Wheels, tyres, and integrated handlebars, Cadex presents its new high-performance components

Cadex, a brand belonging to Giant and grouping its most select and efficient components, continues to improve its offer by adding some spectacular carbon wheels, the Max 40; the Race GC tyres for maximum performance, and the Aero Integrated and Race Integrated handlebars that are already part of the Jayco-AlUla arsenal.

Cadex, the most efficient components

Like an evolution kit like the ones that Formula 1 teams incorporate every few races, for the start of this 2024 season Giant has prepared an evolution of its Cadex components to improve the bikes used by the cyclists of Jayco AlUla.

A component kit in which the spectacular Max 40 wheels stand out, the lightest ever made by the brand weighing in at an incredible 1,250 g. Integral carbon wheels that first catch the eye with the aerodynamic wings of their hubs from which their integrated carbon spokes emerge.

With this construction, which improves power transfer by adding greater torsional stiffness, there is also a tremendous lateral stiffness that the brand does not hesitate to compare with the stiffest wheels on the market, stating, according to their data, that these Cadex Max 40 wheels are 22.8% stiffer than Lightweight Obermayer wheels if we refer to the front wheel and 44.9% stiffer in terms of the rear wheel. They also outperform the Syncros Capital SL, specifically by 10.3% in the front and 20.8% in the rear.

The carbon spokes are joined to 40 mm profile rims and, following the line of their current wheels, Cadex relies on a hookless design, responsible in large part for their lightweight. This design requires the use of a generous rim width, in the case of these Max 40, of 22.4 mm.

These wheels are accompanied by Cadex Race GC tyres, high-performance rubber built on a 240 TPI kevlar thread casing, a density that achieves maximum flexibility, resulting in better adaptation to the road and therefore greater grip and power transfer. Additionally, the casing has a very different geometry than usual, with lower sidewalls and more prominent tread edges, similar to motorcycle tyres, allowing for greater cornering grip and therefore greater safety in turns.

Following the trend of current competition wheels, Cadex only produces these Race GC tyres in a size of 700x28c, weighing 279 g per tyre.

To complete this new Cadex component kit, the brand adds a pair of integrated handlebars to its catalog. The first of them is the Aero Integrated, which, as its name suggests, has a streamlined horizontal section to shave off tenths in terms of aerodynamic resistance. Of course, the cabling is completely internal.

In terms of dimensions, it is built with a reduced reach, just 80 mm, and a also contained drop of 125 mm. Following current trends, it also has a slight 3° flare, which means a 2-centimeter width difference between the levers and the handlebar curve. Additionally, it has a slight 2° sweep back to make the grip more natural. It is available in options from 360 mm to 440 mm wide, measured at the lever area, and stem lengths ranging from 90 to 140 mm.

The other handlebar is the Race Integrated, which has a classic round section to equip climbing bikes and seek maximum stiffness. This Cadex Race has even more compact dimensions than its catalog companion with 75 mm of reach and the same 125 mm drop. However, the flare is even more pronounced, specifically 11°. It is available in sizes ranging from 360 to 440 mm in width and stem lengths starting at 80 mm up to 140 mm.

Both are made in one piece using a combination of T1100 and T800 carbon to achieve the best balance between stiffness, weight, and strength.