For the 2014/15 Cyclocross season I’m going to ride the HED Ardennes FR Disc Plus. I’ve been a late adopter to the Disc Cross bike, but so far after 500 miles on this setup I’m really enjoying the disc option. Technical Specs for the Ardennes FR Disc
- C2 Scandium rims
- 18 front and 24 rear Silver bladed spokes
- Sapim CX-Ray bladed spokes
- Carbon FR Sonic hubs
- Rear hub grease port with carbon port cap
- Titanium Skewer and Rim Tape included
- Titanium Ratchet ring
- Scandium Clincher or Alloy Tubular
- Rider weight limit 225lbs
- Stallion build available for riders 226-250lbs
- Available with Power Tap
- Weights (g): Front: 760 – Rear: 860 Width: 25mm
- Depth 24.5mm
Handling Since all the Ardennes come with a tubeless compatible shelf I’ve been running a tubeless setup. They also come in a tubular option. Both tubeless and tubular combined with a 25mm extra wide rim make this the best handling wheel I’ve ever ridden. 30-40 psi in these wheels and it’s borderline like riding a mountain bike rim.
Stiffness The Ardennes have always been a really durable and stiff wheelset, but these FR Disc’s are the stiffest I’ve ever ridden. Super good power transfer, particularly in sprints and starts. The power transfer feels like a carbon rim.
Looks It looks slightly different then all the other Ardennes, all black right up to the tire, because there is no need for the aluminum braking surface. Looking at the 25mm rim makes your cross bike seem like an indestructible tank. The decals are bit reflective which is nice.
Adaptability One of my problems with cross wheels over the years has been dealing with cassettes, carbon pads, and gluing tubulars. The Ardennes FR Disc is a centerlock system, but I’m running avid 160mm rotors. So, pretty much any disc brake you have you can make these bad boys work. Tire wise with the tubeless ready clincher shelf, you can put tubes are run tubeless, lot’s of options. Also, they come 9/10/11 speed ready.
Overall Riding a disc brake bike doesn’t mean you need to ride a pig. These wheels and a couple others on the market will turn your bike into a race worthy stead. It’s worth the extra money. This is coming from the guy who’s ridden the Ardennes LT for three years because I didn’t want to spend the extra money for the SL. It’s the best disc wheel on the market.
Shaun Radley
Director of Operations