Ursus road bike wheels are designed for cyclists who want to stand out from the crowd. Enjoy the unparalleled smoothness of our hubs, allowing you to achieve the best performance on the road. You can choose from super-fast tubular rims or opt for tubeless/clincher versions, ideal for improving your fitness during training. Hit the road with us!

• RACING BIKE HANDLEBAR
• ROAD BIKE HANDLEBAR STEM
• RACING BIKE HUBS
• ACCESSORIES FOR RACING BIKES
• HOW TO MAINTAIN ROAD BIKE WHEELS
• HOW TO CLEAN YOUR ROAD BIKE
• WHEEL CHECKUP GUIDE
• HIGH-END ROAD BIKE WHEELS: INTRODUCING THE MIURA TC SERIES
• MIURA TS37 AND TS47 DISC: THE TUBULAR WHEELS CHOSEN BY THE TOTAL DIRECT ENERGIE TEAM

Throughout history, many cycling-related sports have emerged. Road cycling is undoubtedly the most famous, followed, and practiced. The term "on road" differentiates this discipline from those taking place on tracks or on dirt, grass, and gravel surfaces, or on any type of purpose-built circuit. Road cycling differs not only from all other cycling sports, but from almost all sports in general, as the race courses are held on pre-existing roads.

What is the origin and history of cycling ? The first cycling races date back to the second half of the 19th century, the first recorded one taking place in 1868 in Paris: a one-kilometer race through the Parc de Saint-Cloud. People became passionate about the sport, and sports clubs and competitions were born to give vent to this new competitive impulse. The first race in Italy was the Florence-Pistoia in 1870, a 35-kilometer race won by an American. In 1883, the first world championships were held in Leicester. In 1885, the Italian Cycling Union was founded, and seven years later, the International Cyclist Association was established, tasked with regulating the various national cycling federations.

There are dozens of international cycling races, including stage and one-day events. However, the most famous races, the most beloved by cyclists and enthusiasts alike, are some of the oldest and most historic, whose allure and importance remain undiminished by time, but actually grow with the passing of the years.

As for stage races, the Tour de France , founded in 1903, and the Giro d'Italia , dating back to 1909, are the two most important races. It is every cyclist's dream to wear the yellow jersey and the pink jersey , the symbols of the leaders of these two historic competitions, at least once. Separated in terms of longevity and importance is the Vuelta a España , whose first edition was held in 1935. These three major European road cycling stage races are part of the "Grand Tours".

Among the one-day races, the most important are the so-called “monuments,” that is, the great classics. The Liège-Bastogne-Liège was founded in 1892, the Paris-Roubaix in 1896, the Tour of Lombardy in 1905, the Milan-San Remo in 1907, and the Tour of Flanders in 1913.

Other highly sought-after classic races are: Milan-Turin , Strade Bianche , Flèche Wallonne , Paris-Tours and the San Sebastian Classic .

Cycling is considered one of the toughest sports in the world. It's a discipline characterized by sustained effort, requiring athletes to race on often demanding routes in all weather conditions. To withstand such exertion, the body needs significant fuel before the performance to store energy, constantly during the performance to maintain strength, and afterward for recovery. Carbohydrates are very important, providing the body with the necessary amount of energy, as are proteins, which help rebuild muscle after a very strenuous effort. During the race, however, it's important to consume foods that provide energy but are also quickly digestible. Modern cycling is now well-known for gels and bars, containing easily digestible carbohydrates and proteins. Hydration, which requires water and mineral salts, is obviously essential.

A racing bike is a combination of many technical components , which, when combined efficiently, ensure the bike functions perfectly. Let's analyze the most important components. Let's start with the wheels.

Racing bike wheels are an element we too often take for granted, but they're actually very complex and greatly impact performance. Racing bike wheels are made up of four components:

• hubs
• rays
• circles
• tires

The hubs have the task of transforming the force of pedaling into centrifugal force, which is discharged onto the spokes.

The rays perform three functions:

• they give stability to the rim by keeping it in position
• they support the weight of the cyclist and the bicycle
• they absorb the stresses of the ground

The rims are connected to the hub by spokes and accommodate the tires.

Tires are the part of the wheel that is in direct contact with the asphalt, their job is to provide grip to the racing bike.

As always, the details make the difference. Using different road bike wheels for training than those used in competition is obviously a characteristic of professionals or high-level amateurs. Why do cyclists use different wheels? Mainly because of the number of kilometers they ride and the fact that at the start of each race, the wheels are fine-tuned and some components (such as tubulars) modified, if not completely replaced with new ones. This is certainly the case if they are damaged.

It's a myth that aluminum wheels are more durable and therefore more durable for training. To be at your best in a race, you need to train to your full potential, and therefore, even in training, you need the highest quality bike and components.

One of the differences between training and racing is the use of clinchers or tubulars . The latter are chosen for competition due to their greater durability and smoothness, but in a training session, clinchers are preferred because, having an inner tube, they can be replaced in the event of a puncture. Even the pros, who often go out alone to train or with a small group of teammates, don't always have mechanics ready to support them.

The tubular, as previously mentioned, is the preferred solution for professionals and high-level competitive amateurs.

The tubular offers three advantages over the clincher:

• greater resistance
• more smoothness
• more lightness

Tubulars, being glued to the rim and containing an inner tube, are very durable and unlikely to suffer a puncture from simple pinch flats, which can happen with tires. Tubulars are obviously more difficult to replace, but as all enthusiasts know, pros always replace their wheels in the event of a puncture.

Compared to tubeless tires, pneumatic tires offer these advantages:

• they are cheaper
• they are easier to change
• can be used with lower inflations

These features immediately make it clear why pneumatic tires are more suitable for amateur cyclists. As for inflation, inner tubes can be inflated to a lower pressure than tubular tires, without the risk of punctures.

Discover all the differences between clinchers and tubulars.

Buying a used component for your racing bike is always a risk. It's even more so when it comes to wheels, as they're a very important, delicate, and highly sought-after component; given their often considerable cost, people try to save money. But the risk of making the wrong purchase is very high.

What are the risks when buying used wheels?

• Lower performance
• Risk to physical safety

Advertisements for used racing bike wheels, with low mileage and at great prices, can be tempting. But don't get caught up in the rush to get a good deal. To proceed with the purchase, you need to be sure of the quality and mileage. Otherwise, after discovering the true condition of the wheels, you'll have to buy more, and to avoid the same mistake, you'll choose new wheels. A double purchase is absolutely avoidable.

Furthermore, if you ride with low-quality, worn-out wheels, the obvious consequence will be a significant drop in performance. The risk of accidents should also not be underestimated: a worn wheel, as with any means of transportation, means less grip and therefore a greater chance of losing control.

The advice, as a general rule, is always to buy new products, unless you have the possibility of purchasing second-hand components that are still in good condition and from extremely trustworthy people.

Learn more about the differences between new and used road bike wheels.

The differences between carbon and aluminum wheels are such that they determine performance differences. Carbon racing bike wheels are now used by all professional cyclists, while many amateurs prefer aluminum wheels.

Carbon wheels offer the following advantages:

• they are lighter
• they are very resistant

Lightness is the primary characteristic of carbon road bike wheels. Indeed, the carbon fiber they're made of ensures significantly lower rolling inertia compared to aluminum wheels. This translates into smoother rolling, greater speed with less effort, and therefore better performance.

Furthermore, contrary to popular belief, modern manufacturing techniques allow for the construction of very strong, yet lightweight, carbon wheels. Aluminum wheels can withstand more serious impacts, although in reality, in most cases where a serious impact occurs, the damage is sufficient to require a wheel replacement.

Aluminum racing bike wheels, however, have one major advantage: price. They're certainly less expensive than carbon wheels, making them the preferred choice for non-competitive riders who aren't interested in performance.

Discover all the differences between carbon and aluminum road bike wheels.

Racing bike wheels require the utmost care, as they are highly valuable financially, technically, and mechanically. Much of a bike's performance depends on the wheels, their quality, their state of wear, and their condition. It's therefore essential to check the condition of the wheels after each ride to ensure any necessary maintenance is performed.

There are basically three important procedures to follow for correct maintenance of racing bike wheels :

• wheel washing at the end of each outing
• correct inflation of the wheels
• cleaning and maintenance of individual wheel components

Cleaning your wheels is essential for extending their life. At the end of each ride, even if you haven't ridden on gravel, dusty, or even muddy roads, it's a good idea to remove the wheel and clean it with a damp cloth and detergent, making sure to wipe the rim, spokes, and tire. Racing bike wheels can also be cleaned with a jet of water, but be careful not to use too strong a jet, as this can damage the bike's components.

To keep your tires in tip-top condition, they need to be properly inflated, which is typically 7.5 atmospheres for the front tire and 8 for the rear. Riding with an underinflated inner tube is definitely harmful to your tires.

Not necessarily after every ride (unless you've been riding on dusty or muddy roads), but very frequently, it's advisable to check the condition of your bearings, quick release, and cassette. For cleaning and maintenance of these components, if you're unsure, you can turn to the expert hands of your trusted mechanic.

To function perfectly, a racing bike must be kept in tip-top shape. This means, first and foremost, cleanliness. Not because it needs to shine when you pedal, but for a much more important reason: cleanliness extends the life of every single component. If not properly maintained, many bike components rust and deteriorate, stopping them from working at their best, forcing you to replace them.

Therefore, after each ride, your racing bike should be thoroughly cleaned. Here's how to properly clean your racing bike .

Some procedures must be followed:

• rinse
• general cleaning
• thorough cleaning
• rinse

The first thing to do is rinse the entire bike with a bucket of water or a pressure washer, but be careful not to spray the water too hard on the bike, which could damage some components.

Next, use a cloth to remove any surface dirt, dust, and mud that may have settled on the bike frame, even on the most delicate components. The cloth should be wiped over the frame, spokes, chain, and any other easily accessible areas.

Then, it is important to check the individual components, to carry out a thorough cleaning of them if necessary (brakes, gears, chain).

Once finished, rinse again, removing any remaining dirt residues.

At this point, dry the bike with a dry cloth that will not damage the bike frame.

The Miura TC series (comprising the Miura TC37 and Miura TC67 in both V-brake and disc brake versions) represents the state of the art in high-end racing wheels. These rims are designed to deliver exceptional performance in competition, while also ensuring excellent comfort in the saddle during long rides. This is made possible by the generously sized internal rim width (28 mm), which allows cyclists to fit both 20” and 30” clincher and tubeless tires.

What does it mean?

• Greater safety: Wider road bike tires are certainly more controllable on wet, rough, or muddy surfaces. This has a particularly positive effect on cornering grip. Furthermore, if you've chosen disc brakes, their powerful braking force will be distributed over a larger surface area in contact with the asphalt.
• Greater comfort: Oversized tires can be kept underinflated. Lower pressures absorb potholes and bumps better. Improved cushioning allows you to perform at your best, especially on long routes.
• Greater reliability: with tubeless or clincher tires, you can count on self-repairing tires or ones that can be replaced in minutes. Compared to tubular tires, you'll have to put aside a few grams more, but you'll be sure not to have to abruptly interrupt your rides due to a puncture.

The Miura TS37 EVO and TS47 EVO disc brake models are a tried-and-tested Ursus classic. Featuring a team edition color scheme, these wheels shine on Team Total Direct Energie's Wilier Triestina Zero SLR. Why do riders love these products?

The trend of alternating very high-profile wheels for fast sections of racing with low-profile rims for climbing sessions is a thing of the past. Today, pros seem to want a mid-height wheelset that can deliver maximum performance on mixed terrain. From this perspective, the Miura TS37 EVO Disc and Miura TS47 EVO Disc are the best choices.

These tubular wheels are made of high-quality carbon and are fitted with the new Ursus RD40 center-lock aluminum hubs. The rim heights are 37 mm (on the Miura TS37 EVO disc, for mixed routes with climbs) and 50 mm (on the Miura TS47 EVO Disc, for mixed routes with fast sections). Both have a 24 mm internal channel.

What are the best Ursus racing bike wheels according to the experts?

Ultimately, this segment of the Ursus range is the most chosen by the cyclists of Team Total Direct Energie due to its distinctly racing characteristics, which make it ideal for achieving maximum performance in highly competitive events such as the Giro d'Italia, the Classics and the Tour de France.