Until the advent of Artech, Scope’s R-series were their top-tier race-ready wheels across all disciplines. Now the R-series gets a major overhaul, adopting a lot of the aerodynamics and high-performance lightweight tech, but at less than 1/2 the price. Sure, you don’t get biomimicry fish-scale aerodynamic rim textures or 3D-printed scandium alloy hubs. But you do get the same aero rim shapes, top-tier carbon construction, premium wheelbuilds, and impressive light weights at a more attainable price.
Upgraded Scope Race R-series aero carbon (all) road wheels
Scope describes the R-series as “race-bred performance derived from the revolutionary Artech“. Until about a year and a half ago with the introduction of the super-expensive Artech series, the Race series has always been their top-tier, but affordable wheel range. Scope have done R-series wheels for road, all-road, gravel, and triathlon. We first tested them all the way back in 2017 & 2018. And this new lineup continues to be where you can get the best performance out of Scope’s aero carbon wheels for under two grand. Remember, these flashy Artech wheels sell for over four grand – $4400 / 4000€ for a pair.
Scope sells the R-series for about 60% less. Not cheap, but much more affordable.
Same aero rim shapes, just smooth
The first thing you notice about the Artechs is their fish-scaled rim texture.
The R-series is smooth, but keeps the same wind tunnel-proven “Algorithm Enhanced Aerodynamics” 2.0 aero shapes. Scope sticks with their claim that the ‘Aeroscales’ exclusive to the A-series still provide “a significant reduction in drag at yaw angles both above and below 10 degrees”.
But their latest Silverstone wind tunnel tests show that the simpler R-series also outperforms a lot of the heavy-hitter competition available in the market.
New R-series hubs
Beyond the smooth rims are smooth hubs. Another big difference between these new R-series wheels and Scope’s Artech are their new lightweight CNC-machined R-series aluminum hubs. Their overall design is based on the topological study of the Artech hubs, just produced with more conventional manufacturing. They are now “lighter, stiffer, and more durable” than the previous R-series, just not wildly 3D-printed.
The new hubs feature Scope’s Diamond Ratchet engagement, mechanical labyrinth seals, and straight-pull flanges designed for bladed T-head spokes without worrying about spoke twist.
Tech details
- all-new R-series wheels feature aerodynamic shapes adopted from the Artech-series
- carbon rims are all tubeless-ready, with local fiber reinforcement to balance strength & stiffness with light weights
- 23mm hooked internal Road R-series (31mm external x 45mm or 65mm deep)
R4 at 1349g, R6 at 1525g - 23mm hooked internal Triathlon R-series
- 25mm hooked internal All-Road R-series (33.7mm external x 45mm or 65mm deep)
R4.A at 1398g, R6.A at 1579g - 28mm hookless internal Gravel R-series (38mm external x 45mm deep)
R4.G at 1439g - new R-Series alloy centerlock disc brake hubs with 36T Diamond Ratchet SL engagement
- built with T-head straight pull Sapim CX-Ray bladed aero spokes & internal nipples; 21 front & 24 rear
- all freehubs available: Shimano HG, Shimano MicroSpline, SRAM XD-R, original Campagnolo, and Campagnolo N3W
- all wheels are hand-built with no rider weight limits
- 3-year standard warranty
- lifetime crash replacement policy
Scope Race R-series wheels – Pricing, options & availability
The new Scope R-series wheels are available across the Dutch wheel brand’s complete lineup – road & triathlon, all-road, and gravel. Road R4 & R5, tri R8.T, all-road R4.A & R5.A, and gravel R4.G wheelsets all sell for the same $1800 / 1700€ pricetag. The new gravel and triathlon (& time trial) wheels will be available in March 2026, with the $900 / 850€ R8.T front wheel also sold separately for racers looking to pair it with the $1900 / 1800€ R.Disc disc rear wheel.
The road and all-road R-series are available direct from Scope online now, with either bright white or stealthy black logos. Then, you get to pick whatever free hub you need, including Shimano HG, MicroSpline, SRAM XDR, Campagnolo, or Campy N3W. You can also order them via Scope’s official global dealer network.
