Miche easily falls into the category of “historical cycling brands.” The Italian company, founded over 100 years ago, first manufactured both motorcycles and bicycles. It later transitioned to bicycle components, becoming one of the first companies to produce a quick-release wheel.
In recent years, Miche has focused heavily on wheel manufacturing, especially in the aerodynamic/carbon corner of the market. And despite all the lightweight and aero wheels they’ve released, Miche is still pushing the boundaries of development. To that point, the new Deva RD is the brand’s lightest and most aerodynamic wheelset to date.
Miche Deva RD Areo Rims
Miche’s goal in designing the Deva RD wheelset was to deliver on three fronts. First, they wanted to create a rim profile with the highest aerodynamic performance possible. This, of course, needed to be balanced with the other two goals Miche had with the Deva RD wheels: stiffness and weight.
Testing was spread across four preliminary designs, ultimately resulting in two different NACA profiles being tested. Two spoke cross-sections were also tested, and eventually two complete rim prototypes (made from aluminum) were tested to test rim/tire integration and aero performance.
In the end, Miche collected data over a full 24 hours of wind tunnel testing.
The result is a rim with a T700/T800/T1000 carbon structure and a 23mm internal width. Miche settled on differentiated-profile configurations for the Deva RD and two rim-depth options.
Option one is a 52mm-deep rim with a 33mm (outer width) front rim and a 31mm rear rim. Option two increases the rim depth to 62mm, with a 31mm front rim paired with a 30mm rear rim.
Miche claims that a larger rim profile up front reduces airflow resistance, enhancing performance in real-world riding conditions. The narrower rear rim strikes a balance between the aero performance Miche seeks and weight savings.
And saving weight is exactly what they achieved. The Deva RD 52 tips the scales at 1305g, while the deeper Deva RD 62 wheels add 70g.
Centered Around Performance
At the center of the Deva RD wheels are the Deva RD hubs. Using incredibly precise CNC machines, Miche cuts the hubs from solid Ergal 7075 T6 billet. Flange geometry on the front wheel increases the camber angle, improving steering and handling by increasing lateral stiffness. Using a combination of Ergal and titanium for the pawls balances weight and strength on the rear wheel.
The Deva RD hub uses a Shimano HG freehub body and center-lock brake mounts. SRAM XDR and Campagnolo N3W freehubs are also available.
Miche also went with carbon fiber for spokes—marking the first time the brand has done so. The Vonoa spokes are built with a 4x1mm cross-section, and attach to the rim with hidden, integrated nipples. Miche also mentions their Aeroblade technology stating, “3D-printed in carbon-filled resin, [it] stabilises spoke alignment and protects the system from contaminants.” If it’s the same system as their Kleos wheels, this seems to be an aerodynamic cover at the hub that covers the spoke heads.
Each Deva RD wheel uses 21 spokes, down from the typical 24 on other Miche wheels. This reduction is partially due to the rigidity of the carbon spokes. It is also due to the asymmetrical lacing pattern, with 14 drive-side spokes and 7 non-drive-side spokes. Miche claims this design provides the combination of control, responsiveness, and weight savings they desired in the Deva RD wheelsets.
If carbon spokes weren’t enough, Miche also partnered with CeramicSpeed, using double-sealed ceramic bearings in the hub.
Deva RD Details
The Deva RD 52
- 52mm x 33mm front
- 52mm x 31mm rear
- Deva RD hub
- 21 Aeroblade carbon spokes
- Tire compatibility 28-38mm
- 1305g
- Price starts at €3,200 (~$3733.56)
The Deva RD 62
- 62mm x 31mm front
- 62mm x 30mm rear
- Deva RD hub
- 21 Aeroblade carbon spokes
- Tire compatibility 28-38mm
- 1375g
- Price starts at €3,200 (~$3733.56)
See all the details at miche.it.
