The updated Novatec R3 Disc wheelset gets a little wider and revised the rim shape to make a stronger wheel. At 38mm deep, it’s their do-it-all carbon rimmed wheel, and it’s available as a clincher or tubular, and for rim brakes, too. And it’ll work with QR or thru axles, too.
As their U.S. distributor put it, they’re an “unofficially” tubeless ready clincher, because they’ve been racing it that way for a while with no issues. Details below…
The old R3 was narrow and symmetrical. These new ones are 18.3mm wide internal (clincher), 26mm at the widest on the outside. For the disc brake model, they also get a new asymmetrical profile, pushing spoke holes off center of the rim to improve the bracing angle on the driveside.
The clincher rims were not available for photographing, but the catalog shows their various shapes. The symmetrical rim brake versions use a high Tg resin combined with their MatriSilk structural mesh and Protex coating molded into the braking surface for improved grip and strength.
The hubs are work with QR and thru axle options front and rear via swappable with axles on the rear and end caps on the front. They only ship with one setup, but other parts are available. XD drivers also available. An ABG (Anti Bite Guard) steel insert on FH body prevents the cassette from digging into the lightweight red alloy.
They use straight pull spokes with milled flange that lets you quickly and easily replace a spoke by just sliding it right out and sliding a new one in.
Claimed weights are:
- Clincher – 1,500g
- Tubular – 1,330g
- Clincher Disc – 1,595g
- Tubular Disc – 1,370g
