HED brings the extra width of the 25mm Ardennes Plus clincher rim to the track. This stout, aero aluminum rim carries from tires from 22mm wide, so whether training or racing, the Ardennes Plus Track Clincher Wheelset can deliver serious speed, stability, and a very smooth ride. Please keep in mind, that these robust track wheels do not have a brake track so using them as a standard single speed set-up with a brake is not possible. If you live a brake-free lifestyle, the choice is yours, though we recommend you adhere to local law regarding brake requirements.

The rims are laced to HED's machined aluminum, bolt-on Sonic Track hubset. Standard track spacing is 100mm front, 120mm rear, and the cog and lock-ring threading is English standard. Both front and rear feature 24 bladed, j-bend steel spokes, laced 2x. The spoke and lacing choice ensures a laterally stiff wheel that is highly resistant to impact, and is easier to bring to vertical true than a higher tension radial version. The Sonic Track hubs feature a stainless steel axle and track nuts, with sealed cartridge bearings. The whole assembly feels solid, reliable, and prepared for heavy use on the track.

Our take is that the Ardennes Plus Track Clincher Wheelset will appeal to riders, particularly larger, more powerful cyclists who train and race on concrete, paved, or cinder tracks. The high quality of cost-effective clinchers can bear up the rough surfaces and the wheels themselves can handle the rough and tumble world of non-Olympic track events. This is not to say riders won't appreciate the stiffness and stability on boards, but most riders will opt for tubulars indoors on wood. We can appreciate the overall high quality and durability that HED has delivered here, and we expect track cyclists at velodromes from East Point to Redmond, Queens to Boulder Valley, and every other great track venue in the US, to be riding on the black with HED.