Ultralight Rims

The CCX Ultralight series wheels are some of the lightest carbon rim brake wheelsets on the consumer market. One of the primary reasons is our advanced carbon layup. Our lightweight rims offer extremely low inertia, significantly improving acceleration.

The rims feature 19mm inner widths and 26mm outer widths at the brake track, which then expand to 28.5mm. The narrower brake track allows for increased compatibility with different brake calipers. The brake track is 3K twill and is made with 220 ° celsius, high temperature resin, offering better resistance to heat under heavy braking. The widened external rim width half-way down the rims allows to improved aerodynamics when paired with 25-28c tires, keeping the airflow attached to the rims.

In order to compensate for the additional weight of the valve on tubeless and inner tube setups, we have added carbon fiber to the rim directly opposite of it in order to balance the wheel, creating a smoother ride.

CCX Ultralight series wheels have all passed our standard 90-joule vertical impact test, more than twice the UCI's requirement. Tubeless tape comes pre-installed. Carbon brake pads, spare spokes, and tubeless valves are included in the box.

Decals are laser engraved, giving the wheels a unique look while saving additional weight. Learn more about laser engraving here. 

See here for more information on the difference between Ultralight, Light, and Team version wheels.

Precision Ratchet Hubs

At Particle, we try to avoid marketing trends and tech that don’t offer real world performance gains. For this reason, we have chosen to use the gold standard of hub design, the star ratchet. On our AR1 hubs, we offer both 36T and 54T options depending on how much engagement you prefer. 36T ratchets are recommended for most users due to lower rolling resistance and improved longevity. 54T ratchets are recommended for those who require higher engagement, for example in crit racing.

The AR1's ratchet hub shells and axles have been machined to 0.005mm tolerances, lowering rolling resistance and improving bearing longevity. The ratchet mechanism features a single wave-form spring, applying pressure more evenly to the ratchets with less force, ensuring smoother operation and less rolling resistance.

Servicing is simple, as no tools are required. Star ratchets are also simple to clean and replace.

Carbon Spokes

In order to push the limits of what a performance wheelset can be, CCX Ultralight wheels come with both 3rd generation and 4th generation spokes replaceable carbon spokes. 3rd gen and 4th gen spokes weigh just 3.5 and 2.1 grams respectively including nipples. Our 5.2mm 3rd generation spokes offer the best when it comes to aerodynamics and lateral stiffness, while our 3.2mm 4th generation carbon spokes are the lightest spokes commercially available and offer a comfortable ride similar to steel spokes. Both spokes are less than 1mm thick. 4th generation spokes achieve such a low weight due to titanium spoke heads and threads as well as a new profile.

One thing that not well-known is that not all replaceable carbon spokes are made the same. After comparing the carbon spokes from several manufacturers, we have settled on what we feel is the future. Spokes are mechanically secured so they do not twist, ensuring they always stay in the most aerodynamic orientation. Our 4th generation carbon spokes offer significantly better compliance, giving you extra comfort with a weight reduction of 50 grams.

Our carbon spokes have been thoroughly tested and can survive more than 4000 newtons of tension, as opposed to steel spokes, which break under loads of between 2600-3200 newtons. We even provide spare spokes in the box.

Steel and Ceramic Bearing Options

One of the most overlooked parts of a wheelset is the bearings. The CCX Ultralight series comes exclusively with TPI steel and ceramic bearings depending on the hub. The front hub uses large 15267 bearings, improving durability, increasing longevity, and reducing rolling resistance. The rear hub uses 15267 and a 6802 bearings, and each freehub uses two 6802 bearings. Our bearings use mixed contact seals to protect them from contamination, improving longevity, while offering low rolling resistance.

TPI steel and ceramic bearings have improved seals and tighter tolerances compared to the competition, increasing their lifespan. 

For more information about steel vs ceramic bearings, please see this article.