2nd September, Milano, Italy: After more than a century of manufacturing bicycle tubing and components, Columbus is entering a new category with the launch of its first performance engineered wheelsets: The Cento, Gara and Spirit. This range carries forward over decades of innovations, know-how and heritage in component manufacturing.

The Evolution

For nearly 110 years, Columbus has served craftsmen around the world, from Italian automobiles and master frame builders to elite cyclists. Building on an extensive range of components designed and evolving alongside industry technologies, the development of carbon wheels was a natural progression.

Developed through extensive engineering, each wheel has undergone CFD analysis, wind tunnel testing and laboratory testing to benchmark lateral and torsional stiffness as well as impact and fatigue resistance.

The in-house Milan design team partnered with world-leading specialists in carbon composite layup to develop aerodynamic D-shaped, hooked rims, for broad tire compatibility. Optimized around the evolution of wider 28-30mm tires to deliver a faster, more comfortable riding experience.

With riders at the forefront of the process, the range has been developed for clear riding intentions with a shared standard; uncompromised performance and unmistakably Italian design.

Victor Luis, Chairman of Columbus stated, “For over a century Columbus has been a champion of Italian engineering and quality. We were an early pioneer in Carbon tubing and now after years of study and rigorous testing, we are excited to expand our range of Columbus Components to meet the exacting needs of performance brands, the frame building community and exacting riders across the world. Our goal is as always superior performance with uncompromising Milanese Design.” ​ ​

The Cento 50

The Cento 50 delivers a balance of high performance and everyday durability. The 50mm deep carbon rims combine aerodynamic efficiency with a lightweight and responsive ride, providing an elevated ride across all terrains, for sprinters, puncheurs and rouleurs alike. Featuring the new Columbus HUB, a dual-sided 36 tooth ratchet system with 9-degree engagement, paired with Ceramic bearings for a refined and smooth riding experience.

The Cento 62

Developed through CFD analysis and wind tunnel testing, the Cento 62 is an uncompromising race wheelset. Featuring a 62mm lightweight carbon rim profile, the system weighs only 1470 , creating a high-performance product for flat roads and fast courses. Using the new Columbus HUB, Ceramic bearings and Carbon spokes, each detail has been designed for flat roads and fast racing.

The Spirit

Representing the lightest wheelset created by Columbus, the Spirit is the pinnacle of lightweight performance, weighing 1250g. Featuring an innovative new Integrated Aero HUB design, a single cast monocoque with carbon spokes fused directly to the hub flanges, the Spirit 50 is engineered to perform on mountain climbs while delivering speed and efficiency on the descents. Equipped with durable Columbus ceramic bearings, hidden nipples and an aerodynamic rim profile, every detail has been considered to deliver a high performance wheelset when the gradient kicks up.

The Gara

The Gara 50, a collaboration between two iconic brands, Columbus and DT Swiss. Together, creating a wheelset designed for endurance, prioritizing comfort and long distance durability.

Built around the DT Swiss 240 hub with the Ratchet EXP® system, it also includes innovative internal nipple seats made of glass-fiber reinforced polymer, ensuring accurate alignment and reduced stress on the rim. These technical details enhance the reliability and simplified maintenance for long days in the saddle.

Abbie Manley

PR Account Manager, PaceUp

• abbie@paceupmedia.com
• +44 (0) 7818 074019

Columbus Components

Columbus introduced carbon fiber manufacturing alongside its revered steel and aluminum tubing capabilities in the early 2000s, initially focusing on carbon fork production before expanding its expertise to the development of structural frame components. The XLR8R carbon tubing range evolved from a wishbone component and chain stays to entire front triangles. Combining heritage with innovation, Columbus Components now embodies a comprehensive finishing kit portfolio that completes any bike for the aesthetically and performance-focused rider.

The latest additions to the Columbus Components range are a product of years of design and engineering expertise paired with close collaboration with expert carbon fiber manufacturing partners. Alongside the collection of integrated cockpits, handlebars, stems and forks are a range of performance seatposts, Racespoons providing front end computer and accessory mounts, and lightweight bottle cage designs.

www.columbus1919.com