The WCS Zeta II Wheelset from Ritchey is a great example of how blending proven design and new standards can lead to the development of a truly great new product. Years ago Ritchey pioneered the off center rim (OCR) technology that is a mainstay of rear rim and wheel development today. Rims today are getting wider, lighter and stiffer. Combine the two concepts with a new hub design, a unique use of j-bend spokes, and tubeless compatibility and you have the WCS Zeta II. At just 1440 grams for the pair, this handbuilt, lightweight wheelset features aerospace grade aluminum alloy, precision machined braking sidewalls and premium quality bearings. It also has a few tricks up it's sleeve.

While suitable for any road, cross or gravel application, this stable and strong wheelset features a rear axle/ freehub system that was designed with Ritchey Break-Away or other travel bikes in mind. The tool-free design allows for quick dis-assembly, but is made of self-contained parts. The 6 pawl, 12-point micro clutch engagement system does not have any small, loose parts that could be easily lost or misplaced. You can remove the axle and freehub for travel, creating an almost flat-pack rear wheel. Anyone who has ever packed a travel bike will understand how valuable space is, and how this immediately makes packing easier while reducing potential damage. The process is simple, quick, and effective.

The hub set itself is sleek and the bearing action is silky smooth. These hubs are called the Phantom Flange design, and on first appearance they appear to be for straight-pull spokes. The Phantom Flange actually hides the fact that j-bend spokes are used, and are easily accessible when a spoke change is required. Anyone who has traveled knows that finding a j-bend replacement is much easier than any other style, and have a reputation for excellent tensile strength. When truing, the spoke will not spin, again making it easier to service when having to carry tools when space and weight are at a premium.

The superlight hub shells are forged, then machined for strength and precision, and at 70 grams for the front and 207 grams for the rear, these beauties are light. The 17mm internal width rims feature proprietary Ritchey extrusion, which creates a rim shape balances ride quality, stiffness and aerodynamics. The OCR rear rim is designed to mate with the rear hub at staggered drive side flanges, which increase the spoke bracing angle and eliminates interference between crossing spokes, resulting in a stiffer, stronger wheel. Brass nipples and DT's New Aero J-bend spokes keep the assembly strong, serviceable, and reliable.

Anyone who is looking for a sub 1500 gram road wheelset with a wider footprint, subtle aero profile, excellent ride quality, lateral stiffness and fast engagement should seriously consider the Ritchey WCS Zeta II. You also get the flexibility to run tubeless tires and, if you are a bike traveler, you have the advantage of the simple axle/ freehub removal system to create space and simplify packing. You get all that at a great price from this industry leader in component design.