New Princeton CarbonWorks Alta 3532 wheelset goes after the weight weenies
Princeton CarbonWorks’ high-end road wheels have to date focused primarily on aerodynamic performance, but with the debut of its new Alta 3532 model, the young brand is now trying to win the hearts (and wallets) of riders more focused on gram scales. Claimed weights vary a bit depending on the exact hubs and spokes used, but they’re impressive whichever way you go, going as low as 1,094 g and topping out at 1,202 g – and that’s for disc-brake carbon clinchers. Should you prefer tubulars, that brings you well below the 1 kg mark to just 950 g (claimed) per set.
As the name suggests (and as is typical for Princeton CarbonWorks), the Alta 3532 uses a variable-depth rim that ranges from 32 to 35 mm in depth. All the rims have a 28.6 mm external width, and the clinchers measure 21 mm internally. Despite the comparatively generous dimensions, claimed weight for a clincher rim is just 348 g. But while previous Princeton CarbonWorks rims use a more pronounced sawtooth-like shape that supposedly boosts aerodynamic performance, the Alta 3532’s more subtly variable profile is instead said to provide more of a structural benefit.
Aligning those taller and shorter rim section depths to specific hub flanges helps to even out the bracing angles between the driveside and non-driveside, thus reducing the typically large disparity in spoke tensions seen in more conventionally shaped wheels. That makes sense in theory, although it’s worth noting Princeton CarbonWorks wasn’t able to provide specific figures on the improvement (and I suspect two-to-one lacing is even more effective in that respect).
Other features include a solid outer rim bed for improved strength and easier tubeless setup (with little chance sealant can seep into the cavity and eat the aluminum spoke nipples), a flattened area to better secure the tubeless valve stem nuts, and a hooked rim format for a broader range of compatible tires.
Princeton Carbon will only offer the Alta 3532 clinchers for use with disc-brakes, but tubulars are planned for both rim- and disc-brake compatibility. As is the case with other PCW wheels, the Alta 3532 will be offered with a wide range of high-end hubs from premium brands, including DT Swiss, Chris King, Industry Nine, White Industries, and its own Tactic Racing.
Prices start at an eye-watering US$3,000, and go up to US$3,950. Chrome or gold graphics add another US$200 on top of that, and if you want ceramic bearings, tack on another US$600.
Pricing for other currencies is still being finalized, but whatever those come out to be… ouch.
More information can be found at www.princetoncarbon.com.
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