The lightweight German carbon experts at Bike Ahead Composites have a new BiTurbo Aero 2.0, completely remaking their aerodynamic 6-spoke carbon road wheels while retaining their iconic look and made-in-Germany monocoque construction. The new wheels are 15% wider, more than a hundred grams lighter, noticeably faster in crosswinds, with a significantly higher stiffness-to-weight ratio thanks to an all-new ‘innovative’ carbon layup.
Bike Ahead BiTurbo Aero 2.0 light 6-spoke carbon road wheels
Introduced 5 years ago, the BiTurbo Aero reshaped Bike Ahead’s classic six-spoke monocoque carbon wheels with a deeper rim and smoother spoke profiles for reduced aerodynamic drag. Their 6-spokes were originally known just for being lightweight and stiff (and unmistakably distinct). But the Aero version took road performance to another level, cutting more smoothly through the wind.
Now they get a more modern update, with a move to a wider 23mm internal rim to better fit contemporary tubeless and low-rolling-resistance tube-type road tires. Also, a much wider 32.5mm external width to smooth airflow over those bigger tires. And for a pleasant surprise, an extra 106g weight loss – 7% weight savings – to make them truly ultralight, even with their 48.5mm rim depth.
Even though the wider tires & rims present a substantially larger (~15% wider) frontal area into the wind, the new shaping shows improved aerodynamic performance overall in GST wind tunnel testing with Bike Engineering, specifically an increased sailing effect in crosswinds.
“The propulsion with lateral airflow is higher. This increases the speed with the same amount of effort. The effect was confirmed in comparative tests in the wind tunnel. The difference to the BITURBO Aero is a noticeable 7 watts at 45 km/h and a 10-degree angle of attack.”
Tech details
- monocoque carbon six-spoke construction with matte UD finish
- new 23mm internal hooked tubeless rim
- aerodynamically optimized 48.5mm deep x max 32.5mm wide rim
- optimized for 28mm or 30mm tires
- can be run tubeless (tape not required) or with tubes
- centerlock disc brake only, with 12mm thru-axles
- DT Swiss Ratchet EXP hub internals
- SRM, Shimano & Campagnolo freehubs available
- 1344g wheelset weight, claimed +/- 5% (624g front & 720g rear)
- 100kg (220lb) rider + gear weight limit (not including bike weight)
- for road use only (ASTM1 certified)
- 100% Made in Germany
Bike Ahead BiTurbo Aero 2.0 – Pricing & availability
The new Bike Ahead BiTurbo Aero 2.0 wheels sell for 4000€, including tubeless valves & a wheelbag. The carbon wheels, handcrafted in Würzburg, Germany, are available now from Bike Ahead retailers globally.
