When the biking business, in its pursuit of efficiency excellence, pushes into the realms of the extraordinary, the value tag follows. All yr, we’ve been writing about $18,000 race bikes, $4,600 groupsets, $2,400 energy metres and $500 saddles. Lately, premium merchandise demand a premium funding, and Cadex’s latest wheelset, the Max 40, isn’t any totally different. Whereas they’re not fairly within the luxurious tier of the likes of Partington or Light-weight, they’re definitely a tier above Enve or Roval, that are already thought-about “premium.”
Dropping $4,500 on a set of wheels is nothing in need of extravagant, and lots of shoppers won’t ever think about tools on this worth vary. So, I’ll start this evaluate the place I normally finish it: by analyzing the worth.
I’m not somebody who will argue in favour of fancy for fancy’s sake. A hefty price ticket doesn’t inherently imply the product will impress. However after a number of months on these wheels, I’ve to confess: the Max 40s have gained me over. My admiration for the engineering and trip really feel of the Max 40s has grown with every trip, although I battle to justify the value tag. And therein lies the reviewer’s dilemma: how does one justify a $4,500 / £3500 wheelset? Actually, you don’t. Some purchases transcend logical reasoning, tapping into ardour, an appreciation for innovation and craftsmanship, or pure showboating. Whether or not it’s the attract of cutting-edge know-how, the pursuit of excellence, or just the enjoyment of proudly owning one thing totally different, the worth lies within the expertise and emotion it brings, not essentially within the {dollars} spent.
So, with that stated, meet the Cadex Max 40.
Introducing the Cadex Max 40
(Picture credit score: Anne-Marije Rook)
You’re forgiven when you aren’t acquainted with Cadex as an aftermarket model. The producer of carbon fibre wheels, frames and different bike components is a premium sub-brand of Large, the most important bicycle producer on the earth. Cadex was initially launched within the Eighties however reintroduced in 2019. The model was developed to push the boundaries of efficiency via cutting-edge know-how, with a selected concentrate on lightness, stiffness and aerodynamics. Its merchandise are utilized by, and sometimes developed with enter from, the Large-sponsored WorldTour groups, Staff Jayco-AlUla and Liv AlUla Jayco. Cadex is to Large as Roval is to Specialised, although Cadex more and more acts as a standalone model with its high-end merchandise competing in opposition to the likes of Enve.
Cadex’s product classes are small however rising. Its wheel line consists of simply 5 fashions with the Max 40 being the latest mannequin, launched this spring. In some ways, the brand new Max 40 makes the 36 Wheel, a climber wheel, redundant and questions the continuation of the 42 Wheel as properly.
Gentle & Stiff
With a claimed weight of 1,249 grams for the wheelset, the Max 40 is the lightest wheelset the model has ever provided. It’s additionally stated to function lab-test-proven aerodynamic benefits and the best-in-class stiffness-to-weight ratio available on the market. Put to the check in opposition to Light-weight’s Obermayer EVO and Syncros’ Capital SL wheels, Cadex says the Max 40 wheelset was considerably stiffer (as much as 44.9 p.c) than its opponents.
Tubeless & Hookless
Like its earlier fashions, the wheel sports activities a 22.4mm inner width and a hookless, tubeless rim. The rim is suitable with choose tyres between 25 mm and 32 mm huge, however for optimum efficiency, Cadex suggests utilizing its 28mm Race GC tyres.
Aero Advantages
Cadex says the 40mm rim depth “hits the candy spot for optimum aerodynamic positive aspects with out including weight or sacrificing stability in crosswinds.” Additional aerodynamic positive aspects come from the one-piece aero hub and spoke design. Right here, the model’s Tremendous Aero Carbon Spokes are bonded straight into the aero hub flange, forming a one-piece construction with the hub. Alloy nipples are hidden on the rim for tuneability, however as a result of one-piece hub design, the spokes can’t be changed.
Lastly, the 22.4mm inside rim width was designed to create a seamless interface between the rim wall and tyre sidewall for a extra aero profile (assuming the tyre stays throughout the 25-32mm vary).
Specs:
(Picture credit score: Anne-Marije Rook)
- Claimed weight: 1,249 grams
- Precise weight with tape and valves: 1,302 grams
- Value: Entrance: $2,000.00 / £1,499.99, Rear: $2,500.00 / £1,999.99
- Hub: Precision machined 48-tooth ratchet hub with Cadex ceramic bearings
- Shimano, SRAM XDR and Campagnolo N3W freehubs out there
- Spokes: Cadex Tremendous Aero Carbon Spokes. 16 spokes within the entrance, 24 spokes within the rear.
- Spokes are tuneable however not replaceable.
- Decal-free Graphics: Cadex’s carbon moulding know-how permits fine-rim floor ending therapy immediately throughout the mould, eliminating the necessity for added carbon therapy or decals.
- Rim: 40mm deep, inner width: 22.4
- Hookless, tubeless rim
- Suitable with 25-32mm tyres however aero-optimised round a 28mm tyre
- Max tyre stress: 72.5 PSI
- Tyre combinability is restricted, see chart right here.
- Max rider weight: 285lbs
- Lifetime guarantee and 5-year Incident Substitute
The Trip
Anne-Marije Rook’s customized Scorching Salad bike with a SRAM Pink AXS groupset and Cadex Max 40 wheels
(Picture credit score: Billy Sinkford)
I acquired my check set in the course of July, and promptly put the wheels on my scale. They got here in at 52 grams over the claimed weight, which Cadex attributes to the rim tape and valves not being included within the specs.
For the most effective driving expertise, Cadex included a set of its 28mm Race tyres, which had been a breeze to mount. I’ve used Cadex tyres earlier than, and have constantly been impressed with the supple trip really feel and surprisingly good flat resistance regardless of the low weight. Designed for race day, these 28mm tyres are available in at simply 315 grams and have a 170 TPI, single-layer casing for trip really feel, superior rolling effectivity and low weight. This season, I’ve gravitated in the direction of Pirelli’s new P Zero Race TLR RS tyre, however after two months of driving, I might confidently put the Cadex tyres on par with the Pirellis.
After I hit the highway on these wheels, my preliminary impressions had been purely subjective.
First, these wheels look completely gorgeous. The black-on-black colourway, the smooth and fashionable profile, and people flat carbon spokes that disappear into the carbon-weave hub flanges showcase the superior engineering and supplies that went into them. Simply by taking a look at them, you realize you’re getting one thing particular.
Secondly, that hub sound is one thing else. This may occasionally simply be the loudest hub I’ve ever encountered. Whereas pedalling, it produces a pleasing buzzing sound, however once you cease, the freehub engages with a sound that may be heard from a mile away. If loud hubs aren’t your factor, Cadex suggests packing the hubs with a heavier grease to dampen the noise; in any other case, think about your bike bell redundant.
Ceramic bearings come customary on the Cadex Max 40
(Picture credit score: Anne-Marije Rook)
Cadex says the Max 40 was constructed for pace and designed to satisfy the calls for of the climbers and GC riders of its sponsored WorldTour groups. A wheel that provides “environment friendly energy switch, aerodynamics, and, above all else, ultralight weight.”
Now, I’m not at all a climber or WorldTour racer, however I totally benefit from the Max 40 Wheelsystem all the identical. It’s the whole lot Cadex claims it to be: light-weight, stiff, and the proper all-rounder for lengthy, undulating days within the saddle. The ceramic hubs spin easily and speed up shortly. Whereas they could lack the whoosh issue of deeper-rimmed wheels, they make up for it in fast dealing with. The steering is exact and predictable, sustaining traction with out feeling glued to the highway.
Given the wheels’ low weight and superior stiffness, it comes as no shock that they’re nice climbers, and as rim depth is trending deeper throughout the board, 40mm is now shallow sufficient to be thought-about a climbers’ wheel.
But solely 100 grams differentiates the Max 40 from the 50 Extremely. And at this yr’s Tour de France Femmes, the riders of the Cadex-sponsored Liv AlUla Jayco crew had been pleased to take the load penalty in favour of no matter aerodynamic positive aspects 10 further mm of rim buys you. Regardless of the mountainous terrain of the latter a part of the race, riders opted for the 50 Extremely as a result of “all-round nature of the wheels.”
However for the on a regular basis bike owner who could not have an arsenal of wheels to select from, a 40mm rim depth makes numerous sense. It’s versatile and strikes steadiness between aerodynamic advantages and weight. It’s secure in cross-winds, extra comfy and lighter than a deeper wheel however nonetheless gives some aerodynamic advantages.
I also needs to word that regardless of their stiff construct, the Max 40s are surprisingly comfy. Tyres play a job right here, definitely, and once more, the Cadex Race tyres didn’t disappoint. The trip really feel and dealing with are very good, and the extra I rode the Cadex Max 40 Wheelsystem, the extra I favored it—the wheels will add noticeable stiffness and liveliness to any steed you mount these to.
Hub noise apart, I can’t fault the trip high quality.
Some Limitations:
Cadex says its parts are constructed for use as a system, and Cadex tyres are your best option to be used with Cadex WheelSystems.
(Picture credit score: Anne-Marije Rook)
Whereas the trip high quality is great, there are some limitations to the Max 40 Wheelsystem, beginning with tyre compatibility. Cadex has put a number of the hottest tyres via its check protocol and decided that are and should not suitable with its hookless design. The record of identified suitable tyres continues to be reasonably brief.
Additionally, as a result of one-piece spoke and hub design, the carbon spokes should not replaceable. Do you have to develop a crack, you’re off to a carbon restore store, which might get pricey. This makes me nervous about wheel transportation – particularly if flights are concerned.
Conclusion
(Picture credit score: Anne-Marije Rook)
As talked about in my opening paragraphs, the Cadex Max 40 wheels are an indulgence There are various nice wheelsets that retail for lots much less. However a product like this borders on luxurious and thus transcends logical reasoning.
Should you’ve obtained the money, the Cadex Max 40 wheelset gives a outstanding trip expertise, combining gorgeous aesthetics with excellent dealing with and pace, good for lengthy, undulating rides.
