3T Launch Discus Line of Road Disc Wheels, Update Orbis II

Many brands agree that disc brakes are the future of road cycling, and 3T have released their first line of disc specific road wheels. The full line will range from aluminum entry level wheelsets to top-tier, full carbon rimmed models, targeted at road, cyclocross, gravel, and adventure riding. Some of the same technology that went into the Discus wheels has also been incorporated into the updated Orbis II wheels.

Discus Wheelsets

3T started development of the Discus 18 months ago, and knew there were a few things they needed to include right off the bat. The decision was made to go right to a wider rim, with a 25mm outer width, and an 18mm inner width. Wider clincher rims take advantage of popular 25-32mm wide tires, giving them more of a round profile, instead of a light bulb shape a more narrow clincher rim forces them to take. The round profile provides better traction and aides in aerodynamics by smoothing out the sides to sit flush with the rim.

When it came to the hub, the future is still uncertain for what the “standard” (and I use that term loosely) will be. 3T equips the Discus with hubs that are 9mm quick release compatible, but will also allow thru-axle front and rear, with 135 and 142mm widths of rear end spacing with a quick change of the end caps. This trend of “Future Proofing” wheels that many brands are following is greatly appreciated by customers. The 24 hole hub will also use Center Lock brake rotors.

There will be two rim heights offered initially, 32mm for the C35 and 58mm for the C60. Both heights will offer an asymmetric build to better balance spoke tensions on both sides of the wheel, and compensate for the offset flanges of the Center Lock hubs. Straight pull spokes, which tend to be more durable than J-bend spokes, will be used. The rims are drilled using specific angles for each side of lacing to ensure there are no bends in the spokes, and utilize internal inverted nipples, distributing the loads better. All of this added up is what 3T calls Linear+. While the internal nipples help give the wheels a cleaner look with less drilling, the trade-off is needing to remove tires and rim strips to true.

“We learned a great deal from our previous generation of aero wheelsets,” said 3T CEO and co-owner René Wiertz. “Discus wheels have the aerodynamic properties of those earlier wheels, and the build integrity of Linear+, which combines all known elements of best practice in wheel assembly.”

Orbis II Wheelsets

3T knows not everyone is ready to take the plunge into disc brakes, and is continuing to focus on their rim brake options as well.

The Orbis II includes a similar 25mm outer rim width as the Discus, with 35 and 50mm depths. All models, except for two Orbis II T models, are clinchers.

Pro, Team, and LTD

As with everything else 3T, the Discus and Orbis II wheels are offered budget friendly Pro, mid-range Team, and top-end LTD options. The Team and LTD options will only come in the brand’s Stealth options, limiting the graphics to subdued black, except for a small 3T logo on each wheel. Weight limits have not been announced for any of the carbon wheelsets.

Pro

In both cases, the Discus and Orbis II Pro level wheelsets come with aluminum alloy rims and are only available in as C35 models. These clinchers provide the width of their more expensive brethren, at a more economical price. The Pro’s are targeted as training wheelsets, or for riders looking for a bullet proof set of wheels that will send up to anything from racing, to fondos, to gravel grinds.

Team Stealth

The Discus and Orbis II wheels jump to full carbon rim construction at the Team level. Doing so does shed some weight, and also provides the option to run shallow 35mm wheels, or a deeper 60mm or 50mm wheel respectively. The Team level wheels would be a great option for racers or riders that enjoy a more spirited ride. In the release, 3T did not specify which brake pads they recommend for the Orbis II.

LTD Stealth

3T’s top tier level wheel sees the rims move to a Hi-Mod carbon construction, making the wheels lighter and stiffer. The Orbis II also adds the option to go tubular on both rim depths. They are targeted at top level racers and riders who demand nothing but the best.

All wheels are available now through your local 3T dealer, with some coming stock on upcoming 2016 model releases later this winter/spring.

www.3Tcycling.com

Scott Kingsley

Heckling Editor, Image Taker, Crash Test Dummy, and Beard Master at Bikeworldnews.com

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