Williams Cycling, becoming well known for their quality wheels and competitive pricing due to their “direct to consumer” business model is introducing the System 38, a new 38mm deep full carbon clincher wheelset to add to thier System 55, and 85 wheelsets. All are built on premium Sapim CX-Ray spokes and their new Sixty-Six hubs with hybrid ceramic bearings. With more and more people leaning away from tubulars due to the improved technology, reduced weight, and the obvious convenience of clinchers, there are more high end clincher wheel sets available than ever. And Williams is aimed at getting these to consumers for less…
We’ve covered their wheels in the past and some of the responses of riders who have used them seem positive. The System Carbon Clinchers are described as a race wheel designed for the road cyclist looking for one set of wheels that can be used for flats, rollers and climbing. The System 38 wheelset shares the same “U” Shape design, 26mm outer width and 20/24 spoke count as its deeper siblings. They use high TG ceramic fiber reinforced composites at the braking surface, which under heavy braking and high friction, there is a significant claimed reduction in thermal expansion compared to other carbon fiber rims. The System 38’s come in at a claimed 1,495 grams, (58’s come in at 1,689 grams, and the 85’s at 1,838 grams). Like most of their wheels, they have a 190lb rider weight limit except for the System 85, which is limited to 225lb riders.
They’re fitted with their own Sixty-Six hubs, (60 ratchet teeth and 6 pawls) that contain hybrid ceramic bearings. The engagement is quick and strong due to the pawls alternating contact in 2 groups of 3 at once and each pawl having 3 teeth for a strong hold. They’re available in Shimano/SRAM 10/11spd and Campagnolo 11spd. They also offer the CycleOps PowerTap G3 Hub as an upgrade.
Williams is a supplier to USA Cycling U23 and Junior teams. They supply wheels and saddles which are shipped to USA Cycling facility in Holland. “Michael Sayers, the Director, offers constant feedback as to how are saddles and wheels are performing and it has been a great test ground for product development”, Keith Williams, owner of Williams Cycling, told us. “The race and road conditions are extreme. We truly find out what designs work and what designs need to be improved to handle the harshest conditions of Northern (European) bicycle racing”.
Their wheels all come with rim strips, quick releases, valve extenders, carbon brake pads. All three models, including a System 58/85 combo retail for $1,199.
