Topolino News
Bethel, CT – Topolino Technology, the leading manufacturer of high performance bicycle wheels, announced that they were recently awarded a grant by the Connecticut Innovations’ SBIDP (Small Business Innovation and Diversification Program).
“Connecticut has a rich history of being at the forefront of technological innovation, from timepieces and firearms in earlier times to more recently, jet engines and helicopters. We’re proud to continue along this path with innovations in carbon composite technology and the manufacture of ultra- lightweight wheels,” said Raphael Schlanger, Topolino’s President and Founder. “This grant will help expand our production capacity to meet the incredible demand we’ve experienced since announcing the launch of our new wheelchair wheels,” he explained.
The new wheelchair wheels employ the same technology that has established Topolino Technology as a premier manufacturer of lightweight bicycle wheels. This new application of technology is a prime example of how Connecticut Innovations can help small companies like Topolino grow in a challenging economy. “Given Topolino’s innovative uses of new materials and design, and Connecticut Innovations’ mission to promote the development of new technology startups, we consider this an ideal opportunity to work with and foster the entrepreneurial spirit in Connecticut,” said Roberta Rossi, Project Manager of the Connecticut Small Business Innovation Research (CT SBIR) office.
Topolino’s patented design utilizes high-strength carbon composites with continuous spokes that span the full diameter of the wheel and also reinforce the hub. This leads to tremendous weight savings while actually strengthening the entire wheel. “The result is a wheel that is over 20% lighter than any other wheelchair wheel on the market and, at the same time, built to withstand the rigors of everyday use,” continued Schlanger.
Topolino introduced its new wheelchair wheels in May and has been ramping up capacity ever since. The new CarbonCore™ WX2.5 wheelchair wheels are available in standard 24” (540) and 25” (559) sizes, with a suggested retail price of $1,180 per set. For more information regarding Topolino Technology or their products, please contact them at 203.778.4711 / web@topolinotech.com.
