First test of the RAR Aura 40mm wheels, absolute lightness

Every beginning of the year, we all have in mind this desire to discover the new products that will make the difference. Today, the wheels that we have in our hands perfectly embody this quest for excellence: a true technical gem that we would have liked to find under the tree. The RAR Aura are exceptional wheels in more ways than one. Here is our discovery.

By David Polveroni – Photos: ©roues-rar / 3bikes.fr

RAR, an essential assembler (actor!) of high-end wheels

The RAR company, now well established in the French cycling landscape, no longer needs to be introduced. We have already spent many hours testand their wheels, montagexceptional products designed and conceived with exemplary rigor. Here are some of our tests past, which are worth the detour:

• Test long life of the RAR Even 50 wheels and the Even 50 combo / Magnumber 60
• Test long life RAR Exalt 40 Disc wheels
• Test long life of RAR Even 40 wheels with pads
• Test long life RAR wheels Magnumber 60

After a (conclusive) test of the RAR Exalt this summer, Adrien Gontier, the founder, gave us a glimpse of what awaited us for 2025. And here we are: Make way for the RAR Aura, a pair of wheels that pushes the quest for lightness and versatility even further.

Aura RARs: a concentrate of innovation

In a market where carbon spokes are gradually becoming the norm, each new design requires strict specifications and meticulous engineering. After several months of development, the RAR Aura is born, inspired by the Exalt while bringing its share of new features. With a 40 mm deep rim and RAR ESO V2 UL+ hubs (78 g at the front and 168 g at the rear, equipped with CyclingCeramic bearings), The pair weighs an impressive 486g for the front wheel and 590g for the rear, or 1g with rim tape and tubeless valves..

For comparison, these hubs rival Tune Princess in lightness, while offering better compatibility and durability, especially for carbon rays used here.

First impressions

Right from the unpacking, the sobriety of the wheels is striking. Their sleek design fits any bike, and the customization offered by RAR allows them to meet the most specific expectations.. On the scale, the result is impressive. Mounted with ultra-light TPU chambers (30 g each) and 5000 mm Continental GP25 tires, the whole thing remains disconcertingly light.

With a light cassette (a Recon 11-36 equivalent to a Dura-Ace), we observed a gain of almost 700 g compared to a classic configuration (1490g for the wheelset, heavier tires, sealant and Ultegra cassette). But it's not just about weight.

On route : a revelation 

After 500 km of testing on various outings, these wheels reveal their full potential. From the first few turns of the pedal, you can feel a complete transformation of the bike. The low inertia of the wheels recalls the sensations of the old ultra-light tubular wheels: fluidity, liveliness, and an ability to maintain speed without excessive effort. When climbing or when accelerating, the lightness of the wheels translates into incredible responsiveness, particularly appreciable under heavy load. Inflated to 6,5 bars, the tires offer perfect grip and silent rolling, adding to the pleasure of riding.

We have them testated on two distinct configurations: a first generation Factor O2 VAM, a rather flexible bike, and a much stiffer GIRS KOM R. In both cases, the RAR Aura adapted perfectly, offering well-balanced rigidity and optimal comfort.

Provisional conclusion

Are Aura RARs flirting with perfection? For the moment, they totally seduce us with their lightness, their neat aesthetics, and their impressive performances.. We continue our tests to deepen this initial approach and confirm their long-term potential. See you in a few weeks for a full assessment.. But one thing is for sure: RAR continues to push the boundaries of the wheel.

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