Wider, faster, stronger with performance that delivers grip, control and stability, the 700c Discus 45|32 LTD Wheelset was developed to bring out the best of the Exploro and Strada framesets. By moving to a 32mm external width (25mm internal), 3T created a mid-section 45mm profile rim that due to it's shape and design is engineered to perform like a 60mm deep wheel. It's fastest configuration is more Strada oriented, with 28-30mm actual width tires. For Exploro users thinking gravel race and speed, the Discus 45|32 LTD still boosts aero performance. The rim shape allows for the wheel to be incredibly stable in wind conditions on the road or off the beaten track, and keep tire shapes and the footprint more effective on the surface. You can take full advantage of tubeless ready tires and the lower pressures they afford, with the knowledge that 3T has engineered tubeless safety features into the rim as well.

To create the advantages of a shallower rim, like ease of handling in crosswinds, and the speed of a deeper rim 3T employs a unique NoseTail design. By definition rim design is a compromise, because it whatever shape is aerodynamic on the front half doesn’t work so well 180 degrees later when it’s backwards. The NoseTail shape developed by the legendary Dave Kennedy (an aerodynamics professional for over 50 years) and 3T’s Head of Design Gerard Vroomen actually sacrifices some performance on the front half of the wheel in favor of working better on the back half. Not only do the two effects cancel each other out, but the resulting shape also requires less rim depth and better guides the airflow from the rear of the front wheel onto the downtube. It also keeps the rim wider throughout the release of the airflow for a more consistent travel off the tire back to either the downtube, or off the back.

Structurally the rim is a tubeless hooked design, allowing it to be used with tubeless or clincher tires. While hookless designs have been pushed by many manufacturers, 3T believes the slight weight reduction of the design isn't worth the potential safety from better tire retention. This thought process carries into another rim bed feature- the Safety Ridge. This ridge sits in the upper rim bed and helps keep the tire bead between the hook/wall, and out of the center channel in case of too low a pressure, especially in case of flat tire. In many such cases a quickly deflated tire will actually pull off the rim as you slow to a stop, exposing the rim surface damage. This applies to road or gravel, and again, 3T feels the weight of such features is well worth it in safety value. While keeping weight reasonably low, the aerodynamic features are ultimately the most crucial, with safety, durability and others lined up behind. At approximately 1640 grams for the set, the Discus 45|32 LTD Wheelset may not be lightest, but remember it tests the fastest.... Read More