Are These BANNED Retro Wheels Faster Than Modern Carbon?

We’ve got our hands on some illegal exploding retro bike wheels and are putting them up against UCI-legal modern carbon wheels. These Spinergy Rev X wheels were revolutionary when they came out in the 1990s but failed the UCI’s rupture test, leading them to be banned. Retro vs modern: Alex finds out if today’s road bike wheels are actually faster!

0:00 Intro
0:44 The Wheels
1:56 Wheel Top Trumps
2:25 Spokes
3:25 Shape & Construction
4:45 Exploding Wheels
5:38 Retro vs Modern
6:21 Results

Useful Links:

Do you prefer retro or modern wheels? 🛞 Let us know in the comments below! 💬

If you liked this video, be sure to give it a thumbs up 👍 and share it with your friends!

Watch more on GCN Tech...

🎵 Music - licensed by Epidemic Sound 🎵
Carefree - Martin Landstrom
Chihuly - Heyson
Endless Loops - Ooyy
PREL Voice Phrase 194 - SFX Producer
Shadow Driver - Craft Case
Won't Let You Down (Instrumental Version) - Lawd Ito
YOMI - STRLGHT

#gcntech #gcn #cycling #roadcycling #roadbike #bike #bikes #bikelife #wheels #retrobike

📸 Photos - © Velo Collection (TDW) / Getty Images & © Sprint Cycling Agency

Brought to you by the world’s biggest cycling channel, the Global Cycling Network (GCN), GCN Tech is the only channel you need for all things bike tech – past, present and future.

Simply put, we’re obsessed with tech: we seek out and showcase the best in bikes, components, tech, accessories, upgrades and more from races and events, tech shows and product launches across the globe to bring you the best in road bike technology.

We’ve also got great maintenance videos to help you get the most from your bike; pro-bike tours from all the biggest races; special features and the weekly GCN Tech Show. We also take a deeper look into the future of cycling, apps, smart tech and virtual riding.

Join us on the channel and the GCN App to submit your content, vote on the latest tech and keep abreast of exciting new trends.

Thanks to our sponsors:

Watch our sister channels:

[gcntech]

Do you prefer retro or modern wheels? 🛞 Let us know in the comments below! 👇

[joelperegrinefilms]

I own 8 sets. The first pair I purchased in ‘96. I use them as daily trainers and had my best race times when a front was paired with a solid disc rear. My son rides a set with fixed-rear conversion. No issues though I’ve needed to have one freehub rebuilt. With all of the experience I have riding Spinergy wheels I’d sell them all in a heartbeat if for any reason I thought I was putting myself or my son in danger by riding them.

[JonCannings]

Give me the banned stuff any day. I don't race. The rules don't matter to me

[CrapKerouac]

They both looked great, maybe Spinergy should release an updated pair?

[mcfly]

I used to ride these rims. I rode them in trainings and races as long as they were allowed. Never had an technical issue and they looked great with the first carbon frames out there. I would die for an updated version, even if would only be for the looks.

[owensnicholas]

I did see a Spinergy wheel fail suddenly and catastrophically in a crit race. It was in the late 90s in Burlington, VT. It would have been 1998 or 1999. The pile-up took out a good portion of the field

[muromango]

I ride the Spinergy Rev X (in size 26") on my single speed (48:13 ratio) every day. I weigh 86 kg, with clothes, street shoes, keychain, purse, etc., easily 90 kg. There is not a single report that the 26" wheels broke. Yes, the Spinergy 28" wheels were defective at the beginning of production. But over time it was fixed and improved. The 26" wheels have no defects, look at the MTB area, there are also no defects in the 26" size.

[thorthundergod]

My dad still uses his spinergys on his 1995 litespeed titanium frame bike! the bike is still surprisingly light and the spinergys are quite amazing! I've actually set up his bike to "my size" (even though it is 2 sizes to small for me) and PR/Kom some local segments that I haven't been able to come close too on my 2015 trek madone with lightweight HED wheels

[brothatwasepic]

The best part is that we non-pro riders get great products that are actually ultra high quality! I just got a tri-spoke carbon HED wheel for $100!

[emmabird]

Well done Alex, very enjoyable. Lucky that give way didn't mess up your timings!

[bicyclist]

I love the look of these Spinergy wheels. I remember when they came out. Everyone wanted a pair. They still look great even after all these years. I still want a pair very badly. I still hope to save up enough to buy a pair some day. I don't really care if the newer more modern wheels are a little more aero than these. These Sinergy's come from cycling's golden years (1995-2005). There was so much great innovation back then. Thank you.

[brockjennings]

One of the aspects of Rev-X wheels I enjoyed was the whooshing sound they would make when sprinting. Spinergy also offered small plastic bridges you could install between the spoke to reduce side flexing. The wheel graphics were simply adhesive vinyl decals. I still remember OCD getting the better of me and applying clear nail polish to the edges to prevent peeling.

[ukshag]

I have a set of Spinergy Rev X that came on a Cannondale Super V2000 (black and gold) MTB back in 1999. It was quite the look and quickly extracted $ 1800 from my wallet. The bike and wheels were regularly off-roaded without major incident.

As memory serves when the UCI ban happened Spinergy offered an exchange program/reduced price on new wheels if you promised to destroy the old set of Rev X's. The fact that the Rev X and the Super V2000 are still hanging in my shed might mean I was not compliant with this request. The UCI has no jurisdiction over my shed.

This video has inspired me to put the two back together and go to the top of next project list!

[thepsychobilly]

I just got myself a Cinelli Super Corsa frame paired with a circa 2001 Campagnolo Record groupset. Spinergy Rev X wheels are exactly what I'm looking for to finish up the retro look :D Congratulations on finding a pair in that nice condition! :)

[halidaymichael]

I did about 10, 000kms on a pair of Rev-X’s (with bridges) in the late 90’s / early 2000’s. They were fast - they actually needed careful pairing with the fork (bladed forks were a good match). Never had a problem with them, replaced them with a famous wheel brand beginning with Z and had much less good times. I still run multiple sets of Reynolds (DV46) and a couple of pairs of Hed Stingers (which I’m too fat to ride). I don’t race, but I’ve kept almost every bike and wheelset I’ve ever owned.

[markbradshaw]

What is clear to see is that Alea is now the best GCN presenter. Such a great little video. Thank you.

[jordanscott]

I just want to know how GCN managed to get an 11 speed cassette on there! I thought they would only support up to 10.

[aemediainc]

I love the revX! I have yet to see a set that fits 11-12sp cassettes. Did you get it custom made?

[ymbiz]

How did they ride - comfort, crosswinds? And most important, how did they sound?

[bbarber]

Loved those Spinergy wheels. I never had an issue at all. Sold them and have always regretted it