The EXS Granfondo-43 is engineered for long-distance road riding, with a clear focus on comfort, stability, and real-world efficiency rather than marginal race-day gains.
Built around 28mm tyres and a hooked, tubeless-ready rim, it delivers reduced vibration, improved cornering grip, and broad tyre compatibility, while avoiding the pressure limitations commonly associated with hookless designs.
A carefully chosen 42.5mm rim height strikes the ideal balance between aerodynamic performance and crosswind stability. The rim profile has been refined through computer-aided optimisation and wind-tunnel validation to ensure predictable handling in varying wind conditions.
Completing the wheelset are Sapim CX-Ray spokes and EXS AR-24 hubs with premium SKF bearings, providing a smooth, stable, and confidence-inspiring ride for endurance cyclists who prioritise comfort, control, and reliability.
Tyre Selection
Tubeless tires offer a better riding experience but may not be the most convenient option for most cyclists.
Hooked tubeless rims provide better compatibility with both tubeless and clincher systems and also avoid the maximum 73psi pressure limit of hookless systems.
For most amateur road cyclists, the 28mm tyres might be a more suitable choice. Compared to 25mm tyres, the slight weight penalty can yield improved comfort and cornering grip.
As we see from the above image, EXS Granfondo with 28mm tyres has lower peaks and troughs, indicating lesser vibration intensity, which means a much more comfortable ride over granfondos.
Rim Design
Increasing rim height can reduce aerodynamic drag at high speeds, but lateral stability is crucial when riding. Considering that most recreational cyclists ride at speeds between 25-40km/h, the marginal gains in aerodynamics are not as critical.
As a result, we've set Granfondo's rim height at 42.5mm, striking a balance between the 50mm height of racing rims and the 35mm height of lightweight rims.
During the development stage, after determining the frame height of the wheels and the tyre size to be used, we begin optimising the wheel profile.
We utilise high-performance computers to conduct targeted optimisations at various angles to achieve the desired aerodynamic characteristics for the wheelset.
The ultimate goal is to create a pair of wheels with minimal air resistance in crosswinds and high stability in headwinds. After several iterations and adjustments, the current version of the Granfondo wheel profile has been achieved.
Wind Tunnel Testing
Two years ago, we subjected the initial prototype wheelset to wind tunnel testing and subsequently made several adjustments to the design.
After finalising the rim shape, we conducted wind tunnel testing again under the same conditions, allowing us to compare the Granfondo-43 with wheelsets from different brands.
The testing involved removing components such as the shifter, chainring, derailleur, chain, and front derailleur hangers from the test bicycle to minimise extraneous interference.
The front and rear wheels were equipped with Shimano MT800 160mm disc rotors, Shimano R7000 11-28t cassette, and Schwalbe Pro One 28mm tubeless tyres.
Wind speed during testing was set at 45km/h (12m/s), and drag data is an average of measurements from both the left and right sides.
Results
Due to the racing-oriented design of Campagnolo Bora WTO 45, which is primarily optimised for 25mm tyres, the streamlined profile is disrupted when using 28mm tyres, resulting in average performance.
EXS Granfondo-43 excels in wind resistance within a yaw angle range of 0-5 degrees compared to competitors. ZIPP 303 Firecrest, on the other hand, performs better in significant yaw angles of 15-20 degrees.
When considering the average drag values from 0-20 degrees, ZIPP 303 Firecrest slightly outperforms other competitors, but the differences between them are not significant. At a speed of 45km/h, the fastest among them only outperforms the slowest by 1 watt.
ZIPP 303 Firecrest, with its wider rim profile and lower rim height, experiences reduced crosswind effects compared to Campagnolo Bora WTO 45. EXS Granfondo-43, in comparison to Campagnolo Bora WTO 45, experiences a 22% reduction in crosswind forces.
We placed sensors on various parts of the rider's body to collect data on the rider's posture changes in real-world conditions - this provides insight into the rider's stability when facing crosswinds.
After enhancing comfort, handling, and lateral stability, riders can benefit from a more stable ride with less impact from crosswinds.
Optimized Rigidity
While weight and rigidity are equally important for a good set of wheels, even though the primary goal of Granfondo isn't to win races, we still want these wheels to keep up with other riders. Thus, adequate lateral rigidity and lightweight design are essential.
Weight includes rim tape and paint.
Granfondo-43 and Bora WTO45 do not need rim tape.
AR-24 Hubs
Hubs are an essential component, and the wheelset adopts the independently developed AR-24 hubs equipped with SKF bearings. High performance, stability, and durability are its hallmarks.
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Specifications
| Rim Width |
30mm |
| Inner Rim Width |
24mm |
| Tire Compatibility |
Clincher/Tubeless |
| Brake |
Disc (Center Lock) |
| Spoke |
Sapim CX-Ray |
| Hub |
EXS AR-24 (SKF Bearings) |
| Hub Body Type |
Shimano Road/SRAM XDR |
| Weight |
1390 grams/pair |
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Shipping Note:
Due to the large size of this item, the shipping method would change to an equivalent option depending on your location.
*No shipping to Korea, Japan & China until further announcement.
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Links
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