Deep-section wheels exist to cheat physics, and the physics involved rewards commitment. At 60mm of rim depth, the Campagnolo Bora WTO 60 operates in territory where aerodynamic gains compound measurably with speed—the faster you ride, the more the wheels return on your investment. Drag increases with the square of velocity, which means a wheel that saves 5 watts at 35 kilometers per hour saves considerably more at 45, and the savings accelerate from there. This mathematical reality explains why time trialists, triathletes, and flat-road specialists gravitate toward deeper profiles despite the handling tradeoffs that shallower wheels avoid. The Bora WTO 60 represents Campagnolo's answer to riders who have decided the tradeoffs favor speed.
Wind tunnel development gave the Bora WTO its name—Wind Tunnel Optimized—but Campagnolo's testing extended beyond the controlled conditions where many aerodynamic claims originate. Real-world wind rarely arrives directly head-on; it shifts constantly as riders change direction, as terrain funnels airflow, and as crosswind components interact with forward motion. The Bora WTO 60 rim profile was developed across a range of yaw angles, with particular attention to the 12 and 19-degree positions where crosswind effects become significant. The resulting teardrop shape smooths airflow from wheel to tire, reducing the turbulence that deep wheels can generate when conditions become less than ideal.
The C23 designation indicates the 23mm internal rim width that defines the current generation of Bora wheels. This measurement represents a substantial increase from the 19mm internal width of previous models, reflecting the industry-wide recognition that wider rims improve aerodynamic performance when paired with modern tire widths. A 28mm tire mounted on a 23mm internal rim achieves a more rounded profile than the same tire on a narrower rim, smoothing the transition between tire sidewall and rim surface. The hooked rim profile supports tires from 25mm through 35mm, accommodating the full range of rubber that competitive road cyclists actually use.... Read More
Campagnolo's H.U.L.C. construction—Handmade Ultra-Light Carbon—defines the rim manufacturing process that distinguishes the Bora WTO line. The approach optimizes the ratio of carbon fiber to resin, reducing weight while maintaining the stiffness that race wheels demand. This generation of Bora WTO wheels sheds over 100 grams compared to predecessors across all rim depths, with the 60mm version arriving at a claimed weight of 1,460 grams per pair. For a wheel this deep, the number represents a meaningful achievement—previous generations of aero wheels routinely exceeded 1,600 grams and sacrificed acceleration feel in pursuit of high-speed efficiency.
The C-LUX finish eliminates lacquer coatings from the rim surface, saving weight while creating the smooth texture that improves tubeless tire seating. Beyond weight savings, the lacquer-free approach reduces manufacturing steps and potential surface imperfections. The result is a rim that looks polished without the additional material that painted finishes require. Campagnolo applies the C-LUX treatment to the rim bed as well as external surfaces, creating consistent tire bead contact around the entire circumference.
The 2-Way Fit rim profile supports both tubeless and traditional clincher setups without requiring rim tape. Campagnolo achieves this through the MoMag system—Mounting Magnet technology that allows spoke nipples to be guided into position and tensioned without drilling holes through the rim bed. The sealed internal construction eliminates stress concentration points while creating an airtight chamber for tubeless operation. For riders who prefer running tubes or need to install one after a mid-ride puncture, the same rim accommodates standard clinchers without modification.
G3 spoke geometry arranges 24 aero-elliptical steel spokes per wheel in groups of three, using a 2:1 ratio that places twice as many spokes on the loaded side of each hub. The front wheel concentrates spokes on the disc brake rotor side where braking forces demand structural support. The rear wheel places additional spokes on the cassette side where pedaling loads concentrate. This asymmetric pattern achieves balanced tension across all spokes rather than the compromised tensioning that symmetrical patterns impose on asymmetrically loaded wheels. The result is a wheel that transmits power efficiently, maintains trueness longer, and responds precisely to steering and braking inputs.
Aluminum hub construction uses Campagnolo's monolithic design—a single-piece shell that eliminates joints and potential flex points. The hub shape itself underwent wind tunnel optimization, with an hourglass profile that reduces frontal area and smooths airflow around the spoke flanges. USB ceramic cup-and-cone bearings provide smooth rotation with the adjustability that allows precise preload setting. Unlike sealed cartridge bearings that require replacement when wear accumulates, cup-and-cone systems permit adjustment and maintenance with basic tools. Hub spacing follows current standards: 12x100mm front and 12x142mm rear with aluminum thru-axles.
The N3W freehub body accepts Campagnolo 11, 12, and 13-speed cassettes, including configurations with 9 and 10-tooth starting sprockets. An included adapter ring provides compatibility with cassettes that begin at 11 teeth. Alternative freehub options cover Shimano HG11 and SRAM XDR drivetrains, ensuring the wheelset integrates with any modern road groupset. Center Lock rotor compatibility completes the disc brake interface standardization.
Hand assembly by dedicated Campagnolo technicians means each wheel receives individual attention during building and tensioning. Electronic verification instruments check spoke tension balance and trueness before any wheel leaves the facility, ensuring consistency that automated production struggles to match. The process reflects Campagnolo's position that race wheels deserve race-level quality control—spoke tensions stay balanced, lateral and radial runout remain within tight tolerances, and wheels arrive ready for installation rather than requiring immediate shop attention.
The included accessory kit covers tubeless setup requirements: 44mm valves sized appropriately for the 60mm rim depth, valve reducer bushings, and composite tire levers. Transport bags protect the wheels during storage and travel. These details acknowledge that deep-section wheel buyers expect a complete solution ready for race-day installation rather than a parts list requiring additional purchases.
For riders who prioritize the ultimate in bearing performance and weight savings, the Bora Ultra WTO line offers CULT ceramic bearings, carbon front hub construction, and hidden nipples at a higher price point. The standard Bora WTO delivers the same rim technology, spoke geometry, and build quality while keeping the investment more accessible—a meaningful distinction given the substantial cost of any race-quality wheelset.
