Topolino News
The Continuum wheel series is being released at Interbike 2008. Production for the bladed steel spoke Continuum wheels is slated for late fall at the Topolino Technology HQ in Bethel, Connecticut.
Although steel spokes have been used on bicycle wheels since the 1800's, the choice of spoke material is the only traditional thing about the new Continuum wheelset series. The wheels will be offered in 30mm deep clincher and 50mm deep carbon tubular specifications, named AR3.0 and VR5.0 respectively. To say that these wheels are sexy is an understatement. The 1555 gramVR5.0 wheelset combines brains and beauty at an ultra-competitive price that will have aero mavens, TT specialists, and multi-sport athletes drooling.
As Topolino's chief engineer and company owner, Rafe Schlanger commented, "The Continuum wheels use the same proven hub internals and through the hub spoke technology as our carbon/Kevlar spoked Carbon Core series wheels."
The VR5.0 wheels have the deepest rim section of any Topolino wheels to date. Their bladed steel spokes flow continuously from one side of the rim through the carbon composite hub where they are locked in place all the way to the other side of the wheel. This unique, signature Topolino technology allows for an uncommonly long aero bladed section, and significantly decreases spoke stress at the hub. The topolino design increase durability, and provides superior ride quality achieved through tangential (rather than radial) spoke lacing. The Continuums' spokes act as an integral part of the spoke flange of Topolino's innovative hub shell, and are solidly supported within its carbon composite material.
The VR5.0 tubular has 16 front and 24 rear stainless steel bladed spokes. The Continuum rear wheel deploys its 24 spokes in 2:1 arrangement with 16 spokes on the drive side and 8 spokes on the non-drive side of the wheel. This 2:1 drive side to non-drive side ratio balances the tension of the wheel and increases lateral stiffness. The result is great strenght and power transmission to the road. Continuum wheelsets are available in Shimano 8/9/SRAM, Shimano 10 and Campagnolo 10/11 configurations.
VR5.0 wheelset pricing is yet to be finalized, but is targeted at $1600.00
Just like every Topolino wheel each VR5.0 will be built by hand in the Bethel, CT factory. Coninuum series wheels are expected to be available in February 2009. Dealers will be able to view and order the exciting new Continuum wheels ehen they visit Topolino's Interbike booth this month in Las Vegas.
