Ward carbon aero wheels have been methodically developed through extensive aero testing of each of the following factors separately, to provide the best performing wheels possible for the price and intended use:
 
Rim depth
Rim width
Rim shape
Spoke type
Spoke count
Hub
 
Ward Ultimate Indoor Track Front carbon aero wheels utilise 88 mm deep full carbon fibre rims. This wheel yields the ultimate in aerodynamics and overall performance for an allround indoor track front wheel, for riders demanding the very best do-it-all indoor track race wheel.
 
This wheel has been ridden to the 2022 British National Derny Championship gold medal; 2023 British National Team Pursuit silver medal (in a time of 3:57.502!!); 2023 British National Kilo bronze medal. 4:18.195 4 km Individual Pursuit.
 
Our own in-house testing shows that this 88 mm deep rim is the fastest, most aero track bunch legal front wheel we have ever tested, even beating 3, 4, 5 spoke and some full disc front wheels. It is very marginally faster than our Ward 59+ carbon front wheel on an indoor velodrome only. Outdoors, the Ward 59+ carbon front wheel is the faster and better option. The Ward Ultimate Indoor Track Front even comes unbelievably close to the best full disc front wheels costing 3x the price, on an indoor velodrome! A cost saving benefit to this carbon aero wheel is that it can be used in all track events, rather than just timed events.
 
Constructed from strong premium grade carbon fibre, which is better than the industry standard. Full carbon brake track measuring 25 mm wide at mid height. 18 mm wide internal rim width.
 
Wide inner rim width causes the tyre to spread out, giving similar benefits to using the next size up tyre on a narrower rim, such as: decreased rolling resistance; improved comfort; and increased grip. But creates a much closer match between rim and tyre width, which greatly improves the overall wheel and tyre system aerodynamics (CdA).
Note: Most “23 mm” tyres measure around 25 mm on these rims. “25 mm” tyres measure around 26-27 mm. We recommend using no wider than “23 mm” tyres on this wheel for optimum performance.
 
Carbon rim is rated to maximum inflation pressure of 120 psi. This may sound low for indoor velodrome use, but the clincher tyres provide a larger air volume than tubs of the same labelled width, which reduces the optimum inflation pressure. Despite this being a track specific wheel, the rim features a specificly developed braking surface, which improves braking power and reduces overheating issues associated with full carbon rims. So it can be used on the road, but a better and faster option for this is our Ward 59+ front wheel.
 
Lightweight, low profile sealed bearing hubs with hollow aluminium axles, utilising reliable but also easily replaceable sealed cartridge bearings. The front hub has been selected specifically because it creates a front wheel with significantly increased lateral stiffness compared to most other hubs. This is noticable in scenarios where side force is applied to the wheel such as when cornering hard, or sprinting.
 
Lightweight bladed aero spokes, laced radially, are used in the front wheel for an aerodynamic bias where applied loads are lower.
 
See wheel testimonials here.
 
All wheels are supplied with High Pressure Tubeless rim tape. It is light weight, yet super strong and durable. We have tested it with a clincher tyre to 200 psi (on a 60a rim) with one single ply without any issues. It is thinner than traditional rim tapes, which makes mounting tyres easier.
*Specification subject to change
 
All Ward wheels are hand built here in the UK, so if the standard wheel specification is not quite to your liking, please get in touch and we can discuss other options. Perhaps you would like different spokes, spoke count, lacing, hubs, nipples, or even a completely different custom build? These can all be achieved with a longer lead time. Price may vary.
 
We do not hold stock of this wheel at the moment as we are constantly looking to improve upon the spec, but you can pre-order the latest spec with an 8 week lead time.
 
We offer a 3 year warranty for spoke replacement and retrues. This warranty does not cover postage costs or improper use. In the event of hub or rim failure this is covered by the manufacturer’s policy.
 
Our carbon aero rims have a manufacturer supplied quality assurance warranty period of 1 year under normal riding. If there is any damage not caused by human factors, rims can be replaced.
 
Pictures display “Team Orange” decals and hub. White, or “Stealth” decal colours also available. Wheels are supplied with black hubs as standard.