICUT 80 for its refined aero profile, light feel and dependable Ratchet EXP hub performance, delivering confident high-speed handling; the premium cost is the main drawback."
Swiss-precision bite
80mm-class carbon rim profile engineered for very low drag while maintaining predictable handling.
Swiss-precision bite
80mm-class carbon rim profile engineered for very low drag while maintaining predictable handling.
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Skill Development & Mastery
The DT Swiss ARC 1100 DICUT 80 is a top-tier aerodynamic tubular wheelset engineered for minimal drag, featuring precision hub internals and a rim profile optimized through CFD and wind-tunnel testing. It ranks among the most technically optimized choices on the list, delivering outstanding aerodynamic efficiency and high-quality hubs (with serviceable internals) that justify its premium positioning versus more value-driven options like Mavic or Reynolds. For racers seeking the lowest aerodynamic penalty and crisp hub performance in sustained high-speed events, the ARC 1100 represents a technical advantage worth the investment.
Ultra-low drag
Featherweight rim
Swiss-precision bite
80mm-class carbon rim profile engineered for very low drag while maintaining predictable handling.
DICUT hub technology delivering precise engagement, low friction bearings, and robust power transfer.
Ultra-low drag
Featherweight rim
Swiss-precision bite
80mm-class carbon rim profile engineered for very low drag while maintaining predictable handling.
DICUT hub technology delivering precise engagement, low friction bearings, and robust power transfer.
$2700-3400 USD
Reynolds AERO 65 Black Label Tubular
The Reynolds AERO 65 Black Label Tubular is a 60–65 mm class aero wheelset that prioritizes a pragmatic mix of aero performance, weight and crosswind predictability, making it a versatile choice for road racing courses with variable conditions. It holds appeal as a cost-effective, race-ready wheelset that delivers strong stiffness and ride compliance compared with the deepest, more wind-sensitive wheels in this group, offering better value for riders who want speed without the extremes of ultra-deep rims. Versus the list leaders, Reynolds’ AERO 65 stands out for its versatility, approachable price point and favorable handling across varied race scenarios.
Versatile aero balance
Robust carbon layup
Versatile aero balance
Robust carbon layup
Review Summary
"Owners appreciate the Reynolds AERO 65 Black Label Tubular for strong value, comfortable ride and predictable crosswind behavior; some note it is slightly heavier than top-tier rivals and not ideal for steep climbing specialists."
Value-speed grin
65mm aerodynamic rim depth offering a strong balance of aero benefit and manageable crosswind behavior.
Value-speed grin
65mm aerodynamic rim depth offering a strong balance of aero benefit and manageable crosswind behavior.
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Recreational Enjoyment
Time-Saving Convenience
The Reynolds AERO 65 Black Label Tubular is a 60–65 mm class aero wheelset that prioritizes a pragmatic mix of aero performance, weight and crosswind predictability, making it a versatile choice for road racing courses with variable conditions. It holds appeal as a cost-effective, race-ready wheelset that delivers strong stiffness and ride compliance compared with the deepest, more wind-sensitive wheels in this group, offering better value for riders who want speed without the extremes of ultra-deep rims. Versus the list leaders, Reynolds’ AERO 65 stands out for its versatility, approachable price point and favorable handling across varied race scenarios.
Versatile aero balance
Robust carbon layup
Value-speed grin
65mm aerodynamic rim depth offering a strong balance of aero benefit and manageable crosswind behavior.
Black Label carbon layup that prioritizes stiffness and durability for road racing at a competitive price.
Versatile aero balance
Robust carbon layup
Value-speed grin
65mm aerodynamic rim depth offering a strong balance of aero benefit and manageable crosswind behavior.
Black Label carbon layup that prioritizes stiffness and durability for road racing at a competitive price.
$1400-2000 USD