Test long duration of RAR AURA: French excellence

Choosing a pair of wheels is often a headache, given the sheer plethora of options. Between Chinese brands with attractive prices and European brands with expertise reconnaked, it can sometimes be difficult to find your way around. For this long-term test of more than 8000 km, we chose to stick with a 100% French product, made in Maubeuge: the RAR AURA 40. High-performance wheels, extremely light, but also at an exceptional price.

By David Polveroni – Photos: DR

RAR (RAR Artisanal Wheels) is a company founded by Adrien Gontier, a passionate French craftsman who develops and assembles his wheels by hand. The brand is reconIt is known for its cutting-edge technical approach, with high-performance, custom-made products and meticulous attention to detail. Its models are distinguished by unique craftsmanship that rivals prestigious brands like Lightweight.

We have already had the opportunity to tester almost their entire range in the past, and it is with great pleasure that we agreed to try the promising RAR AURA 40.

An extraordinary weight

With only 1060g announced for the pair in 40 mm height, who wouldn't dream of it? For comparison, most competing wheels in this category weigh between 1300 and 1400 g. RAR achieves this exceptional weight thanks to optimization work on each component.

The rims are designed in carbon with dimensions optimized for performance, offering an internal width of 21 mm and an external width of 28 mm. They are compatible with both clinchers and tubeless and, crucially, they are hooked. Many brands choose hookless rims (hookless) to save weight, but here, safety remains a priority. Weighing only 340 g, they guarantee lightness and efficiency.

The spokes, designed with a hybrid technology combining high modulus carbon and titanium, provide up to 300% greater strength than the best steel spokes while being lighter. This innovation allows for greater rigidity and optimal responsiveness.

The hubs have been completely redesigned for perfect integration of the carbon spokesThey are available with CyclingCeramic bearings, favoring fluidity and efficiency, or SKF bearings, reconnaked for their robustness and durability. Their design is a true technical feat: despite the use of durable materials such as steel for the sung crowns, they have a remarkably low mass.

Two different bikes

For this test, we mounted the RAR AURA 40 on two bikes with different stiffnesses, but designed with the same objective: to climb fast. The first, the Girs KOM, is a rigid and light bike, perfectly suited to mountain routestagThe second, the Factor O2 VAM, offers an even more high-end frame, specially designed for thetagne.

Regarding the tires, two configurations were testées. The first, a montage classic with Continental GP5000 in 25 mm combined with RideNow TPU chambers, allows for an ultra-light configuration. The second, in tubeless, uses Blackbird in 26 and 28 mm to improve both comfort and grip.

From the first time you pick it up, the difference is noticeable. With 500 grams less than the montagThe previous one, the gain in lightness is immediately felt, offering a sensation of increased responsiveness and agility.

On route : sensations and performances

At the first turns of the wheel, the AURA 40 impressesThe whistling of the tires is reminiscent of the tubulars of yesteryear. The wheels seem to want to accelerate on their own, with an astonishing ability to relaunch. On the flat, the performance is excellent, and the low inertia does not translate into a lack of stability, especially when going downhill.. It doesn't move!

More It is uphill that these wheels really come into their own. As soon as you have to dance, they reveal exceptional dynamism. Each pedal stroke is enhanced, giving the impression of a more fluid and efficient climb. After 200 km, we feel less fatigue than with other wheels, proof that the controlled rigidity and comfort of carbon spokes play a key role.

The tubeless experience has further enhanced this comfort. The switch to Blackbird tires in 26 and 28 mm has allowed a notable gain in absorption of roughness without sacrificing dynamism. On the descents, stability is reassuring: The stiffness of the spokes and the design of the rim ensure excellent control, even on uneven surfacesTheir maneuverability is also a strong point, offering great precision in tight turns.

Reliability and durability

After 8000 km in varied conditions, from temperatures of -7°C to spring days, the wheels showed no signs of premature wearThe only maintenance required was a lubrication of the freehub body after a few very wet rides. The CyclingCeramic bearings (another French touch!) smoothed out after a few hundred kilometers.

Price and positioning

These exceptional performances come at a price:

– With CyclingCeramic bearings: 4859 €

– With SKF bearings: 4499 €

- RAR Exalt (more accessible model with Sapim spokes): 2999 €

Conclusion: should we give in?

The price of RAR AURA 40 may raise questions, but it remains in the same range as competing models like the Lightweight. It's not the same manufacturing process, but both have their arguments.

While some Chinese brands offer more affordable alternatives, what about the design, quality of materials, and French craftsmanship? These wheels are not just a mass-produced product, they embody a unique approach to handmade, with attention to detail and a requirement that justifies their positioning.

For cyclists on a tighter budget, the Exalt's little sisters carry over some of the elements, but with notable differences: the rim fibers are of higher modulus on the Aura, the hubs have been redesigned and integrate a steel notched crown mechanism. This allows for a reduced weight while guaranteeing exemplary durability.

If your budget allows, go for it. You won't regret it!

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