Particle GCX45 Hyperlight Review: The Lightest Wheels I Ever Tested!

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So, I’ve already examined over 20 pairs of Chinese language wheelsets. However the Particle GCX45 Hyperlight wheels must be probably the most ridiculous wheels I’ve examined. Why? As a result of these are the lightest ones but. They weigh simply 956g at 45mm! However how do they really trip? On this evaluate, you’ll discover out.

My GCX Hyperlight wheels scoring at a look:Crosswind Stability 5/5 | Stiffness 5/5 | Using Consolation 5/5 | Pace Upkeep 4/5 | Tire On 3/5 | Trueness 5/5 | Spoke Rigidity 5/5 | Dishing 5/5 | Worth 2/5 | OVERALL 4.3/5More about this street wheels scoring.

Particle GCX Hyperlight: Essential Options and Specs

Listed below are the principle options and specs of the Particle GCX Hyperlight 45D wheels. Different rim depths (45/52D and 52D) are additionally out there. I discover them a bit redundant, and I’d like to see deeper choices (let’s say round 60mm entrance and rear).

First Impressions and Unboxing

The Particle wheels arrived in a primary, brown field with a covered-up brand. I suppose this was because of customs clearance. The very first thing I seen was how ridiculously light-weight the bundle was. It actually felt prefer it was empty.

I additionally need to spotlight a small element. As a substitute of utilizing tons of plastic adhesive tape, Particle makes use of paper tape. In addition they use paper envelopes and restricted plastic contained in the field. These make the packaging a bit extra environmentally pleasant.

Anyway, the wheels had been protected by two foam wheel luggage and protecting covers. Surprisingly, there have been no finish cup protectors as I’m used to from different producers, so I hope this received’t trigger points with Particle shipments in the event that they aren’t dealt with fastidiously.

The rim tape was already put in, and tubeless valves are additionally included. One of the best factor was the wheel-building report, although. That is what I wish to see in all wheelsets, because it clearly alerts that the producer cares about high quality. By the best way, beneath are some photos from manufacturing unit QC testing.

In-Home Exams

These checks present a greater understanding of the wheel’s meeting high quality. So, did the GCX Hyperlight go them?

Lateral and Radial Trueness

The rear wheel’s lateral trueness was good. Nevertheless, the entrance wheel had a small deviation of lower than 0.3mm. It’s no large deal, it’s simply not good.

Spoke Rigidity

The spoke pressure was extremely constant on the entrance wheel, however the rear wheel had 4 spokes outdoors the 5% common. Nevertheless, that is nonetheless inside my tolerance for a 5/5 rating, so no points (like twisted spokes) right here.

Rim Centering (Dishing)

The hubs had been completely centered, because the dishing device confirmed no hole between the tip cap and the dishing device pin. That is uncommon as a result of normally, at the very least a sheet of paper might be pulled by. See the next images.

A Look Inside

I additionally took a number of images from contained in the rim. It was principally completely clean, and I’ve not encountered any epoxy remnants. Primarily based on the handfuls of wheelsets I’ve seen from the within, I’d fee this one among the many cleanest.

The Problem of Placing the Tire On and Off

Particle GCX Hyperlight are hooked. I all the time use Tufo Comtura 4 TR 28 mm tires to get constant outcomes when mounting and seating them. I managed to mount tires on them with out tire levers. I additionally managed to seat them with a flooring pump, although it took me two tries as a result of I wanted to regulate the tire’s match a bit. Nevertheless, I didn’t must resort to utilizing a compressor.

Using Expertise

I’m not gonna lie. I used to be extraordinarily enthusiastic about making an attempt these wheels. They’re 250g lighter than the lightest wheels I had beforehand examined. Sub-100g variations are hardly noticeable, however 250g ought to make a distinction…

Surprisingly, the first-impression distinction didn’t really feel as pronounced. Or perhaps I’m getting too spoiled, haha. Anyway, I rode these wheels on Winspace SLC5 first. This bike is much less stiff than the Winspace T1600. I imply, yeah, the setup was responsive and wonderful for climbing, however I felt prefer it may very well be even higher. After testing the wheels with the T1600, I came upon that the low weight of those wheels, along with a stiff bike, is the place the magic occurs.

I beforehand used the MovingSports SL1200cs with the T1600, so after I changed them with GCX, I may really feel the distinction, primarily in accelerations and out-of-the-saddle efforts. It’s primary physics. They merely don’t require as a lot power to get spinning, and getting up to the mark feels simpler.

Nevertheless, I really feel like they aren’t sustaining momentum in addition to heavier wheels. I seen this on most light-weight wheels. The sensation is just totally different. It’s simpler to get the wheels up to the mark, however after I cease pedaling, it feels to me like they lose pace sooner. Please, discover that I take advantage of the phrase “really feel”. I’ve not performed any unscientific testing. Light-weight wheels merely really feel extra energetic and snappy, suiting riders who wish to assault or to situations the place you alter pace typically (like criteriums).

The carbon spokes are from Vonoa. These are the 4th era, weighing simply 2.1g per spoke. They’re thinner, so they’re a bit extra compliant than the 4.5mm model used on different wheels, such because the HYPER 5. GCX45 really feel marginally extra comfy than different carbon-spoked wheelsets. However once more, it is a declare primarily based on really feel, and it’s not measurable. After all, I all the time use the identical tires and tire stress for comparable outcomes.

The crosswind stability is nice, most probably due to the 5mm shallower profile than most wheels I take a look at, the U-shaped rim profile, the 31.6mm exterior rim width, and narrower spokes. This makes the wheels a good selection for girls or lighter riders who would possibly battle in robust winds.

The rear hub makes use of a normal 36T ratchet and enclosed flanges. The ratchet makes use of a more moderen kind of spring referred to as a ratchet wave spring that ought to present a extra even distribution of power. I’ve seen it on a few wheels, and I imagine it’ll develop into extra widespread, however to this point it’s been used solely on the extra premium wheels.

By the best way, the rear hub dealt with low-cadence, high-power efforts with none points, and after about 500 km on these wheels, I haven’t had any issues with it. The freehub’s noise is good for me, not too loud, not too quiet. The hubs on these wheels function metal S&S bearings, however you’ll be able to improve to ceramic.

My 28mm Tufo Comtura 4 TR tires inflate to ~32mm on these wheels, so the tire-rim transition is sort of clean.

Different issues price mentioning are that Particle donates 10% of its income to charity and presents a crash-replacement low cost of 25%. I additionally like their transparency about their QC testing and comparative testing, in addition to the included wheel constructing report.

Total, these are high-end wheels appropriate for weight weenies and those that love the wheels’ quick responsiveness. Bear in mind, they’ve a decrease weight restrict of 100kg (normally, carbon wheels have a weight restrict of round 120kg).

By the best way, I additionally managed to enhance a few of my PRs with them. You may take a look at the next trip.

Particle GCX Hyperlight Options

I’ve not examined direct light-weight alternate options to Particle GCX wheels, as these are a brand new era of sub-1-kg wheelsets. You may take a look at the desk beneath, which lists the wheelsets I examined and my scores in every space.

Reviewed WheelsetAverageScoreCrosswind StabilityStiffness & ResponsivityRiding ComfortSpeed maintenanceTire On¹Lateral andRadial TruenessSpoke TensionRim CenteringPriceRim depthWeight (F | R | Pair)Rim Width (I | E) Observe Purchase

MovingSports SL12004.035442555350mm565g, 669g, 1234g21.3mm29.0mmStiff and responsive, however not as secure in crosswinds.Test PriceUse code CYCLISTSHUB to get 15% OFF

Nepest NOVA4.155443554245/55mm567g, 691g, 1258g23.4mm29.6mmStiff, secure, and responsive, however is likely to be too stiff for tough roads.Test PriceUse code CYCLISTSHUB to get 8% OFF

Elitewheels DRIVE II4.255443455350mm602g, 720g, 1322g23.2mm30.7mmStiff, secure, and responsive, however is likely to be too stiff for tough roads.Test PriceUse code CYCLISTSHUB to get 15% OFF

YOELEO NxT SL2 C604.244553455360mm623g, 736g, 1359g23.3mm31.1mmGreat stability between pace, using consolation, and stability.Test PriceUse code CYCLISTSHUB to get 10% OFF

Farsports C54.254543554350mm602g, 726g, 1328g24.2mm30.4mmGreat stability between stiffness, using consolation, and stability.Test PriceUse code CYCLISTSHUB to get 30 USD OFF

UPVINE Professional+4.255452555250mm661g, 768g, 1429g23.5mm29.1mmGreat stability between stiffness, using consolation, and stability.Test Worth

Lún HYPER 34.155353555246/54mm598g, 766g, 1364g23.2mm28.6mmBetter crosswind stability and luxury than HYPER 2023, however a lot greater worth and no butterfly-weave end.Test PriceUse code CYCLISTSHUB10 to get 5% OFF

Elitewheels ENT3.842443444550mm828g, 950g, 1778g20.0mm28.4mmHeavy and mushy however comfy and good on flats and regular efforts.Test Worth

Elitewheels EDGE3.843433354550mm633g, 720g, 1353g21.2mm28.9mmComfortable, light-weight however comparatively mushy in comparison with carbon-spoked wheels.Test Worth

Lún MEGA4.155255554146/54mm616g, 782g, 1398g20.8mm28.1mmThe stiffest wheels I examined. Ideally suited for clean roads or racing, however they aren’t comfy.Test PriceUse code CYCLISTSHUB10 to get 5% OFF

Lún HYPER SE 20234.345355554346/54mm654g, 803g, 1457g21.3mm27.9mmBetter than HYPER 2020 in all points. I imagine they supply higher worth for cash than HYPER 23.Test PriceUse code CYCLISTSHUB10 to get 5% OFF

Superteam All-Carbon Extremely 20234.644555555350mm633g, 769g, 1402g21.3mm28.7mmNot overly stiff, however responsive. Secure in crosswinds and best for many terrains, questionable reliability.Test PriceUse code CYCLISTSHUB to get 5% OFF

Farsports Wave4.253455543445/50mm736g, 880g, 1616g21.0mm28.7mmAffordable, easy-to-service, unique-looking wheels appropriate for studios and regular efforts.Test PriceUse code CYCLISTSHUB50 to get 50 USD OFF

Trifox WT113.842545433450mm769g, 874g, 1643g18.4mm25.1mmAffordable and cozy, however not nicely assembled.Test PriceUse code CYCLISTSHUB to get 8 % OFF

YOELEO C50|50 SAT DB PRO 20224.143444545450mm705g, 830g, 1535g18.5mm25.5mmAffordable and easy-to-service wheels appropriate for studios and regular efforts however with too loud hubs.Test Worth

Farsports Ventoux S4.055453444245mm637g, 755g, 1392g19.2mm25.5mmStiff, responsive, and premium wheels appropriate for many terrains.Test PriceUse code CYCLISTSHUB to get 30 USD OFF

Elitewheels DRIVE 45mm Disc4.055343445345mm562g, 718g, 1280g21.4mm28.8mmStiff, responsive, and light-weight wheels appropriate for hilly and mountainous terrain. Not too quick on flats.Test PriceUse code CYCLISTSHUB to get 15% OFF

Lún HYPER 50mm4.035355444350mm650g, 779g, 1429g19mm26mmStiff, responsive, and light-weight wheels appropriate for hilly and mountainous terrain. Not too secure in crosswinds.Test PriceUse code CYCLISTSHUB10 to get 5% OFF

YOELEO C50|50 SAT DB PRO4.343454555450mm705g, 830g, 1535g18.5mm25.5mmAffordable and easy-to-service wheels appropriate for studios and regular efforts.Test Worth

My scoring of the Chinese language carbon street bike wheels with a be aware and different technical particulars.The dimensions for every function is 1-5 factors, the place 5 is the most effective. The ranking might be retrospectively adjusted primarily based on the comparability with different wheelsets (extra about this scoring).SCROLL HORIZONTALLY FOR MORE INFO.¹How troublesome it’s to place a Tufo Comtura 4 TR 28mm tubeless tire on and correctly seat it.

My Verdict

Sub-1-kg carbon wheels are mindblowing on paper, and ride-wise, they don’t disappoint, at the very least not if you’re searching for excessive responsiveness, good using consolation, and crosswind stability. They really feel like they don’t preserve pace in addition to heavier wheels do. They really feel marginally extra comfy than different carbon wheels I examined, most probably due to thinner, extra compliant carbon spokes and shallower rim depth.

The out there rim depths really feel a bit redundant, although, so as a substitute of providing 45mm, 45/52, and 52mm, I’d personally follow 40mm, 50mm, and 60mm (+/-5mm). That is what most manufacturers do, and I believe for a superb cause.

I like to recommend them for weight-weenies and climbers, or riders who wish to assault or want to vary pace typically (like criterium racers). They’re most likely overkill when you stay in a flat space and love regular effort. These wheels thrive in hilly and mountainous terrain. Additionally, do not forget that they’ve a decrease weight restrict, so regardless of their higher-than-ISO-standard product testing, I like to recommend wanting elsewhere if you’re above 90 kg.

The product for this evaluate was kindly offered by the producer. This didn’t affect my total verdict or my opinion concerning the product. You may be taught extra about how I method critiques right here.