Bola SL 38RB Carbon Tubular Road Wheelset for Rim Brake, DT Swiss 350 Hubs, Sapim CX-Ray Spokes, 700C, 38mm Deep, 25mm Wide
Bola SL 38RB Carbon Tubular Road Wheelset for Rim Brake, DT Swiss 350 Hubs, Sapim CX-Ray Spokes, 700C, 38mm Deep, 25mm Wide
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Bola SL 38RB Carbon Tubular Road Wheelset features a high-modulus carbon rim (38mm deep, 25mm wide), DT Swiss 350 hubs, and bladed Sapim CX-Ray spokes for riders seeking a balance of aerodynamic efficiency and climbing response in competitive road racing, criterium, and endurance cycling. Hand-built for reliability and serviceability, the set weighs is super light to1,190g (±20g) per pair and is certified for riders up to 100kg under EN14781 and ISO 4210 standards.
Technical Specifications
- Rim Profile: 38mm deep / 25mm wide high-modulus carbon, tubular fit.
- Hubs: DT Swiss 350, 100mm front / 130mm rear spacing, sealed cartridge bearings.
- Spokes: Sapim CX-Ray bladed stainless steel (20F radial / 24R; 2x drive, radial non-drive).
- Weight per Set: 1,190g ±20g (excludes tape/tubulars).
- Brake Type: Rim brake (caliper), machined braking surface.
- Certification: EN14781, ISO 4210 fatigue testing, UCI road race legal.
- Max Rider Weight: 100kg.
Performance Use Cases
- Road Racing: Optimized rim depth and lightweight construction delivers fast acceleration and sustained speed on flat to rolling terrain.
- Criterium: Wide 25mm external rim supports high-speed cornering stability and precise control during sprints.
- Endurance Rides: Reduced rotational mass lowers fatigue over long distances; the hand-built structure supports long-term trueness and easy serviceability.
- Climbing: At 1,190g, this setup balances efficient roll with swift climbing response compared to heavier, deeper-profile wheelsets.
Comparison Table: Tubular vs. Clincher Carbon Racing Wheelsets
| Feature | 38mm Tubular (This Model) | Typical 38mm Clincher |
|---|---|---|
| Weight (pair) | ~1,1190g | ~1,350-1,450g |
| Tire Fit | Tubular (glued) | Clincher/Tubeless |
| Ride Feel | Supple, responsive | Stiff, easier maintenance |
| Brake Type | Rim, caliper | Rim, disc |
| Serviceability | Pro-level, requires glue/tape | Consumer/easier roadside fix |
Key Technical Considerations
- Hand-Built Quality: Each wheelset is trued and tensioned for precise spoke balance, improving long-term durability and service life.
- Sapim CX-Ray Bladed Spokes: Chosen for their balance of tensile strength, low weight, and aero performance; in line with industry best practices.
- DT Swiss 350 Hubs: Proven bearing longevity and readily available service parts support a full life cycle of ownership.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are 38mm carbon tubular wheels suitable for both climbing and flat races?
Yes. The 38mm profile combines aerodynamic benefits for flat/rolling stages with a reduced weight (1,190g) that improves climbing response. Riders often favor this setup for mixed parcours.
What is the weight advantage of tubular carbon wheels vs. clincher?
This tubular model weighs ~1,190g per set, typically 100-200g less than similar-depth clincher wheelsets, enhancing acceleration and reducing fatigue over long distances.
Can I use these wheels for criterium and endurance racing?
Yes. The 25mm external width supports stable handling at high speeds, and the fatigue-tested carbon rim meets UCI and ISO safety standards for various race formats.
What should I know about Sapim CX-Ray spokes?
CX-Ray spokes offer high tensile strength and fatigue life, with a bladed profile for both aerodynamic and structural advantages; widely used in pro-level builds.
How should the wheelset be maintained?
Periodically check spoke tension and wheel trueness. Clean the rim brake track with isopropyl alcohol, and do not store in high-heat environments to protect carbon integrity.
The Bola SL 38RB Carbon Tubular Road Wheelset is a hand-built carbon wheelset for competitive road cyclists using tubular tires and rim brakes, designed for racing on mixed terrain where climbing response and aerodynamic efficiency both matter. It is suited to riders who value a serviceable race-oriented build.
Key Features & Specs
- Rim: High-modulus carbon, 700C tubular-fit rim, 38mm deep and 25mm wide.
- Hubs: DT Swiss 350 hubs with sealed cartridge bearings, 100mm front and 130mm rear spacing.
- Spokes and lacing: Sapim CX-Ray bladed stainless-steel spokes, 20 front radial and 24 rear, with 2x drive-side and radial non-drive-side lacing.
- Braking interface: Rim-brake configuration with a machined braking surface for caliper brakes.
- Build: Hand-built, trued, and tensioned for balanced spoke tension and serviceability.
- Rider limit: Certified for riders up to 100kg.
- Standards: EN14781 and ISO 4210 fatigue tested, and UCI road race legal.
How it Compares
| Feature | This Product | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Rim Material and Construction | High-modulus carbon, 38mm deep / 25mm wide, tubular fit | Provides aerodynamic efficiency and lightweight performance for both climbing and speed. |
| Hubs | DT Swiss 350, sealed cartridge bearings | Enhances durability, smooth rolling, and easy access to service parts over time. |
| Weight per Set | 1,190g ±20g (excluding tape/tubulars) | Lowers rotational mass, improving acceleration and reducing fatigue for endurance and race scenarios. |
| Spokes | Sapim CX-Ray stainless steel, bladed (20F radial / 24R; 2x drive, radial non-drive) | Offers a combination of tensile strength, low weight, and aerodynamic benefit. |
| Brake Type | Rim brake, machined braking surface | Suitable for caliper systems, supporting consistent stopping power. |
| Certification | EN14781, ISO 4210 fatigue testing, UCI road race legal | Independent standards support race eligibility and rider confidence on quality and durability. |
| Hand-Built Quality | Trued and tensioned for precise spoke balance | Improves long-term wheel integrity, trueness, and ease of servicing. |
| Max Rider Weight | 100kg | Accommodates a broad range of riders for competitive and endurance cycling. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use these carbon tubular wheels for criterium and endurance cycling events?
Yes, the Bola SL 38RB Carbon Tubular Road Wheelset is designed for criterium racing and endurance rides as well as road racing. Its 25mm-wide rim supports stable high-speed handling, while the hand-built wheel structure is intended for long-term trueness and serviceability.
Is this wheelset suitable for a rider who weighs up to 100kg?
Yes, the Bola SL 38RB Carbon Tubular Road Wheelset is certified for riders up to 100kg. It meets EN14781 and ISO 4210 fatigue-testing standards.
What should I consider before choosing a tubular rim-brake wheelset?
This wheelset requires tubular tires installed with glue or tape, a setup commonly used for race-focused riding. It is designed for caliper rim brakes and has a machined braking surface, so it is intended for bicycles using that brake format.
What maintenance does a carbon rim-brake tubular wheelset need?
Periodically check spoke tension and wheel trueness, and clean the rim brake track with isopropyl alcohol. Avoid storing the wheelset in high-heat environments to protect the carbon rim.
Recommended Use Cases
- Rolling road races where a moderate-depth rim can support sustained speed while keeping rotational weight low for changes in pace.
- Criterium events with repeated accelerations, high-speed cornering, and sprint efforts.
- Endurance cycling events for riders who want a hand-built wheelset with serviceable DT Swiss 350 hubs and readily available service parts.
- Rim-brake road bikes using 100mm front and 130mm rear hub spacing and tubular tires.
