The Magene EXAR Carbon Fiber Wheelset Ultra (2025) is widely praised as a high-performance, feature-rich wheelset offering exceptional value at around $1,200, with professional assessments rating its build quality above many established brands.
Pros
- Excellent value at $1,200 with modern features
- Deep aero profile (40-67mm depending on model) with staggered setup for crosswind stability
- Wide internal width (23mm) optimized for 28-30c tires
- Ceramic bearings included with easy-to-service star ratchet hub
Cons
- Does not come with tubeless rim tape pre-installed (includes valves/plugs)
- Weight exceeds claimed specifications in some measurements (actual 1,311g vs claimed 1,229g in one review)
- Gold decal color may not match all bike/tire color schemes
- External width (30mm rear/32mm front) not ideal for 32c tires
Key Facts
- Claimed weight 1,229g-1,460g depending on model, actual measured weights 1,311g-1,495g
- Internal rim width 23mm, external width 30mm-32mm depending on model
- Hooked rim design (not hookless) with UCI approval
Reviews & Ratings
The reviewer had the Magene EXAR Carbon Fiber Wheelset Ultra (2025) professionally assessed by a wheel builder, then installed and tested them over several hundred kilometers. The wheel builder rated the build quality as above average and better than many well-known brands, and the reviewer's personal experience was positive with no issues during testing.
AI Summary
Pros
- Professional wheel builder assessment rated build quality as above average and above many well-known brands
- Impressive run-out (true-ness)
- Good dishing on both wheels
- Rim spoke holes (not hidden nipples) praised as a better option
- Easy installation of tubeless tires with a floor pump (no compressor needed)
- No issues reported during 400-500km of testing including sprints and threshold efforts
- Hooked rim design (not hookless)
- Includes UCI approval
- Comes with tubeless rim tape and valves
Cons
- Some spoke tension variation on rear wheel noted by wheel builder
- Radial lacing on rear disc brake side raised as a design concern by wheel builder due to braking stresses
- Visual difference in exposed spoke lengths between sides (explained by manufacturer as due to different flange diameters)
- Claimed weight of 1229g vs actual measured weight of 1311g (exceeding the ±3% tolerance)
- Tires measured wider than expected (31.37mm vs 28mm) when mounted
Key Points
- Third/highest performance tier in Magene's lineup (Standard, Pro, Ultra)
- Claimed weight: 1229g per pair
- Actual measured weight: 1311g (723g rear, 588g front)
- Front wheel: 40mm depth, Rear wheel: 45mm depth
- External rim width: 30mm, Internal rim width: 23mm
- Hooked rim design (not hookless)
- Carbon fiber spokes
- Ceramic bearings
- Flat engagement ratchet design (similar to DT Swiss)
- Disc brake only
- Recommended tire size: 28mm
- Price: ~$1899 AUD in Australia, $1200-1300 USD in other markets
The reviewer extensively tests and praises the Magene EXAR Carbon Fiber Wheelset Ultra (2025), highlighting its competitive price point, performance, and features. He notes it's Magene's top-tier wheelset, which he used for about 400 miles in various riding conditions, and found it to be a high-quality, lightweight option that competes with major brands.
AI Summary
Pros
- Competitive price point at $1,200
- Full carbon fiber rim and carbon fiber spokes
- Ceramic bearings
- 23mm internal rim width and 30mm external rim width (considered wide and modern)
- Staggered depth: 50mm front and 58mm rear
- Lightweight at around 1,375g (before rim tape) or 1,389g with rim tape
- Hooked rims compatible with clincher or tubeless setups
- Quiet 36-tooth ratchet hub (quieter than many others)
- Good stability and control, especially in crosswinds
- Easy to service with pop-off caps
- Comes with spare spokes
- Well-balanced with little shake in the stand
- 2-year warranty for manufacturing defects
- Phenomenal value compared to wheels at similar prices years ago
Cons
- Gold color scheme may not match all bike color schemes (reviewer suggests offering a matte black option)
- No spring behind the freehub body on one wheel (initially stuck, but fixed after cleaning)
- Requires installing rim tape (unlike many wheels that come pre-taped)
- Wider internal rim width (23mm) may lead to using wider tires, potentially adding weight, which could be redundant for weight-conscious road cyclists
Key Points
- Model: Magene EXAR DB 508 Ultra (2025)
- Price: $1,200 (with a $50 discount code available)
- Internal rim width: 23mm
- External rim width: 30mm
- Depth: 50mm front, 58mm rear
- Weight: Approximately 1,375g (without rim tape) or 1,389g (with rim tape)
- Spokes: Carbon fiber, bladed, with non-touching pattern
- Hub: Magene XR hub with ceramic bearings, center lock, and 36-tooth ratchet
- Compatibility: Available with Shimano freehub body (11-speed or 12-speed) or XDR
- Warranty: 2 years for manufacturing defects
- Company: Magene, founded in 2015, offers diverse products like power meters and TPU tubes
The reviewer provides an enthusiastic review of the Magene EXAR Carbon Fiber Wheelset Ultra (2025), highlighting its modern features, performance, and value at $1,200. He notes it's their flagship deep-section wheelset with 67mm rear/60mm front depth, carbon bladed spokes, star ratchet hub, ceramic bearings, and wide internal width optimized for 28-30c tires. The reviewer states these wheels are among his top five favorites and a 'no-brainer' for those seeking deep aero wheels.
AI Summary
Pros
- Excellent value at $1,200 with modern features
- Deep aero profile (67mm rear/60mm front) for speed on flats
- Uses latest generation wide carbon bladed spokes (approx. 5mm)
- Star ratchet hub design (36-tooth, upgradable) for easy maintenance
- Ceramic bearings included
- Wide internal width (23mm) optimizes for 28-30c tires
- Staggered setup improves aerodynamics and crosswind stability
- Magene has not increased prices in 3 years
- Performs well with fast frames like the Tarmac SL8
- Less harsh/stiff than previous Magene wheels with thinner spokes
- Freehub sound is tested and noted
Cons
- Does not come with tubeless rim tape pre-installed (includes valves/plugs)
- Spokes use side-entry lacing design (vs. newer twist-in style)
- Carbon bladed spokes are not as stiff as some competitors' or previous Magene models
- External width (30mm rear/32mm front) not ideal for 32c tires
- Gold decal color may not match all bike/tire color schemes
- Weight (1,495g without tape/plugs) is within tolerance but not the lightest
Key Points
- Model: Magene EXAR DB 607 Ultra (2025)
- Price: $1,199 USD (~$1,200)
- Depth: 67mm rear, 60mm front (staggered)
- Internal width: 23mm (both wheels)
- External width: 30mm rear, 32mm front
- Spokes: Wide carbon bladed spokes (~5mm)
- Hub: DT Swiss star ratchet design (36-tooth, upgradable)
- Bearings: Ceramic
- Weight: 1,460g claimed, 1,495g actual (without tape/plugs)
- Optimized for 28-30c tires
- Competitors mentioned: Winspace Hyper D67 ($400 more, narrower external width), Elite Drive 65D (outdated features)
The reviewer briefly mentions the Magene EXAR Carbon Fiber Wheelset Ultra Series 2025 but does not provide detailed analysis.
AI Summary
Pros
- The wheelset is described as having decent quality.
Key Points
- The wheelset is mentioned as being from the manufacturing juggernaut Magene.
Where to Buy
Magene 2025 EXAR Carbon Fiber Wheelset Ultra Series
EXAR Carbon Fiber Wheelset Ultra Series Integral Front Rear Wheels Inertia Stability Ceramic Bearing Flat Engagement Ratchet
Questions about Magene EXAR Carbon Fiber Wheelset Ultra (2025)
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