CYCLING WEEKLY 9/10 - 36 UD CARBON SPOKE WHEELSET
The Hunt 36 UD carbon spoke wheels are true performance orientated hoops, which are impressive off the mark and superbly responsive on hills.
UK brand Hunt has continued to grow and grow in its popularity with road and off-road riders thanks to its competitively priced and highly praised wheels.
The Hunt 36 UD carbon spoke wheelset is one of the brand’s latest road releases and, despite entering at the top price point in its range, pack in some intriguing features for the cost.
The rim brake wheels feature Hunt’s unidirectional carbon spokes, which are intended to reduce the weight of the wheels as well as improve lateral stiffness. Hunt claims the carbon spokes provide “up to 30.16 per cent reduction in lateral flex over equivalent steel spoked wheelsets.”
One very appealing aspect of Hunts carbon spokes though is its ‘TaperLock’ technology, which means the carbon spokes are held mechanically rather than bonded to the rim, meaning you can true them much like a steel spoke making upkeep that much easier.
These wheels hold speed really well [...] but where these really flourish is in their acceleration. The light weight (around 1300g for the pair) combined with how stiff these wheels are really give these a responsive kick when you’re accelerating on the flat, up short, sharp climbs, or the final punch at the end of a long climb; some of the best wheels I’ve used in this respect
Verdict
The Hunt 36 UD carbon spoke wheels are true performance orientated hoops, which are impressive off the mark and superbly responsive on hills. They may be quite harsh on rougher roads, but for this price you'll get some fast and versatile racing wheels.