The Serenade TRW Carbon Spoke Aero Wheelset is a direct-to-consumer Chinese carbon wheelset that offers impressive performance and low weight for its $469–$600 price, with carbon spokes providing stiffness and reactivity. However, buyers should be aware of potential issues with slow communication, shipping delays, inconsistent spoke tension, and occasional bearing failures, as reported by multiple users.
Pros
- Excellent value for money: high-end specs and performance at a fraction of the cost of mainstream brands.12
- Lightweight: 1,213 g for 50mm depth; forum reports 1,200–1,300 g for 50–60mm, making them nimble and fast uphill.12
- Stiff and reactive due to carbon spokes, providing a lively and efficient ride.12
- Stable in crosswinds despite deep rims, with predictable handling.2
- Hubs are smooth-spinning and compatible with DT Swiss freehubs, easing maintenance.2
- Removable decals allow for a clean, logo-free look.2
- Good after-sales support: Serenade often replaces faulty bearings or spokes under warranty.2
- Wide range of customization options: rim depth, internal width, hub choice, spoke type, and finish.2
- Held up well after a rough MTB trail test and 1,000 km of road riding, remaining mostly true.1
Cons
- Communication from the seller can be slow and unresponsive, causing frustration and uncertainty about order status.2
- Shipping times often exceed estimates, with some customers waiting over a month for delivery.2
- Bearing failures have been reported, particularly in SR248 and SR278C hubs, sometimes within a few hundred kilometers.2
- Spoke tension can be inconsistent; some wheels arrive with uneven tension or short spokes.2
- Weight can be higher than claimed, with some wheelsets coming in 30–50g over the advertised weight.2
- The ride can feel harsh with carbon spokes, especially on rough roads, compared to steel spokes.21
- Some users have experienced rotor rubbing due to hub tolerances, particularly with certain rotors.2
- Front wheel feels too reactive and nervous; not beginner-friendly.1
- After rough testing, wheels were slightly out of true (0.5–0.75 mm).1
Key Facts
- Weight: 1,213 g (rear 646 g, front 567 g) for 50mm depth; forum reports typically 1,200–1,300 g for 50–60mm depths, with some configurations under 1,200 g.12
- Price: $569 for the tested configuration; forum reports $469–$600 depending on configuration, plus shipping.12
- Rim dimensions: 50mm depth, 23mm internal width, 32mm external width (tested model); forum lists internal widths 21–30mm and external widths 29–36mm across models.12
- Carbon spokes: 3.2mm wide (tested); forum lists carbon spoke options 3.3mm, 3.5mm, 3.9mm, 5mm, plus steel options like Pillar Wing20 and Sapim CX-Ray.12
- Hubs: DT Swiss-style ratchet freehubs, centerlock disc mount; models include SR248, SR268, SR278C, SR315; compatible with DT Swiss freehubs.2
- Rider weight limit: typically 100–110kg, with some models up to 125kg.2
- Warranty: 2 years covering material defects.2
- Tested to 80 joules (double UCI protocol of 40 joules) and undergoes fatigue and European standard tests.1
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.
- Good stiffness and responsiveness, especially with carbon spokes, providing a lively and efficient ride.
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
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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