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PRODUCT REVIEWS: ON TEST: SPINERGY STEALTH PBO WHEELSET
Road Bike Action
August 19, 2009
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THE STORY
Spinergy Stealth PBO Wheels feature a new, non-metallic spoke technology. PBO spokes are reported to contain over 30,000 microscopic strands of Polyphenylene bensobisoxazole fibers. The fiber bundles are encased in a tough, water- and UV-proof shroud and fitted with aluminum ends. The resulting PBO spoke is three times stronger than a stainless steel spoke and half the weight—and can be tied in a loose knot. The PBO spoke requires a special wrench and uses a straight-pull hub interface. The Stealth PBO model is a medium-depth, aero-profile carbon rim bonded to an aluminum clincher to boost braking performance and to better dissipate heat. The Stealth wheel is billed as a Tri-Sport/TT wheel, but now fits into the “deep as you can ride” axiom of this season’s pro road racers.
TECH
Stealth PBO wheelsets are available in either clincher (our test set) or tubular configurations for Shimano 8-, 9- and 10-speed cassettes and Campagnolo 9- and 10-speed cassettes. The aluminum-body freehub can be switched easily, and parts are available online should you make the move from Japan to Italy or vice versa. The carbon rim profile is 43 millimeters deep, and the braking tracks, as mentioned, are aluminum. Spoking is 16 radial up front and 20 cross-two in the rear. Spinergy’s hubs are exotic, with the Force Ten rear unit using a wild flange design that captures the barrel-headed spoke ends in-line with the spoke tension. The front hub uses a hidden spoke capture similar to Shimano Dura-Ace, which is quite beautiful, and both hubs have aluminum axles. The white color of the Spinergy PBO spokes is in the coating, and wheels are sold with either black or white spokes.
Stealth PBO wheels are equipped with Spinergy quick releases, which are redesigned with a new cam action, spoke wrenches and rim strips. Weight for the 700-C wheelset without QR levers is 1695 grams (1595 grams in optional 650-C diameter). The price is right around $1000.
THE RIDE
Spinergy advertises the Stealth PBO system as a low-rotational-mass wheelset that offers better acceleration. We didn’t find this to be their selling point, though. When compared to similar, top-of-the-line, medium-depth racing wheels, the Stealth PBO system felt heavier at low speeds and during initial acceleration. Once up to speed, however, the Spinergy aero wheels were easy to keep on pace. We liked the tight feeling wheels at speed while descending, and while we are on the subject, there is no substitute for an aluminum braking track when squeezing the levers in anger—or wet conditions. Surprisingly, the Stealth PBO wheels were unaffected by crosswinds—less so than semi-aero wheels with half their profile.
RBA SAYS
The good news is that Spinergy sells a true aero wheel that can be used for both road racing and time trial efforts without the worry of side-wind instability. Those who want one wheel that can be used for training and competition might choose the Spinergy Stealth PBO because its non-metallic spokes and sturdy composite rims are nearly unbreakable and still competitively lightweight in the clincher classification. Those who can afford specific racing wheels, however, will want a faster-accelerating road racing wheelset.
PRICE: $1000
WEIGHT: 1695 grams (pair)
INFO: www.spinergy.com
BONUS POINTS: Strong, lightweight, cross wind stability
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