Bike Ahead Composites Biturbo RS Wheels in Review

The exquisite 6-spoke carbon wheelset from Bike Ahead Composites, now mounted on our Cannondale Scalpel Down Country Project, has covered a good 1,000 kilometers. Across a variety of terrains - from leisurely rides to the ice cream parlor mostly on asphalt to intense trail shredding. A good time for an initial review.

It remains clear that the appearance of the sharply designed "6-spokes" attracts attention. Naturally, the Lefty at the front of our tuning project further emphasizes the exotic look. No matter where the path led this spring and summer - scrutinizing looks from colleagues and passersby were almost guaranteed. Often highly appreciative, but sometimes also marked by slight skepticism.
A pro tip for the shy: Want to strike up a conversation with like-minded, technically savvy bikers? This wheelset makes it possible, an icebreaker of the finest quality. Rarely have I had so many conversations on the trails in a season.

Despite the previously mentioned light "feeling tires" from Schwalbe – the entire season was contested on Racing Ray/Ralph in said rolling resistance optimized "Super Race" compound – there were no punctures to report. Actually, 0.0 problems. A lucky coincidence? Maybe.
Certainly, also a credit to the Silca Ultimate Sealant, which did a really outstanding job. After four months, the replenisher liquid was topped up to keep the system functional, and it continued without incidents.
As a Biturbo RS rider, one generally hardly knows any problems with the tubeless system, since on one hand, a sealing tape, as with classic steel spoke rims, is omitted, and on the other hand, the reinforced hookless construction offers a flawless fit.

Over the weeks and months, any fears that the edgily aggressive drawn wheels would somehow manage the contact with merciless grounds and whipped up branches remained completely unfounded.
The robustness convinces. Also, the finish or the surface on the test wheelset continues to look almost flawless.

With Fox Dropper Post, Magura Trail SL brakes, and the wider wheelset, the Cannondale Scalpel Carbon becomes a downcountry rocket.

If it weren't for the slight vertical trueness issue, I would rate the wheelset exclusively with top marks. As it stands, especially given the price segment, it must also accept some criticism.
Overall, however, enthusiasm clearly prevails: The direct riding feel along with the great precision fits wonderfully with the XC concept for my taste. Every crisp start is a pleasure and every break on the tour, looking at the extraordinary appearance, as well.

The general workmanship and the finish of the wheels are top-notch, their robustness accordingly.
The 28 millimeters internal rim width hits the sweet spot for mixed cross and downcountry use.
The weight, in the Lefty-compatible version, is not at record level, but considering the practical width and the extravagant setup, it's really okay.