Italian tubing and component brand Columbus has entered a new product category with the launch of its first performance-engineered wheelsets: the Cento, Spirit, and Gara.
Building on more than a century of manufacturing heritage, the Milan-based company partnered with carbon composite layup specialists to develop aerodynamic D-shaped, hooked carbon rims designed around wider 28-30mm tyres. Each model underwent computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis, wind tunnel testing, and laboratory evaluation for stiffness, impact, and fatigue resistance.
Victor Luis, Chairman of Columbus, said “For over a century Columbus has been a champion of Italian engineering and quality. We were an early pioneer in Carbon tubing and now after years of study and rigorous testing, we are excited to expand our range of Columbus Components to meet the exacting needs of performance brands, the frame building community and exacting riders across the world. Our goal is as always superior performance with uncompromising Milanese Design.”
The Cento collection includes the Cento 50 and Cento 62 models. The Cento 50 features a 50mm deep carbon rim and weighs 1,440g, while the Cento 62 features a 62mm profile weighing 1,470g. Both models utilise the new Columbus HUB with a dual-sided 36-tooth ratchet system, 9-degree engagement, ceramic bearings, and 21 carbon VONOA spokes in a 2:1 lacing pattern. Both Cento models are priced at €1,599.
The Spirit is the lightest wheelset in the range at 1,249g. It features a 50mm rim depth and an Integrated Aero HUB design constructed as a single-cast monocoque with 18 carbon spokes fused directly to the hub flanges. The Spirit also features ceramic bearings and integrated carbon nipples, with a retail price of €3,999.
Designed in collaboration with DT Swiss, the Gara 50 is an endurance-focused wheelset built around the DT Swiss 240 hub with the Ratchet EXP system. Weighing 1,315g, the 50mm carbon wheelset incorporates internal nipple seats made of glass-fibre reinforced polymer, titanium nipples, and 24 carbon VONOA spokes in a 1:1 lacing pattern. The Gara is priced at €2,399.
All three wheelset models feature an internal rim width of 23mm and an external width of 30mm.
Founded in Milan, Italy, in 1919, Columbus originally established itself through steel and aluminium bicycle tubing before introducing carbon fibre manufacturing in the early 2000s. Its carbon components range includes forks, integrated cockpits, handlebars, stems, seat posts, and accessories.
