The wheels of the Luxembourgish artisanal brand SH Race have a design that inevitably recalls the famous American brand Princeton. Can we hope for a similar result on the route for four times less? Today, we invite you to join us in our exploration to discover the answer, with this test in-depth look at the all-new SH Race Aero Wave model, designed for pushing the limits of aerodynamic performance with its distinctive wave shape.
By Jean-François Tatard (text and photos)
Welcome to the exciting world of high-end bicycle wheels, where performance meets innovative engineering.. Here are the manufacturer's promises. The wheels are made of high-quality carbon to ensure maximum strength while keeping weight to a minimum. Precision ball bearings ensure smooth rotation and disc hubs allow for efficient braking in all conditions. This wheel model is ideal for cyclists or triathletes looking to improve their speed and performance."
Who is SH Race?
In the world of cycling, every rotation of the wheel carries a unique story, mixing passion, determination and innovation. This is the captivating tale of SH Race, a brand making a name for itself in the high-end carbon wheels space.
The story of SH Race begins with a personal tragedy. In the 90s, Stéphane Huertas, the founder of the brand, a cycling enthusiast and accomplished racer, saw his destiny change when he was the victim of a serious road accident. route. Doctors then told him that he would never be able to practice his favorite sport again. But against all odds, his determination and love for cycling propelled him towards a new beginning. After years of rehabilitation and fighting against obstacles, the founder of SH Race finally found his place on the bike. Driven by his passion for cycling mechanics, he decided to create his own brand of carbon wheels. Thus was born SH Race, a project born from the conviction that wheels are a crucial element of cycling performance.
SH Race intends to quickly distinguish itself through its dedication to quality, precision and responsive customer service. Each product is the result of meticulous development, fueled by passion and the relentless pursuit of excellence. In close collaboration with cycling professionals, including athlete Dany Maffeis, who facilitated our meeting, SH Race aims to achieve the highest standards of performance. Thanks to tests regular and partnerships with renowned manufacturers, SH Race ensures the quality and durability of its carbon wheels. No compromise is made on the quality of the materials used, thus guaranteeing reliable and high-performance products.
SH Race's design philosophy is based on three pillars: performance, quality and service. Each wheel model is designed to provide an optimal balance between lightness, rigidity and aerodynamics, thus meeting the needs of professional and amateur cyclists. SH Race continues to explore new avenues for the future. Future projects, such as specific molds and the expansion of its product range, demonstrate its unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation in the world of cycling.
Le test of the flagship model
At first glance, it is the unique lines of the rims that capture the attention and set these wheels apart from their competitors.. Visually, the SH Race Aero Wave carbon rims immediately bring to mind the Princeton (or even the Zipp 353 NSW), with their biomimicry-inspired design. The distinctive sinusoidal shape adds a unique touch and offers much more than just aesthetics. It provides remarkable weight and stiffness optimization, while improving air penetration, which translates into increased stability, especially when you face the elements, whether it's crosswinds or high speeds.
The version we have testé has a height of 45 mm in the hollows and rises to 50 mm at the top. This technology in wave appears to be the result of meticulous engineering, allowing for an optimal distribution of materials. The hollows are refined, thus reducing the amount of material without compromising strength, while Carbon is strategically reinforced at the spokes to provide maximum strength and unmatched stiffness.
These wheels embody the excellence of the worldtagand high-end craftsmanship, but do not just seduce with their technical performance. They also offer customization options to meet your specific needs and reflect your unique style. On the version compatible with clinchers and tubeless, the external width of the rim reaches 28,5 mm. You can easily mount tires up to 28 mm or more without any constraints.
Our model of test is equipped with SHR One hubs, assembled over the past few months by this genius designer himself, further adding to its sophisticated look and remarkable performance. Every detail is carefully thought out to deliver an incomparable driving experience, where form and function combine harmoniously to maximize performance.
SHR rays made in Europe also, although more conventional, offer proven reliability and ease of replacement if necessary, which is an advantagetagand certain. They are ligatured on the pair that we had in test, confirming the attention to detail and build quality. Aesthetically, it is interesting to note that the red spoke heads are cleverly placed around the valve, adding a subtle but distinctive touch of colour to the whole.
We obviously didn't miss the fact that we were driving with ceramic bearings offering us several advantagestagadditional significant advantages. Their smoother surface reduces friction during rotation, thus improving pedaling efficiency and saving energy. It is difficult to verify their durability on this test where we will have accumulated a little more than 700 km but it seems that in our opinion, their resistance to corrosion guarantees optimal performance in the long term, while their reduced weight contributes to improving the acceleration and handling of the bike. In addition, The properties of these bearings, such as their low coefficient of friction and their heat resistance, ensure constant performance regardless of driving conditions, providing a superior experience to our test.
Regarding performance, the weight announced for the disc version and tubeless ready Aero Wave is 1270g, placing them at the top of the lightest disc wheels we've ever had the chance to test. testThis lightness combined with their solid construction and aerodynamic design makes them a first-rate choice for cyclists looking for optimal performance and versatility on all types of terrain.
Our verdict
The behavior of these wheels combines impressive rigidity with a feeling of absolute control of the pilot.tagis… From the very first moments we were captivated by the incredible reliabilitytestable and the exceptional level of performance of these wheels. They prove to be a real asset in everyday life, offering a perfect combination of rigidity, bearings, lightness, comfort, robustness and reliability. They have brilliantly met each objective, never letting us down. It is even difficult to find negative points, so much have they impressed us.
It is important to note that, although our opinion is subjective, it is in no way a substitute for professional advice. test independent wind tunnel, a resource unfortunately out of reach for our magazine at this stage. Nevertheless, we are confident that our impressions match those you might have when riding high-end wheels from prestigious brands.
What really sets Aero Wave wheels apart is their incredible ability to quickly regain speed when restarting especially in competition, and more particularly on very dynamic circuits. Their very high rigidity is felt instantly, eliminating the need to provide additional effort to regain cruising speed.
With a rim height of between 45 and 50 mm, they offer great versatility, performing just as well on the flat as on climbs.. When the route becomes more abrupt, as in our test in a Provence pass, the lightness of the pair makes all the difference, offering incomparable pleasure during climbs.
The sinusoidal shape of the wheels also turns out to be a pleasant surprise, providing increased stability, especially when the wind blows sideways. As a result of their high rigidity, the pilotage becomes more precise and requires increased attention. Finally, the characteristic sound emitted during gear changes is reminiscent of that of lenticular wheels, a treat for lovers of quality equipment.
Our wheel evaluation was carried out with a montagand tires Tubeless Ready 25mm Michelin Power Cup and 160mm Shimano rotors. It is obvious that these wheels can accommodate tires up to 28mm without any problem. We deliberately set out to run the tires at a low pressure, three times less than the maximum recommended pressure (2 bars instead of 6), and we were surprised to find that this did not affect performance, and this is a testament to the exceptional quality of the wheel. This test particular highlighted the wheel's ability to maintain optimum performance even in unconventional conditions. This thus underlines the wheel's reliability, durability and remarkable efficiency.
IN SHORT, WE LIKED IT
- The unique aesthetics of carbon rims, with a distinctive sinusoidal shape.
- The meticulous engineering of this product ensures an optimal distribution of materials to combine lightness and rigidity.
- The designer's carbon reinforcement strategy at the spokes for maximum strength.
- The binding of the spokes reinforces the structure and thus improves the distribution of loads, thus increasing the durability and stability of the wheel.
- Attention to other details in the worldtage like the red spoke heads around the valve
- The versatility of these wheels, with the ability to accommodate tires up to 28 mm and compatibility with tubeless tires.
- Outstanding performance on all types of terrain.
- Varnishing the wheels after applying the sticker, adding a refined finishing touch to their sophisticated look.
And finally, a competitive price
For a price of €1369, to which you will have to add approximately €300 for the discs, the tires and the Ultegra cassette, this pair of carbon wheels offers an accessibility that sets it apart, making its appeal much wider than that of more renowned brands. This affordability broadens the horizons of cycling enthusiasts, offering the opportunity to benefit from peak performance without emptying the wallet.. Not only will the wheelset visually enhance the aesthetics of your bike, but it will also redefine its behavior on the road. route.
The wheels SH RACE AERO WAVE 50 in short… The pros: responsiveness, versatile profile, stability, aesthetics, sound, value for money It exists in 45, 50 (model of test), 60 and 68 mm high – Different hub options – Weight: 1270 g the pair - Price: €1369 Contact : www.shrace.fr |
