Something really interesting happened on Tuesday in the cycling world. Cycling fans, organizations, brands, and the media all got together to check out new products, sit in on seminars and enjoy a ride with Jens Voigt. The whole thing was done very responsibly though, as we all met from the comfort of our homes through the Digital WorldBike virtual cycling conference. We had a chance to talk to a bunch of different brands while we were “there” and we are getting caught up on the conferences, so watch for articles over the next few weeks. The first brand we are highlighting is Scope Cycling.
Scope is a Dutch wheel brand founded in 2013. Based in Eindhoven, the Dutch Silicone Valley, it is the perfect location to work with partners like the Technical University of Eindhoven, Brainport, and the Design Academy. While some brands focus on one aspect, be it aerodynamics, weight, stiffness or durability, Scope is working to continually find the best balance of each in their wheelsets. Being a mix of engineers and former pro cyclists, they are starting on the right track.
Currently, they have four wheelsets, three for the road and one mountain, gravel, and cyclocross. Nothing is really new since Eurobike, but since they are still a growing brand here in the US, it’s a perfect time to recap their lines.
R3
For days going uphill, the R3 is your wheel. At 30mm deep, they weigh in at a claimed 1,440g for the rim brake version or 1,477g for disc brakes. They are versatile enough to use as your every day or climbing wheels, yet they are durable enough you can take them out on the cobbles.
R4
The R4 is your workhorse wheelset. At 45mm deep, you get a great balance of aerodynamic advantage on the flats while being shallow enough to handle crosswinds. Weight is still very reasonable at 1,520g (rim) and 1,557g (disc), so they are still light enough to take into the hills.
R5
When speed is your main focus, the R5 is your choice. The 55mm deep wheel brings the most aerodynamic advantage in the line, but the weight penalty is minimal. The rim brake version weighs 1,595g and the disc version is 1,632g, only 155g penalty for either version over the R3 for a wheelset that is almost twice as deep.
All of the road wheelsets share the same 26.2mm wide external width, and 19mm internal width. Scope started with the tire and worked with the Technical University of Eindhoven using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) to design a rim shape that flows seamlessly from the tire to the rim. The next step was to build the wheel and take it to the wind tunnel. Not only did they test the R3, R4, and R5, but they also brought in their competitor’s wheels to push themselves to be the best. After they validated their design, it was out to the real world to work with professional riders and teams to get their feedback.
The wide rim means that most tires will measure wider. For example, a set of Schwalbe Pro 1’s in a 700x25c will measure out to 27.5mm wide. The rim brake versions are built with 18 spokes in the front, 21 for the rear, and have a 95kg (about 210lb) weight limit. The disc versions are built 21 and 24 respectively, with no weight limit.
For weight, Scope worked with TU Delft to create a layup to minimize weight, while retaining high levels of stiffness and comfort. Part of the diet the rims went on involves their Local Reinforcement Technology, which keeps carbon where it is needed in places like spoke holes, but removes it where it is not needed. Scope’s wheels might not be the lightest on the market, but they are very competitive, while still balancing aerodynamics, stiffness, durability, and comfort.
O2D
On the mountain and gravel side, Scope has the O2D. It’s a 700c/29″ wheel that is 23mm deep, with a 31mm external width, 25mm internal width, and a hookless rim. The disc only wheelset utilizes their Local Reinforcement Technology, helping them come in at 1,380g, making them very light, while still remaining durable, stiff, and comfortable. Hubs are available in standard and boost widths, with all the current freehub standards.
Hubs
The hubs are designed by Scope. They pushed the spoke flanges as wide as possible to help keep spoke tensions balanced and helping to increase stiffness. The rim brake versions are available in quick release only, while the discs have end caps for quick release, 10/12/15x100mm front thru-axle, and 10/12×135 and 15x142mm rear axles. They come standard with bearings from SKF with a CeramicSpeed upgrade for an additional $500.
Another way to customize Scope wheelsets is through the logos. They come standard with white or black Scope logos, but you can also customize the colors to get a unique look.
All Scope wheelsets start at $1,549 a set, regardless of depth or brake style. Currently, for the US, you can order them directly from Scope.
With their attention to detail and focus on finding the right balance of aerodynamics, weight, stiffness, durability, and comfort, you can see why their motto is “No Excuses.” We’ll be keeping an eye on Scope as they continue to grow and we’ll bring you more news as they continue to work on developing new products in the future.
Heckling Editor, Image Taker, Crash Test Dummy, and Beard Master at Bikeworldnews.com
~Veggie Powered Athlete~
Location – Lancaster, PA
Current Testing Rigs – 2024 Van Dessel Arch65, 2019 Van Dessel Full Tilt Boogie, 2018 Van Dessel Motivus Maximus LTD, 2016 Van Dessel Whiskey Tango Foxtrot, 2015 Bianchi Sempre Pro, 1978 Trek TX900
Dream Bike – I’ll tell you when they make it
Discipline – Cyclocross, gravel, road and duathlons (ride/run)
Favorite Rides – Quiet country roads of Amish Country, some of the best roads around.
Food of Choice – Sweet potato roll
Beer of Choice – Unibroue Grand Reserve 17, aged four years
Bourbon of Choice – Widow Jane 10 Year