Shimano tests prototype wheel with deep section rim at Paris-Nice
Sanchez was aboard something new from Shimano
Heading out the door? Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members! Download the app.
When Rabobank’s Luis León Sanchez crossed the finish line in stage 6 of Paris-Nice ahead of Jens Voigt, something didn’t look quite right. The smile on his face was appropriate, his jersey was fully zipped and his bike was immaculately clean. It was the black hub on his Shimano-equipped Giant that stood out.
Either Sanchez was aboard a wheel from a competing sponsor or he was on something new from Shimano. It turns out it was the latter. Shimano appears to be joining the wider rim trend with a new 50-ish millimeter deep section carbon wheel.
A new, black hub, likely with the usual excellent Shimano internals, is laced to what looks like a more bulbous rim. Shimano, at least on the prototype Sanchez rode, decided to hide the spoke nipples inside the rim.
There is no word yet on weight, cost or availability, but if we hear anything more, we’ll be sure to pass it along. For now, know that it’s good enough to help Sanchez beat Jens Voigt, and that’s a pretty strong result.