In 2025, choosing a pair of wheels is a bit like looking for a needle in a haystack. Between the plethora of offers and prices that are always climbing higher, it's hard to find your way around! Today, we're going to talk to you about Roadborn, a French brand that is still discreet but clearly deserves our attention. And for that, we have testand two pairs of wheels from their Wide range. Our verdict after two months of use.
By David Polveroni – Photos: DR
Roadborn is a small French gem that manufactures its carbon wheels near Le Mans.. Created in 2016, the brand focuses on artisanal production, with montagis by hand and real quality control. In short, we are on serious, local, and above all, reliable.
Their range route is divided into three categories:
• Access : the entry-level option to discover Roadborn without breaking the bank.
• Pro : with narrower rims (18 mm internal) and in-house hubs, perfect for demanding cyclists.
• Wide : wheels with 21 mm wide rims and DT Swiss DT350, 240 or 180 hubs. Spoiler: this is the range we have testee!
In the Wide range, two models particularly caught our eye:
• Wide 38 with DT350 hubs, at €1 for 549 g.
• Wide 50 with DT240 hubs, a little more expensive (€1), but still 749g per pair.
And a little exclusive: I've been told in my earpiece that Roadborn is preparing a brand new pair for March. We won't tell you more for the moment, but stay tuned, it could be very interesting!
The models in detail: wheels who throw some
The Roadborn Wide 38 and 50 mm are above all a sober and elegant look. The 38 mm play the discretion card with black stickers under varnish, while the 50 mm sport white stickers that are a bit reminiscent of the famous Enve wheels. When rolling, the rendering is really cool.
On the technical side, the two models bytaghave a solid foundation:
• Unidirectional carbon rims with technology U Shape for top rigidity and stability.
• For tires, it is system with hooks: it reassures those who are still hesitant to go tubeless. No problem mounting or removing the 26 mm Hutchinson Blackbird tires supplied with it. And if you want to switch to 28 mm or more, no problem either.
• Shelving: classic but effective, with 24 spokes crossed two per wheel. It's reliable, it doesn't move.
On route : 38 vs 50, two different worlds
First impressions: two very distinct personalities. The 50 mm is clearly for riders looking to give their all on fast sections.. With increased lateral rigidity, they respond instantly, but be careful, it's tiring on long rides or passes. And in the wind? Even if they are among the best in their category, it remains more sensitive than the 38 mm.
The 38 mm, however, play on a different table. Lighter under the legs, they offer incredible handling.. Uphill, they climb easily, and downhill, they are a real treat. The hairpins are done without forcing, and they are also very stable. In short, perfect wheels for cyclists looking for versatility and comfort.
Depending on the characteristics of your bike, the choice of rigid or more tolerant wheels will have an impact. Don't see that the most rigid ou The most beautiful but the pair of wheels with which you will be able to go after X hours of effort, or a season of cycling. The ideal pair of wheels does not exist, there will always be a compromise (which is minimized over time) performance/comfort.
And what about comfort? Honestly, the two models are close on this point.. With 26 mm tires inflated to 5 bar, it is both efficient and pleasant. We could even have test28 mm for winter, to gain grip and cushion the roughness depending on the asphalt.
Montagand demontage? No worries, it's as easy as pie. A good point for tubeless beginners.
Quality / price ratio
For the price, it's reasonable. The DT Swiss hubs, especially the 240 version, ensure top reliability. After 3 km, no problems to report. If you're looking for lightweight, reliable, no-fuss wheels, these Rodborn are a great choice..
Final verdict
If you're looking for wheels that combine performance, versatility and reliability, the Roadborn Wide 38mm and 50mm deserve your full attention. The 38mm will be perfect for climbers and all-round riders, while the 50mm will appeal to competitors looking for speed.. And with a new product announced for March, we feel that the brand has not finished surprising us!
The wheels ROADBORN WIDE 38 AND 50 in short… The pros: French and artisanal manufacturing, sober and efficient look, excellent handling of the 38 mm in mytagno, rigidity and reactivity of the 50 mm for competitors, mytage ultra-easy tubeless, reliability of DT Swiss hubs, even after 3 km. Wide 50: Wide 38: Hubs: DT350 – Axis: AT12 – Hub width: 100mm / 142mm – Rims: Coal - Height: 38 mm – External width: 28 mm – Internal width: 21 mm – Rays: PILLAR Wing – Bearings: DT SWISS – Freewheel: Ratchet 18 – Compatibility: Shim/Campa/XDR – Weight (tires): 1509 g - Price: € 1549 - Contact : www.roadbornwheels.com |
