Kotavelo R30, 28mm Full Alloy wheelset
Our objective with this model was to create the strongest, fastest, most affordable training wheel possible. We had a good look at the Como wheel we'd had excellent sucess with in the past, we looked at how we could make them lighter, faster and more aero while keeping the price as low as possible and without impacting on the durability that the Como was famous for.
We took a hub we knew well and instead of taking the cheaper route with loose bearings we stuck with the more expensive sealed bearings which are maintenance free and give a longer service life.
We used a 3.2mm bladed aero spoke because we wanted them to be strong but also fast and we used Brass nipples to give the longest possible service life and for easy maintenance, we used a steel freehub for maximum life. Like all our models the spokes & bearings are generic items easily purchased locally, no need for genuine spares although we have them in stock if you need them.
The outcome? We smashed our target weight of 2kg with this model coming in at only 1700 grams for the set! What started out as a dedicated training wheel ended up easily good enough for club racing and as light as wheels costing double the price.
If you can find a better priced, more durable, faster, lighter, better looking set of wheels for less than we're asking for the Kotavelo R30 - buy them!
Specifications
| | Front | Rear |
| Rim (size) | 700C | 700C |
|---|
| ETRTO | 19-622 | 19-622 |
| Rim Type | Pinned Alloy Clincher | Pinned Alloy Clincher |
| Rim Finish | Anodized Black | Anodized Black |
| Rim Width | 17.3 ID / 22.9 OD | 17.3 ID / 22.9 OD |
| Rim Depth | 28.05mm | 28.05mm |
| Spokes | 20 | 24 |
|---|
| Shape | 3.2mm Double Butted Aero | 3.2mm Double Butted Aero |
| Material | Sandvik Stainless Steel | Sandvik Stainless Steel |
| Nipple Material+Gauge | Brass PB15 | Brass PB15 |
| Spoke Brace | n/a | n/a |
| Lacing | Radial | 2-Cross |
| Hub | | |
|---|
| Bearings (#) | 2 (Japanese EZO) | 4 (Japanese EZO) |
| Freehub Type | n/a | Shimano |
| Freehub Switchable | n/a | No |
| Freehub Material | n/a | Steel |
| Axle Width (O.L.D.) | 100mm | 130mm |
| Axle Material | Steel | Steel |
| Skewer Type | QR | QR |
| Weight (no skewer) | 740 g | 960 g |
|---|
|
Compatible with Shimano 11 speed standard as well as 8,9 and 10 speed cassettes using supplied spacer.
Customer Reviews
I purchased these wheels in Jul 2020 for a gravel bike build, and have done over 1200km now. I paired them with WTB Riddler 700x37c tyres and they have been great. Bearings roll beautifully, rims are still true and I couldn't ask for anything more. Really nice set of budget wheels and I've taken them on some rough terrain. The weight was a bit higher than listed, but I wasn't too fussed as I prefer them to be stronger rather than lighter.Justin (Mar 04 2022, 12:18 pm)
Had these wheels for about 6 months now and I was just rolling along today in some early spring sunshine and could not help being impressed with these beautiful wheels! Quick, smooth, and strong. Thanks KotaveloPatrick (Oct 01 2020, 19:13 pm)
First ride on the R30 wheels this morning ... SOO SMOOOTH And I love the quieter prawls!Cameron (Aug 09 2020, 11:09 am)
Just a 100kg MAMIL type person doing weekend rides of about 100kms. I've been riding for 20 years and didn't think my Shimano Ultegra wheels could be beaten for roll and feel. These Kota Velos are better, faster and stronger! These are not cheap wheels, they are high quality wheels at an amazing price - Thank You Kota VeloPatrick (Jul 19 2020, 15:25 pm)
Debated whether to buy these as I'm 98kg and use them to commute 30k/day raining or not on potholded rural and town roads, didn't know if the low cost would reflect their durability. Needn't have worries, over 1000ks, some big potholes and train tracks but they are still as true as when they arrived. They're marginally heavier than my Ultegra rims but not something I've noticed. Stickers needed to be re-stuck down when they first arrived but only took a couple of minutes and no problems since.Lee (Nov 21 2017, 18:16 pm)
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