Lightweight VR8 Carbon Fiber Aero Front Wheel

2011-11-18 • SEND FEEDBACK •
Related: image stabilization, Lightweight, Road Bikes, tubular

Lightweight VR8 tubular wheel

See the specifications over at Lightweight.info.

See the Lightweight VR8 Riding Notes and Lightweight VR8 image gallery.

Lightweight describes the VR8 as follows:

As the latest result of our tireless R&D work in the field of full carbon wheels, we present our 8-spoke front wheel.

The VR8 represents a completely new state of the art. With its only eight spokes, it offers significantly improved aerodynamics.

The use of new carbon materials and an optimized manufacturing process, has enabled us to create a perfect combination of aerodynamics and lateral rigidity.

The stiffness value of about 55 N/mm sets a new benchmark! Together with the new black Disc, the new wheel set provides the non-plus-ultra in the fight for seconds. Triathletes and time trial specialists will be pleased with what is probably the world’s lightest and stiffest time trial wheel set.

• Carbon fibre Time Trial Front wheel in 700C size/28".
• Front wheel/VR8 with Lightweight hub.
• Laminated magnet (for bike computer).
• Individually numbered read-only microchip laminated (important for the registration and ServiceUp) in every wheel.
• Each set with our new Disc now includes double wheel bag, aluminium valve extensions and quick releases .

Lightweight wheel names

As of 2012, Lightweight has renamed the product line:

Lightweight Standard = Lightweight Mielenstein
Lightweight Obermayer = Lightweight Mielenstein Obermayer
Lightweight Standard Clincher= Lightweight Mielenstein Clincher
Lightweight Ventoux = Lightweight Gipfelsturm
Lightweight VR8 = discontinued, see Lightweight Autobahn

Since the Mielenstein Obermayer is a VERY different wheel from the non-Obermayer Mielenstein, this is terribly confusing from a customer perspective. They are totally different in feel, even if the two share the same rim profile and otherwise look identical.

Specifications

I weighted a Lightweight Obermayer front wheel and a Lightweight VR8 both with a Veloflex Record 700 X22C tire glued on:

Obermayer: 627g
VR8: 925g = +298g

In short, the VR8 is a far heavier wheel. Not so great for intense climbing, but really nice for time trials and fast descents and windy conditions.

Nominal specifications below, per Lightweight.

The 16-spoke versions of the Obermayer and standard are slightly lighter, but also reduce their load capacity significantly. Riders under 150 pounds might consider the 16-spoke version, but at 160 pounds on up, sticking with the 20-spoke version is the smart move; the 4 spokes make very little weight difference, and aerodynamics are marginally different also.

Lightweight VR8 carbon fiber wheel