Velobike Altair 3-Spoke

Note: This is a preorder only. Wheel delivery is estimated from October 2023. 

The Altair 3-Spoke is the result of 12 months of R&D focusing on turbulent aerodynamic conditions during mass start and sprint events. Comprehensive CFD and wind tunnel, and real world testing was undertaken to optimise the wheels shape for higher speeds, shallow yaw angled track conditions and fork blade airflow interference.

Designed in collaboration with Canyon and team Denmark for the Paris Olympics.

Enhanced Performance

Developed specifically for mass start and sprint athletes in mind, where acceleration is critical to energy conservation and performance. The Altair 3-Spoke is engineered to achieve the best possible stiffness to weight ratio. Manufactured from a high modulus carbon fibre and a ‘tool finish’ surface (no lacquers or clearcoats) the wheel is among the stiffest track wheels available (even stiffer than some disc wheels), yet weighing less than any comparable performance focused 3, 4, and 5 spoked wheel.

Aerodynamics

Aerodynamically designed around 23c tyres (up to 25mm width), the rim profile blends the tyre into a airfoil shape – increasing the airfoil chord length.

When analysing various 3, 4 and 5 spoke track wheels on the market we identified that fewer spokes tend to be quicker due to the air being cut through less frequently. The compromises is that, of the wheels tested, the ones with fewer spokes were generally less stiff. The challenge for us was to achieve the best possible balance between aero, weight and stiffness.

Tire Integration

The Altair 3 spoke wheel comes in two rim profile styles – clincher and tubular

With more research published for clinchers proving to have superior rolling efficiency over the traditional tubular counterparts, we had to develop two wheels!

Recommended tyre type based on discipline:

• Mass-start endurance: clincher or tubular
• Sprinters: tubular

Modularity and Frameset Compatibility

An innovative modular hub system, allows for the wheel to be set-up semi-permanently into various fork configurations and interfaces. We provide the wheel with a standard 9x100mm bolt-on, and a 12x100mm through axle compatible hub. Hubs configurations with more proprietary axle requirements are available – specific to certain frames.

The serviceability and futureproof design ensures the wheel is fit for purpose for many years to come as new track bike axle standards appear every Olympic cycle.