The UpVine PRO+ (and its second-generation version) is a high-end Chinese carbon wheelset that impressed reviewers with its stiffness, crosswind stability, and build quality, but its high price ($1,855–$2,700) and a bearing preload issue on one test set raise concerns about value and consistency. While the wheels offer excellent spoke tension and innovative PBO spokes, they face tough competition from established Western brands at this price point.
Pros
- Excellent spoke tension consistency and perfect dishing, with best-ever recorded tension results1
- Stiff and stable, especially in crosswinds, with a direct and solid feel when sprinting12
- Innovative PBO (Zylon) core in carbon spokes acts as a safety net if carbon fractures12
- Wide internal rim width (24–25.5mm) allows lower tire pressures (60-65 psi with 28c tires) and future-proofs compatibility12
- High-quality build: molded spoke holes, clean internal rim structure, no major wrinkles or leftover epoxy1
- Good balance of stiffness and compliance, coping well with rough roads without being harsh12
- Hand-built in-house including hubs; brand sponsors a UCI pro team2
- Premium packaging with separate boxes, includes spoke tension chart, tubeless valves, tire levers, and grease1
- Free replacement spokes available if broken; hubs use standard steel bearings that are easy to replace1
- Still feel like new after 700 km of use; second 53mm set tested was flawless with smooth bearings12
Cons
- Expensive: $1,855–$2,700, pushing against Western brand pricing and offering questionable value versus cheaper first generation12
- Rear hub bearings on one 63mm test set had excessive preload from the factory, causing resistance and premature wear after ~500 km2
- Ride quality not noticeably different from first generation, which costs $850 less1
- Not wind tunnel tested, lacking aero data1
- Requires wider tires (30mm+) for optimal handling; with 28mm tires, handling felt worse1
- Tire seating can be extremely difficult, requiring an air compressor and multiple attempts (especially rear wheel)1
- Minor epoxy remnants inside rims and slight trueness deviation (0.5mm) on front wheel1
- Brand relatively unknown outside China; some communication/materials in Chinese only; potential wait for replacement parts21
Key Facts
- Weight: 1,306g (front 600g, rear 706g) for the 53mm version; 1,383g for the 63mm version; 1,429g for the 50mm version12
- Price: $1,855 USD for the 50mm version; $2,700 for the 53mm and 63mm versions12
- Internal rim width: 24mm (50mm), 25.5mm (53mm), 25mm (63mm); external width: 30.3mm rear/34.1mm front (50mm), 34mm (53mm), 35mm (63mm)12
- Carbon spokes with PBO (Zylon) core (Safeguard Core Technology) and molded spoke holes12
- Spoke tension deviation: front max 2%, rear max 5.7% on one spoke (53mm); best ever recorded on 50mm1
- Trueness: front lateral deviation <0.3mm, rear nearly perfect (53mm); front 0.5mm deviation (50mm)1
- Lifetime warranty: 3 years full coverage, then parts only1
- 60-tooth ratchet freehub with DT Swiss-style conical ratchet12
Reviews & Ratings
15:46The reviewer tested the UpVine PRO+ wheelset, a high-end Chinese carbon wheel priced at $2,700. He was highly impressed with the ride quality, describing them as among the best wheels he has ever ridden, with excellent stiffness, stability, and compliance. However, he discovered a rear hub bearing issue on his 63mm test set, where excessive preload from the factory caused premature wear and resistance. A second 53mm set did not exhibit the problem. He considers the bearing issue unacceptable at this price point but still rates the wheels very highly overall.
09:02The reviewer found the UpVine PRO+ wheels to be among the best Chinese carbon wheels he has tested, with excellent balance between stiffness, handling, and stability. He was impressed by the packaging, attention to detail, and performance, but noted they are expensive compared to alternatives and had some minor issues.
09:41The reviewer tested the UpVine PRO+ 2 wheels, noting they are well-built, stiff, stable, and feature innovative safety spokes. However, they are expensive and offer similar performance to the cheaper first generation, making them a questionable value.
CYCLISTSHUBCYCLISTSHUBWhere to Buy
UPVINE® Pro+ Carbon Wheelset | Aero Carbon Spoke, Disc Brake
UpVine PRO+
Variants
| Configuration | Rim Depth | External Rim Width | Weight | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 53mm | 53 mm | 34 mm | 1,250g | |
| 63mm | 63 mm | 35 mm | 1,350g | |
Specifications
Attributes
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