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bikes, bicycles, mountain bikes, running shoes, wetsuits, goggles, wheels,
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Gear Topolino AC29 Short Review |
I've been intermittently riding a set of Topolino's AC29s for the last several months. With the AC29s, Topolino joins a 30mm aero aluminum rim to its fabulous Carbon Core spokes and carbon composite hub shell and sells them for less than $1,000.00. The combination results in a reasonably comfortable, stiff, strong, efficient and aero wheelset suitable for training and racing.
If you’re familiar with the ride of other wheelsets, I would characterize the AC29s as comparable to Mavic Ksyrium SLs in ride, stiffness and efficiency while being a little lighter, more comfortable and aerodynamic. Compared to Topolino's AC19s, the 29s are heavier and less comfortable, but better looking and more aerodynamic. What I like most about the AC29s is their versatility. If you're looking for one set of wheels that can serve you well in every kind of riding and racing you can do on either a tri or road bike, then the AC29s will likely end up on your bike.
Topolino describes its new wheels as follows:
This new wheel fuses together aerodynamics, strength, speed and durability into one lethal set of wheels. Rolling off the starting line at only 1490 grams a pair, this streamlined clincher wheelset is sure to put you on the podium in the next race. Nothing else even comes close.
We set the bar for a super lightweight wheelset with incredible strength with the Revelation C19. For those riders seeking even greater aerodynamics, look no further. At only 100 grams more than our C19’s, the AC29 is the answer. We even tucked the proprietary forged aluminum nipples inside the rim to optimize aerodynamics and create a very clean look.
Our unique, aero-profile Carbon Core™ spokes span all the way across the wheel, and are fully integrated into our carbon composite hub shell. These super-strong carbon fiber and Kevlar spokes are laced to our new 30mm-deep enhanced aluminum alloy rim; a beautiful marriage of light weight and aerodynamics.
But the AC29 isn’t only about aerodynamics. The deeper rim is inherently stiffer for even greater lateral stiffness and responsiveness, while the composite spokes damp vibration for a smoother ride. These wheels will pick your way through the peloton and propel you through the sprint.
If ever required, Topolino wheels can be trued the same as standard wheels, and are easily serviced.
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Data |
Front |
Rear |
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Weight |
640g |
850g |
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Spoke Count |
24 spokes |
30 spokes (18 drive & 12 non drive) |
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Over Locknut |
100mm |
130mm |
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Rim |
19 mm wide x 30 mm deep |
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Compatability |
Shimano 8/9/10 speed & Campag. 9/10 speed config. |
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Features |
For further discussion of 'Features' click link on right |
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Rim: |
Aero profile heat treated aluminum, machined brake track, concealed nipples |
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Spokes: |
Aero profile Carbon Core™ continuous-fiber composite |
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Hubshell: |
Long-fiber Carbon composite |
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Freehub: |
Forged, heat-treated and hard anodized 7075-T6 aluminum Heat treated chrome-moly 3-pawl mechanism |
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Bearings: |
Maintenance-free sealed precision cartridge bearings |
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Product Review Ratings |
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Thursday, August 10, 2006
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