The Serenade TRW Carbon Spoke Aero Wheelset is a direct-to-consumer carbon wheelset that delivers impressive stiffness, low weight (around 1,200–1,300 g for 50–60 mm depths) and strong value at roughly $469–$600, with one reviewer measuring 1,213 g and paying $569. Both independent voices praise its performance and crosswind stability, but note trade-offs: a nervous, harsh ride with carbon spokes, inconsistent spoke tension and bearing durability, slow communication and shipping, and minor truing after hard use.
Pros
- Excellent value: high-end specs and low weight at a fraction of mainstream brand prices ($469–$600)12
- Very low weight for the depth (1,213 g measured; 1,200–1,300 g typical for 50–60 mm), making the wheels feel nimble and fast uphill12
- Stiff and responsive with carbon spokes, surviving 1,550 W sprints without issues21
- Stable and predictable in crosswinds despite the deep rims2
- Hubs spin smoothly and are DT Swiss freehub compatible, simplifying maintenance and cassette swaps2
- Held up well after a rough MTB trail test and 1,000 km, remaining mostly true with only 0.5–0.75 mm truing needed1
- Good after-sales support, with Serenade often replacing faulty bearings or spokes under warranty2
- Wide customization options (rim depth, internal width, hub, spoke type, finish) and removable decals for a clean look2
- Comes with three reserve spokes and nipples, plus tubeless tape and valves on most sets12
Cons
- Communication from the seller can be slow and unresponsive, causing frustration and uncertainty about order status2
- Shipping often exceeds estimates, with some customers waiting over a month for delivery2
- Bearing failures reported, particularly in SR248 and SR278C hubs, sometimes within a few hundred kilometers; upgrading to SKF or NTN bearings is recommended2
- Spoke tension can be inconsistent, with some wheels arriving with uneven tension or short spokes2
- Weight can be 30–50 g over the advertised figure on some sets2
- Carbon spokes can make the ride harsh on rough roads compared with steel spokes21
- Front wheel can feel too reactive and nervous, and the wheelset is not beginner-friendly1
- Some users experience rotor rubbing due to hub tolerances with certain rotors2
Key Facts
- Weight measured at 1,213 g (front 567 g, rear 646 g); forum users report typical weights of 1,200–1,300 g for 50–60 mm depths, with some sets arriving 30–50 g over the claimed weight12
- Price: $569 as tested; configurations range from approximately $469 to $600 USD depending on hub, spoke and rim options, plus shipping12
- Rim dimensions: 50 mm depth, 23 mm internal width, 32 mm external width; other models offer 21–30 mm internal and 29–36 mm external widths12
- Carbon spokes are 3.2 mm wide as tested; Serenade advises 3.3–3.5 mm for climbing/all-round and 3.8–5.2 mm for aero builds, with Pillar Wing20 and Sapim CX-Ray steel options also available12
- Hubs are DT Swiss-style ratchet with centerlock disc mount and DT Swiss freehub compatibility; options include SR248 (248 g/pair, TPI bearings) and SR268 (~268 g, 7050 aluminum)2
- Rider weight limit is typically 100–110 kg, with some models such as the 65 mm Snakeskin rated to 125 kg2
- Warranty covers material defects for 2 years, with faulty parts replaced free of charge2
- Wheels are tested to 80 joules (double the 40-joule UCI protocol) plus fatigue and European standard tests, though no external testing partnership or published results are provided1
Reviews & Ratings
16:46The reviewer tested the Serenade TRW Carbon Spoke Aero Wheelset, a budget carbon wheelset priced at $569. He found them impressive for the price, with good stiffness and reactivity, but noted they can feel nervous and are not beginner-friendly. After 1,000 km and a rough MTB trail test, they remained mostly true with minor truing needed. He questions the high prices of Western brands and plans to give the wheelset away.
The Serenade TRW Carbon Spoke Aero Wheelset is a Chinese direct-to-consumer wheelset sold by Serenade (7-Tiger Bike Components) that is modeled after the Princeton CarbonWorks 4550 Evolution. It features a wavy rim profile, carbon spokes, and a choice of hubs (SR248, SR268, SR278C, SR315, etc.). Prices range from approximately $469 to $600 USD depending on configuration, with shipping costs varying by destination. The wheelset is praised for its low weight (often around 1200-1300g for 50-60mm depths), stiffness, and value for money. However, communication and shipping times are frequently criticized, and some users have reported bearing failures and spoke tension inconsistencies. The wheels are generally considered excellent all-rounders for road riding, with good crosswind stability and a comfortable yet fast ride quality.
AI Summary
Pros
- Excellent value for money, offering high-end specs at a fraction of the cost of mainstream brands.
- Very low weight for the depth, often around 1200-1300g for 50-60mm rims, making them feel nimble and fast uphill.
- Stiff and responsive with carbon spokes, surviving 1,550 W sprints without issues.
more pros in the review
Cons
- Communication from the seller can be slow and unresponsive, leading to frustration and uncertainty about order status.
- Shipping times often exceed the estimates provided, with some customers waiting over a month for delivery.
- Bearing failures have been reported, particularly in the SR248 and SR278C hubs, sometimes occurring within a few hundred kilometers.
more cons in the review
Key Points
- Price: $469-$600 USD depending on configuration, plus shipping.
- Weight: Typically 1200-1300g for 50-60mm depths, with some configurations under 1200g.
- Rim material: Carbon fiber, available in wavy (Wave Whape) or standard profiles.
more key points in the review
Where to Buy
Serenade 23mm Internal High Performance Aero Bike Wheels Build With Carbon fiber Spokes
Variants
| Configuration | Rim Depth | Weight | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 40mm | 40 mm | — | 584.00 $ - 644.00 $ | |
| 45mm | 45 mm | — | 584.00 $ - 644.00 $ | |
| 50mm | 50 mm | — | 584.00 $ - 644.00 $ | |
| 60mm | 60 mm | — | 584.00 $ - 644.00 $ | |
| 80mm | 80 mm | — | 584.00 $ - 644.00 $ | |
Specifications
Attributes
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Questions about Serenade TRW Carbon Spoke Aero Wheelset
Ordering & delivery
1Sizing & fit
1Compatibility
3Build & setup
2Durability & quality
2Finish & options
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