Entry-level wheelsets often compromise hub quality to hit price points, leaving riders with engagement systems that skip under power or bearings that develop play within a season. The Ritchey Zeta Classic V2 Disc addresses this common failure point by pairing aluminum rims with the same Phantom Flange hub design found in Ritchey's WCS-tier wheels, delivering reliable engagement and smooth bearing action at a price that makes sense for training wheels, backup sets, or builds where the budget needs to go elsewhere.

The rim profile measures 22mm internal width, a dimension that supports tire sizes from 28mm road rubber through 40mm gravel casings without excessive squaring or sidewall stress. Tubeless compatibility comes standard, allowing riders to run lower pressures for improved grip and comfort once appropriate tape and valves are added. The 24-spoke front and 28-spoke rear lacing pattern prioritizes durability and ease of truing over absolute weight savings, a practical choice for wheels likely to see mixed surfaces and demanding conditions.

Phantom Flange hubs use a ratchet-style freehub mechanism with 36 points of engagement, translating to 10-degree pickup that responds quickly when you resume pedaling after coasting through technical sections or group ride surges. The freehub body accepts Shimano HG spline cassettes across 8, 9, 10, and 11-speed configurations, covering the range of drivetrains most commonly found on gravel and endurance road builds. Center Lock rotor mounting accommodates standard 6-bolt rotors via adapter if needed.... Read More