Bytagand the publication "The Art of the World"tagand by hand: test VDZ 45-50 mm wheels"
Choosing bicycle wheels in 2025 combines science, instinct, and high standards. Faced with a standardized industrial offering, craftsmanship stands out. Loïc Voodooz, founder of VDZ, unveils a pair of 45/50 mm handcrafted wheels, mounted with Aivee hubs and carbon spokes, designed at the foot of the Pic de Nore in Saint-Amand-Valtirré. A worldtagThe high-end range combines versatility, lightness and personality.
By David Polveroni – Photos: DR
45/50 mm profile: the ideal balance
The 45/50 mm profile is a versatile choice for modern cycling. Aerodynamic on the flat, light on thetagno, this mytage offers a wavy shape inspired by references such as Zipp 353 NSW et Fulcrum SharqAt only 1110 g (depending on Shimano/SRAM/Campagnolo rims and freewheel bodies), these VDZ wheels guarantee uncompromising performance and durability.
Aivee hubs: excellence made in France
Machined in France, Aivee Edition One hubs offer smoothness, reliability, and simplified maintenance thanks to standard bearings. Robust even under high stress, they rival Swiss and Italian standards while supporting local craftsmanship. A patriotic and high-performance choice for demanding cyclists.
Carbon spokes: rigidity and comfort
Carbon spokes, stiffer and lighter (100g weight gain per pair), provide responsiveness to the restart and filter vibrations better than steel. TheirtagThe precise design by Loïc ensures optimal reliability, offering a lively and stable wheel, ideal for passes, fast descents or sprints.
Their implementation cannot be improvised. Loïc, the manager of VDZ, had to adapt histage, its tension, its centering, and above all, demonstrate technical mastery to guarantee total reliability. The result? A lively, precise wheel, which remains calm on high-speed descents while expressing itself at its best on the passes and pushes you to drop a tooth. Unfortunately, this has its limits, and gravity brings you back to your senses
Performance testee in the Alps
TestAfter 10 days in the Stelvio Park during the GF Stelvio Santini, these wheels excel on legendary climbs like the Mortirolo (12 km at 12%) and the Stelvio (25 km at 7%). Combined with Pirelli P Zero TT tires, they outperform high-end models like the Enve 2.3, with remarkable responsiveness and comfort. Be careful, we are in a comparison with exclusive wheels designed for climbing. As said above, the perfect wheel does not exist, but here on this VDZ pair we have an excellent compromise, whether on the flat, on passes, or downhill.
The lateral stiffness is impressive, especially when standing or sprinting, without causing any discomfort. Thanks to the carbon rim/spoke combination, the feel is firm, clean, but never brittle.
These wheels offer, as mentioned previously, elasticity, responsiveness and comfort that make wheels with a price twice as high pale in comparison.
Personalization: a custom-made wheel
VDZ stands out for its 100% personalized approach. Loïc adapts each monthtagand to the cyclist's needs: weight, terrain, type of event (cyclosportive, ultra, montagne), frame, pedaling style and preferences.
Available in 30/35 mm profiles for mountingtagor 60/65 mm for the plain, these wheels are offered at €2300 with carbon spokes or €1800 with Sapim CX-Ray spokes.
New arrival and lifetime warranty
VDZ will soon be launching an ultra-lightweight pair (312g rims, 32mm profile) weighing nearly a kilogram. Each pair comes with a lifetime warranty, underscoring its confidence in craftsmanship. Exceptional value for money for premium wheels.
Verdict: Unique wheels
VDZ wheels combine lightness, controlled rigidity, fluidity, and understated aesthetics. More than a product, they embody a philosophy of artisanal, personalized, and French cycling. For more information, contact VDZ !
