Columbus Components has expanded into the wheel category with the launch of three performance-engineered carbon wheelsets: Cento, Gara and Spirit.
The Italian brand, best known for more than a century of bicycle tubing and component manufacturing, said the move into carbon wheels marks a natural progression for its Columbus Components range.
A new category for Columbus
The new range comprises the Cento, Gara and Spirit wheelsets, each developed around distinct riding intentions while retaining a shared focus on performance and Italian design.
According to Columbus, the wheels have been developed through CFD analysis, wind tunnel testing and laboratory testing, with benchmarking for lateral and torsional stiffness, impact resistance and fatigue resistance.
The Milan-based design team partnered with specialists in carbon composite layup to create aerodynamic D-shaped hooked rims, optimised around wider 28-30mm tyres.
Victor Luis, chairman of Columbus, said: “For over a century Columbus has been a champion of Italian engineering and quality. We were an early pioneer in carbon tubing and now after years of study and rigorous testing, we are excited to expand our range of Columbus Components to meet the exacting needs of performance brands, the frame building community and exacting riders across the world.
“Our goal is as always superior performance with uncompromising Milanese Design.”
The range
The Cento platform includes two models. The Cento 50 is designed as a versatile performance wheelset, using a 50mm deep carbon rim and Columbus Ratchet hub system with ceramic bearings. It weighs 1,440g and is priced at €1,599.
The Cento 62 is positioned as a race-focused option for flat roads and fast courses. It features a 62mm carbon rim profile, Columbus Ratchet hubs, ceramic bearings and carbon spokes. The wheelset weighs 1,470g and is also priced at €1,599.
The Spirit is the lightest wheelset in the new line-up at 1,249g. It uses Columbus’ Integrated Aero hub design, carbon spokes fused directly to the hub flanges, hidden nipples and a 50mm rim profile. The Spirit is priced at €3,999.
The Gara 50 has been developed in collaboration with DT Swiss and is aimed at endurance riding, with a focus on comfort, reliability and long-distance durability. Built around the DT Swiss 240 hub with Ratchet EXP system, it weighs 1,315g and is priced at €2,399.
Key specifications
- Cento 50: 1,440g, 50mm rim depth, 23mm internal / 30mm external rim width, Columbus Ratchet hub, ceramic bearings, €1,599
- Cento 62: 1,470g, 62mm rim depth, 23mm internal / 30mm external rim width, Columbus Ratchet hub, ceramic bearings, €1,599
- Spirit: 1,249g, 50mm rim depth, 23mm internal / 30mm external rim width, Integrated Aero hub, ceramic bearings, €3,999
- Gara 50: 1,315g, 50mm rim depth, 23mm internal / 30mm external rim width, DT Swiss 240 hub, €2,399
