Friday, April 01, 2016

Rolling in the 3T Orbis II Wheels

It has been 5 months since I was on the all new 3T Cycling Orbis II C50 wheels and had plenty of amazing rides with it. As a 3T ambassador, being one of the first few in Malaysia to get to test this wheels, I was totally excited. First go was to test it on the TT bike, the BMC TM02, before moving it to the road bike BMC SL01.

The roll on these wheels are amazing thanks to the 3T technology design behind it. It maintains the aero momentum well enough to thank my hard work by rewarding it with a continuous smooth spin. The expected aero help came in at about 30kph and was well rewarded there. And at 25mm wide, the wheels handles really well when paired with some Continental Ultra Sport 2 tyres.


And when it comes to climbing, I did not feel the lag that everyone talks about with high profile wheels. The C50 was light and stiff enough to make the high gradient climbs needed. Took it over to the steeps climbs of Genting Sempah from Gombak town without much of a problem and in fact, PB my best times too.

Coming downhill was a little hesitant on the stopping. Nonetheless, when the confidence built up, it actually could stop really well. Added to that, I paired it with some thinner (due to the limited space in the integrated rear brakes) SwissStop Black Prince brake pads which essentially made the braking so much better and confident from the already confident braking of the 3T pads.

What's more. They look stealthy and fantastic too!! Certainly a set of wheels to consider. I got them direct from 3T mailorder but you could get them at store near you.

Specifications of the 3T Orbis II C50 Team:

Rim Size: ETRTO 622 x 17C, (28”/700c), 25 mm wide, 50 mm deep
Rim Spec: clincher, full carbon, high temperature braking surface, double angle drilling
Spokes: straight pull, stainless steel, black finish, double butted aero, Pillar 1425, 20F/24R
Nipples: light alloy, inverted, spherical washer
Hubs: light alloy hub bodies, spindles and freewheel body – black anodized
Rear Hub Compatibility:10/11s Shimano/SRAM type cassette*
Quick Release:alloy lever and nut, steel rod
Weight:1591g**





Some pics of the wheels (Taken with my trusty Samsung Note 3).

The subtle stickers on the OrbisII. Doesn't make it too colorful.



All that you need (except tyres of course) came with the wheels - Skewer, rim tape, brake pads, adapter for tube valve, adapter rings for 10sp.



How the wheels look like on the bike. Looks pretty are there on the BMC TimeMachine?



Would love to hear what you think of the wheels at the comments below.

------------------------------------------------------------------
Update 20160501:  Had a chance to ride the wheels in the wet over a heavy downpour. In a 1km steep downhill stretch of Balik Pulau, Penang, it braked well and sufficiently enough. My confidence on the wheels was certainly there and no hairy moments. Pass!

#3Tcycling #3TorbisII #3Teverywhere #yourbikedeserves3T