Dymag 38mm carbon review

Already an established name in the highest echelons of motorcycle racing, Dymag’s first foray into the world of cycling came with a suitably high level of expectation.

However, first impressions weren’t great, with the carbon-fibre rims looking identical to those used by a number of budget firms that offer similar wheelsets at vastly dissimilar prices.

Add to that our disappointment that the stickers were peeling off before they’d even seen a tyre lever and you’ll understand why we were hardly blown away.

Reynolds blue carbon-specific brake pads were included in the box but oddly no skewers or rim tape. A brief visit to our LBS furnished us with both, but when you’re paying four figures for a wheelset, to be cheated of these vital (and inexpensive) parts does seem cheeky.

Tested with Rubena’s super-light Phoenix tyres, the wheels felt nimble and rolled effortlessly on DT Swiss 240s — these high-quality hubs being the first real nod towards the weighty price-tag.

Under high cornering loads and during hard sprints, there was a sense of flex in the rear wheel to the point I had to open the caliper to stop the rim rubbing on the pads.

After 60 miles, this worsened when a spoke not only came loose but completely undone, leaving the nipple rattling inside the cavity, rendering the wheel unrideable.