The Arcaris 8848 Climbers Wheelset is a sub-900g carbon climbing wheelset designed for riders under 75kg, praised for its extremely low weight and responsive acceleration on steep gradients. However, its 90kg system weight limit and minimal real-world advantage on typical climbs compared to aero wheels are noted concerns.
Pros
- Extremely lightweight: under 900g for the pair (884.8g claimed, ~890g measured)123
- Excellent acceleration and responsiveness on steep gradients1
- High-quality hubs with excellent finish and smooth operation34
- Unique hub design with T-shape spoke nipples locked into the flange to prevent detension4
- Wide internal width (23mm) for such a lightweight wheel4
- Tubeless compatible and comes with tubeless valves preinstalled34
- Stiff and responsive out-of-the-saddle feel3
- Good descending stability due to shallow depth and low environmental influence3
- Comprehensive packaging including spare spokes, tools, and manual3
- Laser-etched logos are subtle and can be customized with decals3
Cons
- System weight limit of 90kg may exclude heavier riders35
- Limited real-world advantage on typical climbs compared to aero wheels3
- Very light wheels may sacrifice some durability and reliability3
- Not aerodynamic, but this is acceptable for slow-speed climbing1
- Stock laser-etched logos may have inconsistencies in color3
- Progress on finalizing the product has been slow after Joe received his personal prototype5
- Joe hasn't made a video review yet despite the wheels being for sale5
Key Facts
- Weight: 884.8g claimed for the pair; measured ~890g without rim tape; 930g version also available234
- Rim: 27mm depth, 23mm internal, ~29mm external, hooked, tubeless ready34
- Spokes: Stren Vonora SLR carbon, ~1.6g each, 16 front / 18 rear (2:1)32
- Hubs: custom with H-Works internals (same factory as 9Velo), ratchet drive likely 36-tooth34
- System weight limit: 90kg (rider + bike + gear); intended rider weight sub-75kg35
- Price: ~$1700 for 884g version, ~$1400 for 930g version3
- Tested beyond ISO standards: 72kg per wheel, 1,000,000 cycles on drum with kerb3
- Disc brake only; no rim brake version available3
Sources
- 1Tom Bowers CyclingI Raced the Lightest Wheels I Own up a SAVAGE 24% UK Hillclimb
- 2China CyclingThe Ultimate TIME Alpe D'Huez Build - EAST meets WEST.
- 3Weight-Weenies[Pre-Release] Sub-900g carbon wheels from Panda/Podium’s Joe – Arcaris w/ Stren spokes
- 4GC PerformanceMaking the WORLDS LIGHTEST Tarmac SL8 EVEN LIGHTER!!
- 5MyBikePartsInside PandaPodium - Deep dive chat with Joe into top-end carbon bikes, Arcaris & Chinese brands
Reviews & Ratings
14:24The reviewer praises the Arcaris 8848 Climbers Wheelset for its extremely low weight (under 900g for the pair) and responsiveness on steep climbs, noting that it accelerates effortlessly when climbing out of the saddle. He finds it ideal for hill climb racing where aero is less important than weight savings.
01:04:33Joe from Panda Podium discusses the Arcaris 8848 Climbers Wheelset as a product he personally designed to fill a niche gap in the market. He explains it was created because no other brands were making 27mm climbing wheels, and he wanted a lightweight wheelset for himself to ride. The wheels are targeted at riders under 75kg and represent a super-niche product that Panda Podium can support due to their existing customer base.
22:53The reviewer states that the Arcaris 8848 Climbers Wheelset is his own/in-house brand's product and a major component for reducing the bike's weight. He plans a dedicated video but provides headline stats and some ride characteristics.
11:17The reviewer presents the Arcaris wheels as a key component for making an already lightweight Tarmac SL8 even lighter. They are described as a climbing wheelset with 'crazy' specs for disc brake wheels, highlighting their extremely low weight, specific dimensions, and unique hub design. The reviewer installs them on the bike, resulting in a final weight of 5.36 kg (11 lb 13 oz). They note the wheels have a 100 kg weight limit, which accommodates the reviewer. The wheels are mentioned as being featured on a website (panipodium.cc) and a link will be provided.
The Arcaris 8848 Climbers Wheelset is a sub-900g carbon wheelset designed for climbers who want a lightweight yet daily-rideable option. It features a 27mm deep hooked rim with 23mm internal and 28.3mm external width, Stren Vonora SLR carbon spokes (~1.6g each), and custom hubs with H-Works internals. The superlight version claims 884.8g, with a 930g version also available. Price is around $1700 for the 884g version and $1400 for the 930g version. The system weight limit is 90kg. Early user feedback highlights the hubs' quality, the wheels' stiffness and ride feel, and the overall packaging. However, the 90kg weight limit is a concern for heavier riders, and some question the real-world benefit of such light wheels on typical climbs.
AI Summary
Pros
- Very light weight (sub-900g for the superlight version)
- High-quality hubs with excellent finish and smooth operation
- Stiff and responsive out-of-the-saddle feel
more pros in the review
Cons
- System weight limit of 90kg may exclude heavier riders
- Limited real-world advantage on typical climbs compared to aero wheels
- Stock laser-etched logos may have inconsistencies in color
more cons in the review
Key Points
- Claimed weight: 884.8g (superlight version), 930g version also available
- Rim: 27mm depth, 23mm internal, 28.3mm external, hooked
- Spokes: Stren Vonora SLR carbon, ~1.6g per spoke
more key points in the review
Where to Buy
Arcaris 8848 Climbers Wheelset
Variants
| Configuration | Spoke Count Front | Spoke Count Rear | Rider Weight Limit | Weight | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8848 Base | 16 | 18 | 75 kg | 948g | 1,599.00 $ |
| 8848 Max | 24 | 75 kg | 934g | 2,499.00 $ | |
| 8848 Pro | 16 | 18 | 75 kg | 884g | 1,899.00 $ |
| 930g | 16 | 18 | 75 kg | 930g | — |
| superlight | 16 | 18 | 90 kg | 884g | — |
Specifications
Attributes
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