When Mad Fiber wheels were first introduced, they certainly got a lot of attention. Their construction and the fact that they are made in the US even attracted the interest of the Discovery Channel for one of their How It’s Made segments. Building on the success of the original Mad Fiber wheel, the next generation Road 2.0 is here with a host of impressive improvements.
The new wheels are more polished, more colorful, stiffer, stronger and more.
While the front sees a few changes, most of the structural changes have been applied to the rear. Instead of the previous alternating spoke pattern, the rear spokes now intersect at the rim which improves on radial strength, and lateral stiffness (+15%) of the already impressive original wheel. The new design is said to improve dish, true, and roundness – which due to the design of the wheels once the rim is set, it can’t go out of true.
The rear hub also sees the introduction of a new freehub moving to an 11 speed compatible aluminum model rather than the Ti White Industries model used previously. Not only is the new freehub 10/11 speed compatible, but it is interchangeable with Campy freehub bodies as well. Both front and rear wheels will now include aluminum axles instead of the ChroMo steel axles along with locking bearing preload adjusters. To keep the wheels rolling smooth the hubs have a new Garolite bearing seat, which is a fiber reinforced plastic which will bond better to the hub shell and offer better durability. Mad Fiber wheels will still be offered in steel or ceramic bearing options, though Ceramic Speed bearings will be used thanks to a partnership with the company.
Due to refinements in their carbon processes, the finish of the actual carbon work has been improved as well. Purely cosmetic, the rear hub and backs of the spokes in particular now have improved finishes with a smoother look.
As another request from consumers and bike shops, the new wheels are now offered in all black/stealth, gray/red, gray/blue, and gray/orange graphics with stock options remaining white for tubular wheels and gray/white for clinchers. The rims remain at 60/66mm front and rear weigh in at 1050g for tubulars and 1280g for clinchers per pair.
The quick release skewers are improved as well, going to an internal cam design for better clamping power. Now feating a hollow steel shaft instead of Ti, and a carbon skewer blade, the 79g skewers are still light but are stronger than the previous models increasing clamping force, and improving the handling due to reduced lateral flex. Ti skewers will still be available for lighter riders and weight weenies.
Road 2.0 wheels will be offered in Shimano/Sram or Campy hub options in both clincher and tubie form with your choice of graphics. Steel bearings will run you $2999, while the upgrade to Ceramics will push it up to $3199. Wheels are available now, and include a 2 year warranty that also includes a 2 year crash replacement program. There is still no rider weight restriction.
