Both on the track and on the road, when it comes to improving performance and shaving seconds off the clock, the type of wheels mounted on the bicycle makes a big difference. For this reason, triathletes, track cyclists, and riders competing in time trials pay special attention to the wheels, whether on road bikes or even on some specific models of mountain bikes oriented towards competitive XC.
The choice between clincher or tubular, the type of rim, or the rim material —aluminum or carbon— directly influences the bike's behavior. For example, carbon wheels are not only lighter, but also offer a different feel both when riding and braking. However, if there is one factor that has become increasingly important in high-level cycling, it is undoubtedly aerodynamics.
Aware of this, more and more manufacturers are investing dozens of hours in the wind tunnel to develop wheels that minimize air resistance as much as possible. This has led to a remarkable evolution: from classic wheels with multiple metal spokes to more extreme designs, such as disc wheels or spoke wheels. The latter have been reducing the number of blades —to 6, 5, or even just 3— seeking maximum efficiency against the wind.
Innovation doesn't stop there. The Dutch brand 2-Spoke has developed a revolutionary time trial model with just two spokes. Beyond its striking design, what is interesting is its functionality: according to the company itself, its wheels are capable of transforming crosswinds into speed, offering aerodynamics superior even compared to disc wheels.
The 2-Spoke M5 are presented as the fastest wheels in the world, surpassing in efficiency models with 12, 16 spokes or even the more common 3, 4, 5, or 6 carbon spoke wheels. These types of developments set the path for the future of road bikes, where every detail counts to maximize speed and performance. And although these solutions are designed for very specific use, some of this aerodynamic technology is also beginning to be transferred to cycling segments such as high-performance mountain bikes, especially in marathon or cross-country events, where efficiency is also key.
"The 2-Spoke offer the lowest air resistance of all existing wheels. Even compared to disc wheels! They are currently the fastest wheels in the world"
But are they really capable of generating speed when there is a crosswind? According to engineering data carried out by the brand, a cyclist with the 2-Spoke M5 would gain up to two and a half minutes over another using three-spoke wheels during one hour, provided both pedaled at a constant pace of 51 kilometers per hour. And according to BikeRadar, an independent test showed that the 2-Spoke M5 proved to be more efficient in gusty wind tests. What was done was to measure how long it took the wheel to decelerate when the wind blew from 90 degrees (for example, the time it took to slow down from 56 kilometers per hour to 26 kilometers per hour). The result is that it took less time than other wheels designed for time trials.
Due to the aerodynamics of their design, when there is wind between 10 and 170 degrees (which practically covers the whole spectrum of crosswind), the wheels are able to generate extra thrust. According to the results of the tests carried out, "thanks to the wing shape of the two spokes, the 2-Spoke wheel was the only wheel during the tests that generated speed." What is real and what is marketing in all this? Can wheels really achieve such results? What is your opinion?