Princeton CarbonWorks has announced the release of the Mach 7580 wheelset, claiming it is the lightest and most aerodynamically efficient wheelset in its category.
With Princeton CarbonWorks’ signature variable rim-depth design, the Mach 7580 is also claimed to offer “stable handling in any condition”. Prices start at $3,000, though prices for the lightest builds rise to $3,950.
Filippo Ganna, of WorldTour professional team Ineos-Grenadiers, used a Mach 7580 front wheel combined with the brand’s Blur 633 full-carbon rear disc wheel (rim brake versions) to win a second consecutive title in the elite men’s individual time trial, at the recent UCI World Championships, in Leuven, Belgium.
!["Filippo]("https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2021/12/GettyImages-1341290872-13c359e.jpg?quality=90&resize=619%2C413" "\"94th")
The fastest wheel for every course and every condition and every rider?
Despite not featuring the deepest rim profile available, Princeton CarbonWorks is boldly claiming the Mach 7580 wheelset “does lead in aerodynamic efficiency” and is “the fastest wheel for every course and every condition and every rider”.
Princeton CarbonWorks’ press release doesn’t provide any specific evidence to substantiate these claims, but we have asked it to do so and will update this article when we receive a response.
!["Princeton]("https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2021/12/Princeton-CarbonWorks_Mach-7580_002-8c4e892.jpeg?quality=90&resize=619%2C413" "\"Princeton")
Additionally, the Mach 7580 is said to be “the lightest wheelset in its category”, with the lightest possible disc-brake builds coming in at a claimed 1,495g.
Even in its standard disc-brake form, though, the Mach 7580 wheelset is still relatively light for a wheelset with such deep rims, at a claimed weight of 1,605g.
In comparison, the latest version of Zipp’s 858 NSW wheelset – which features Zipp’s similar NSW “Sawtooth” rim design – has a claimed weight of 1,773g.
!["Princeton]("https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2021/12/Princeton-CarbonWorks_Mach-7580_005-106d3db.jpeg?quality=90&resize=619%2C413" "\"Princeton")
Because of their wavy design, the Mach 7580 rims vary in depth from 75-80mm, with an average rim depth of 77.5mm.
The rims have an internal width of 19mm, and an external width of 26.75mm. In addition to standard bead hooks, the rims also feature an undrilled rim bed, meaning tubeless rim tape is not required to seal the rim when using tubeless road tyres.
That may sound slightly narrow by modern standards, but as a dedicated time trial and triathlon wheelset, the Mach 7580 is likely optimised for 25mm-wide road bike tyres.
!["Princeton]("https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2021/12/Princeton-CarbonWorks_Mach-7580_006-b62cef0.jpeg?quality=90&resize=619%2C413" "\"Princeton")
Princeton CarbonWorks Mach 7580 pricing, builds and availability
Available now in disc- or rim-brake form, prices for the Princeton CarbonWorks Mach 7580 wheelset start at $3,000, a standard build with a choice of hubs and Sapim CX-Ray spokes and Sapim Secure Lock nipples.
The most expensive configurations feature DT Swiss 180 or Tactic Racing hubs and cost $3,950.
!["Princeton]("https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2021/12/Princeton-CarbonWorks_Mach-7580_007-f96ef26.jpeg?quality=90&resize=619%2C413" "\"Princeton")
A test set is on its way to BikeRadar’s senior technical editor road, Warren Rossiter, in the new year, so look out for a full review in due course.