Shimano Dura-Ace WH-7801 Carbon wheels review

Shimano wheels already have a very strong following with the cost-effective WH-500 and entry level 550, but the Dura-Ace WH-7801 is the company's flagship model.

Our rating

4.5

Published: July 3, 2007 at 11:00 pm

Our review
Worth the money if you're fit enough for serious time trialling service

Shimano wheels already have a very strong following with the cost-effective WH-500 and entry level 550, but the Dura-Ace WH-7801 is the company's flagship model. Using a carbon deep section sprint rim (there's an aluminium rim Dura-Ace available too) and aero spokes, it is intended primarily for time trialling and road races on flat roads.

The angular contact bearings have a little more friction than, say, a pair of Corima Aero wheels - they don't spin quite as long when you turn them, but in our experience they should provide very long service without needing attention. The rim has a lenticular (lens- shaped) section so they are relatively unaffected by crosswinds, and their low weight makes them feel quick over gradients.

The spoke heads are effectively locked into place in the bed of the rim so they will never shake loose, though an out-of-true wheel can be corrected by adjusting the nipples at the hub-end of the wheel if the need arises.

Despite the fact that they are compatible only with Shimano 10-speed systems, they recently won the German IF product design award out of 2,000 entries. They're stiff, light, strong and well designed, though a little pricey.

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