XENTIS MARK 1 WHEELS

If you?re a pro equipment spotter (read ?anorak?) you will probably have noticed the Xentis four-spoke wheel on the front of Jan Ullrich?s time trial bike. And you will have read about how a mechanic fitted it the wrong way round for last year?s Tour of Germany time trial, costing him an estimated 20 watts. Ullrich still won the time trial, but lost the overall win to Levi Leipheimer by 31 seconds.

Independent tests have shown the Mark 1 to be extremely aerodynamic ? when it?s the right way round. We have even seen a test showing that the wheelset (including the rear) is faster than a rear disc/composite front.

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Founded in 1891, Cycling Weekly and its team of expert journalists brings cyclists in-depth reviews, extensive coverage of both professional and domestic racing, as well as fitness advice and 'brew a cuppa and put your feet up' features. Cycling Weekly serves its audience across a range of platforms, from good old-fashioned print to online journalism, and video.