The direct to consumer model can sometimes provide great value, but also sometimes provide untested junk. Williams Cycling has been around since 2006, so its safe to say they are a solid company, and not a fly-by-night operation. Built on the notion of providing great value by selling direct to consumer, they are best known for selling wheel sets that are about half the price of major brand names when compared feature-for-feature.
The new System 22s are designed to bring an affordable climbing wheelset to market that still punches with the big guys. At 1489g, and using ceramic hybrid bearings and CX-Ray spokes, the wheels check off the boxes of something much higher in price. Just like their new cross siblings, they feature a niobium alloy rim to keep the weight and cost down.
Check out the specs after the jump, as well as a great video from owner Keith Williams explaining the direct to consumer business model they are following.
Featured on the System 22 wheelset, Williams also has a new hub design called the Six Sixty, that features 3 degree engagement. There are 6 pawls have engage 3 at a time, and alternate their engagement with the 60 tooth ring, effectively fibing 120 points. This is becoming a common way to increase engagement points, similar to Sram’s Double Time or 6-pawl Industry Nine hubs. The road hubs also are able to change the cassette body without the use of separate adapters of tools.
FEATURES –
- 22mm rim depth
- 24mm rim width at braking surface
- Blunt edge rim technology
- Hand built construction
- Hybrid ceramic bearings
- Ultralight Niobium Alloy rim
- Sapim CX-Ray spokes
- Six-Sixty hubs with 3 degree engagement
The wheel set comes with rim strips, quick release skewers, and brake pads. The wheels do not require special brake pads, but Williams includes them because they simply say its nice to put fresh pads on with a fresh set of wheels. They have a 190lb weight limit.
