BOLA CLA 700c Carbon Disc Wheelset | 60mm Front, 88mm Rear, 1700g
BOLA CLA 700c Carbon Disc Wheelset | 60mm Front, 88mm Rear, 1700g
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The Bola CLA 700C 60mm Front / 88mm Rear Triathlon Disc Wheelset - a matched deep aero TT pair for flat time-trial courses, built in Toray T700/T800 carbon.
Fast courses, windy flats, and race-day time trials demand a wheelset that keeps speed without fluttering. The Bola CLA 60/88 pairs a 60mm front with an 88mm rear - the classic fast/steady combination - in tubeless-ready disc-specific carbon.
Buying Guide.
Internal width - 17mm (the only bed offered): run a 25-28mm race tire at 90-110 PSI tubeless for the lowest drag on smooth tarmac, or a 28-30mm at 80-95 PSI for rolling, rougher race roads.
Max rider weight: rated to 120kg system - check rider and gear before ordering.
Same-depth series: among deep-section sets at this level, the ELT 60R is lighter with ceramic bearings at $579, while the ULT 60R adds CX-Ray spokes at $698 - choose this CLA for the deep rear at the lowest outlay.
Adjacent depth: the front/rear depth split already trades stability for flat speed; reach for a shallower set only when climbing or crosswinds dominate.
Target Audience & Usage Notes.
Built for age-group triathletes, TT specialists, and fast road racers on flat-to-rolling courses.
Not for steep climbing (1700g) or very windy days on the deep rear.
Requires a disc road frame with 12x100/12x142 thru-axles.
Tubeless-ready; clincher-compatible with strips.
The Ride That Awaits.
Down the start ramp the front steers with quiet confidence while the long rear drives you forward like a tailwind you wear yourself - sustained effort feels calm and planted. The disc brakes modulate predictably when the run-up turns technical. Free shipping, VAT included, and a 3-year rim / 2-year wheelset warranty with 30% crash-replacement cover mean you commit to race-day speed without a second thought.
Specifications
- Material: Toray T700/T800 carbon fiber
- Rim depth: 60mm front / 88mm rear
- External width: 25/28mm
- Internal width: 17/25mm
- Size: 700C
- Hub: BL300 CNC 54T
- Bearing: ENDURO Steel
- Spoke: P1423 24/24 2X SP
- Wheelset weight (+/-2% tolerance, excluding rim tape and valves): ~1700g
Trade-offs & Considerations
- Aero vs Climbing: The 60mm front and 88mm rear rims prioritize aerodynamic efficiency for flat and rolling courses, but the 1700g pack weight makes climbing less efficient compared to lighter wheelsets. On steep gradients, the weight is noticeable, yet the aero benefit pays off on descents and flat sections.
- Crosswind vs Aero: The deep rims reduce drag but are more susceptible to crosswinds, especially the 88mm rear which can catch gusts. Riders should expect some steering input in strong winds, but the front 60mm profile is shaped to improve predictability. Confidence in windy conditions is manageable for experienced riders.
- Weight vs Durability: At 1700g, the wheelset balances weight savings with robust construction using Toray T700/T800 carbon. The rims are designed to withstand impacts and maintain stiffness, but the deep profile adds weight. Weigh against a lighter climbing wheelset for trade-offs in acceleration versus long-term reliability.
- Stiffness vs Compliance: The carbon layup delivers high lateral and radial stiffness for precise power transfer, but the deep section can feel harsh on rough roads. Tubeless tires allow lower pressures (e.g., 80-90psi) to add comfort, yet the rim still transmits road buzz. Compliance is acceptable for race use but not plush.
Performance Test Data
- Fatigue Test: 750,000 cycles @640N (ISO 4210-7 Annex A, informative only)
- Impact Resistance: >40J (ISO 4210-7 reference)
- Flatness: <0.25mm (internal QC)
- Roundness: <0.3mm (internal QC)
- Max Spoke Tension: >300kg (internal QC)
- Ultimate Strength: >100kg (internal QC)
- Dynamic Equilibrium: <3g (internal QC)
- Radial Stiffness: 90–110 N/mm (internal lab)
- Lateral Stiffness: 48-60 N/mm (internal lab)
- Max System Weight: 120kg (rider+bike+gear)
Recommended Use Cases
- Sprinting / Criterium: Good - Aero profile and stiffness help maintain speed, but heavy weight and crosswind sensitivity may hinder tight cornering.
- Triathlon / TT: Excellent - Designed for time trials and triathlons, the deep rims reduce drag and the disc rear adds stability.
- Road Racing: Good - Effective on flat and rolling courses, but climbers may find the weight limiting.
- Gran Fondo / Endurance: Suitable - Tubeless-ready and compliant enough for long rides, but the weight and aero focus are not optimal for hilly routes.
- Climbing / Hill Repeats: Not recommended - The 1700g weight and deep rims are a disadvantage on steep climbs, where lighter wheels perform better.
- Not Recommended For: Heavy climbing or very windy days - Crosswind stability is compromised and the weight adds fatigue over long climbs.
Compatibility
- Frame Compatibility: Disc brake road frames with thru-axles, 12x100mm front and 12x142mm rear.
- Tire Type: Tubeless-ready, also compatible with clincher tires with appropriate rim strips.
- Tire Width Range: 21mm to 38mm.
- Brake Standard: Disc brake only (center lock
- Axle Standard: 12x100mm front / 12x142mm rear
- Drivetrain: Compatible with Shimano/SRAM/CP freehub standards; options available.
- Rotor Standard: Center lock or 6-bolt with adapter
How It Compares
| Model | Hub | Spoke | Bearing | Weight | Depth | Width | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CLA | BL300 54T | P1423 | ENDURO | ~1700g | 60mm front / 88mm rear | 17/25mm | see store |
| Aero | Novatec | Sapim | Steel | ~1550g | 60/88mm | 28/25mm | ~$1000 |
| Hyper | DT Swiss | Sapim | Ceramic | ~1500g | 60/88mm | 28/25mm | ~$1200 |
| Drive | Elite | Pillar | Steel | ~1600g | 60/88mm | 28/25mm | ~$900 |
FAQ
What riding scenarios are these wheels best suited for?
These wheels excel in flat to rolling terrain, particularly for time trials, triathlons, and fast road racing. The 60mm front and 88mm rear rims reduce aerodynamic drag, making them ideal for sustained high-speed efforts. They are less suited for steep climbs or very windy conditions where lighter or shallower rims offer better handling.
How do the weight and stiffness trade off?
The wheelset weighs ~1700g, which is competitive but not the lightest. The carbon construction provides high lateral stiffness for efficient power transfer, but the depth adds weight. Riders might notice slower acceleration on climbs but excellent stability and speed on flats. The stiffness-to-weight ratio is balanced for racing.
What hub engagement does the CLA wheelset use?
The hub features a BL300 design with a 54-tooth ratchet, providing fast engagement (approx. 6.7 degrees). This is great for quick accelerations out of corners and sprints. The engagement is reliable and suitable for racing.
What tire pressures are recommended?
As tubeless-ready, you can run lower pressures (e.g., 80-90psi for 25mm tires) to reduce rolling resistance and improve traction. The optimal pressure depends on rider weight and terrain, but typically 80-100psi for road use. Lower pressures enhance comfort without sacrificing speed.
What is the upgrade path from these wheels?
If you need lighter weight for climbing, consider a shallower wheelset (e.g., 40-50mm) with similar hubs. For more aerodynamic gains, a fully disc rear wheel could be an upgrade, but the 88mm already offers aero benefits. Upgrading bearings to ceramic could reduce friction further.
Warranty & Shipping
- Warranty Period: 3 years for rims / 2 years for wheelsets
- Warranty Coverage: Manufacturing defects on carbon structure
- Crash Replacement: 30% discount within warranty period
- Processing Time: 1–3 business days; 7–15 business days for custom or out-of-stock items
- Shipping Method: FedEx / UPS / DPD Economy (free, duties & VAT included) · Expedited option at checkout (duties & VAT payable on delivery)
- Estimated Delivery:Economy 7–20 business days · Expedited 3–7 business days, excluding customs clearance
- Packaging: Double-wall carton with foam protection
