Columbus launches its first wheelsets: carbon, rim depths up to 62 mm and from €1,599

After almost 110 years linked to the manufacturing of tubes and components for bicycles, Columbus expands its horizons. The Milan-based company has just presented its first high-performance wheels, a new family consisting of the Cento 50, Cento 62, Spirit, and Gara 50.

Columbus launches carbon wheels: Cento, Spirit, and Gara

This move marks Columbus's entry into a completely new category, although it aligns with the evolution the company has followed over the last decades. Its historical specialization in steel and aluminum tubes was complemented in the early 2000s with the manufacturing of carbon fiber, initially with forks and later with various structural elements and components.

Now that knowledge extends to one of the components that most influence a bicycle's behavior.

RECOMENDADO

Columbus launches its first integrated handlebars and expands its range of carbon components

Pinarello owner emerges in rumours of a potential Campagnolo takeover

Tronchon stuns at La Vuelta to win stage 10 as Van Aert narrowly misses out

This kit lets you fit mechanical Eagle 70 and 90 derailleurs to gravel bikes with drop bars

From struggling to enjoying it: tips to build confidence on descents

Eurobike backtracks: it will continue to take place in June every year

Columbus explains that its new wheels have undergone a development process that includes CFD analysis, wind tunnel testing, and laboratory trials to evaluate parameters such as lateral and torsional stiffness, impact resistance, and fatigue.

The design team at the brand in Milan has also worked alongside composite lamination specialists to develop the carbon rims.

There are several common elements among the different models. Columbus opts for a aerodynamic D-shaped profile and, contrary to the trend of some modern wheels towards hookless designs, maintains hooked rims seeking broad compatibility with tires.

All also feature 23 mm internal and 30 mm external width, dimensions developed especially with current road tires of 28 and 30 mm in mind.

From this base, Columbus divides the family into three concepts: Cento as a competition and high-performance option, Spirit as an ultralight proposal, and Gara aimed at endurance and long distances.

Columbus Cento 50 and Cento 62: same price and two profiles

The Cento range initially features two rim depths.

The Cento 50 uses a 50 mm profile and has a declared weight of 1,440 grams. Columbus positions them as versatile wheels capable of combining aerodynamics, responsiveness, and sufficient robustness for regular use on different terrains.

They also incorporate the new Columbus HUB, equipped with a dual-sided ratchet system and 36 teeth that provides a 9-degree engagement angle. The bearings are ceramic and the assembly uses 21 VONOA carbon spokes with a 2:1 pattern.

The Cento 62 takes the same concept towards a more specific use in fast and flat routes. Its profile increases to 62 mm, but the declared weight remains at a contained 1,470 grams.

They also use the Columbus HUB with 36-tooth ratchet, ceramic bearings, and 21 carbon spokes VONOA. Both the Cento 50 and Cento 62 have an announced price of 1,599 euros.

Columbus Cento 50

• Weight: 1,440 g
• Profile: 50 mm
• Internal/External width: 23/30 mm
• Hubs: Columbus Ratchet
• Bearings: ceramic
• Spokes: 21 VONOA carbon, 2:1 pattern
• Price: 1,599 €

Columbus Cento 62

• Weight: 1,470 g
• Profile: 62 mm
• Internal/External width: 23/30 mm
• Hubs: Columbus Ratchet
• Bearings: ceramic
• Spokes: 21 VONOA carbon, 2:1 pattern
• Price: 1,599 €

Columbus Spirit: 1,249 grams with a 50 mm profile

At the most exclusive end of the new collection are the Columbus Spirit, the lightest wheels the Italian brand has developed so far.

Columbus claims only 1,249 grams for the set while maintaining a 50 mm profile, a combination clearly aimed at those seeking lightweight wheels for climbing without sacrificing aerodynamics on fast terrain and descents.

One of its main differences lies in the so-called Integrated Aero HUB. Columbus uses a monocoque construction where the carbon spokes are directly attached to the hub flanges. The set employs 18 carbon spokes with a 2:1 pattern, integrated carbon nipples, and ceramic bearings.

This construction and its low weight also place the Spirit well above the rest of the collection in price: 3,999 euros.

Columbus Spirit

• Weight: 1,249 g
• Profile: 50 mm
• Internal/External width: 23/30 mm
• Hubs: Integrated Aero
• Bearings: ceramic
• Spokes: 18 carbon, 2:1 pattern
• Nipples: integrated carbon
• Price: 3,999 €

Columbus Gara 50: DT Swiss 240 hubs for the long-distance option

The fourth novelty is the result of a collaboration between Columbus and DT Swiss. The Gara 50 slightly deviates from the purely competitive approach of the previous ones to prioritize durability, comfort, and reliability on long rides.

They maintain the 50 mm carbon profile and the dimensions of 23 mm internal and 30 mm external, but use well-known DT Swiss 240 hubs with Ratchet EXP system.

The assembly uses 24 VONOA carbon spokes with a 1:1 pattern and titanium nipples. Columbus has also developed internal seats for the nipples made of glass fiber reinforced polymer, which function to improve their alignment and reduce stresses on the rim.

The result is a declared weight of 1,315 grams, particularly low considering that Columbus presents this model as the alternative aimed at endurance and long days on the bike.

Columbus Gara 50

• Weight: 1,315 g
• Profile: 50 mm
• Internal/External width: 23/30 mm
• Hubs: DT Swiss 240 Ratchet EXP
• Spokes: 24 VONOA carbon, 1:1 pattern
• Nipples: titanium
• Price: 2,399 €

With this new collection, Columbus completes another step in the transformation of its business. The company that for generations has been synonymous with tubes for some of the most recognizable frames in cycling already had forks, handlebars, stems, integrated cockpits, seat posts, and other carbon components. Wheels were one of the major pieces still missing.

And Columbus has decided to enter directly into the high-end range: all its first wheels use carbon rims, carbon spokes, and profiles of 50 mm or more, with weights starting from just 1,249 grams.