EXAR Carbon Fiber Pro and Ultra: which carbon wheelset?
Contents
In short
- EXAR's two road carbon wheelset series are the Pro and the Ultra.
- Pro: 45 or 58 mm rims, rim brake (RB) and disc brake (DB) versions, from 1350 grams, 199 900 Ft.
- Ultra: disc brake only, carbon spokes, 23 mm internal width, from 1280 grams, 374 900 Ft.
- Both come with HI-MOD carbon rims, tubeless compatibility and a Shimano freehub.
- They pass the UCI impact resistance test.
EXAR's philosophy: a system, not parts
EXAR designs the rim, spokes and hub together so they work as one in weight, stiffness and looks. The HI-MOD carbon rim only gets material where it's needed for stiffness, the self-locking spoke nipples don't loosen, and the 2:1 lacing keeps the wheel true over the long run. The wheelsets pass the UCI impact resistance test: the rim takes a 40-joule impact and the deformation stays within the limit.
EXAR Carbon Fiber Pro
The Pro series is the versatile choice. It comes in four versions: the RB45 Pro and RB58 Pro are rim brake, with a braking surface with drainage channels, while the DB45 Pro and DB58 Pro are disc brake with Center Lock mounting. The spokes are aerodynamic, flat Pillar Wing21 spokes, and the ratchet has 36 teeth and is compatible with the DT system.
It's one of the few modern carbon wheelsets that's also available in a rim brake version, so an older road bike with a good frame can get a striking upgrade too.
EXAR Carbon Fiber Ultra
The Ultra is the flagship. Besides the rim, the spokes are made of HI-MOD carbon too, weighing 2.8 grams each according to the maker, and the bearings are ceramic. It comes in three rim depths, with the rear wheel always deeper: DB405 (40/45 mm), DB508 (50/58 mm) and DB607 (60/67 mm). The 23 mm internal rim width is ideal for today's 28–32 mm tyres.
Pro vs. Ultra: the numbers
| Feature | Carbon Fiber Pro | Carbon Fiber Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Versions | RB45, RB58, DB45, DB58 | DB405, DB508, DB607 |
| Brake | Rim brake (RB) or disc brake (DB) | Disc brake |
| Weight (claimed) | 1350 g (RB45) – 1500 g (DB58) | 1280 g (DB405) – 1460 g (DB607) |
| Internal width | 20 mm (RB rear: 19.5 mm) | 23 mm |
| External width | 27 mm (RB rear: 26 mm) | 30 mm (DB607 front: 32 mm) |
| Spokes | Pillar Wing21 aero steel | HI-MOD carbon |
| Axle | RB: 100/130 quick release; DB: 100/142 thru-axle | 100/142 thru-axle |
| Tyres | Clincher and tubeless, recommended 28–32c | Clincher and tubeless, recommended 28–32c |
| Price | 199 900 Ft | 374 900 Ft |
Compatibility
Both series come with a Shimano 11-speed freehub as standard, which takes 8–12-speed Shimano cassettes. For 12-speed SRAM you need an XDR freehub, for Campagnolo an N3W freehub; these are sold separately. The disc brake versions need Center Lock rotors. For tyres, the maker allows 25c and up but recommends 28–32c, and the maximum pressure depending on tyre type and width is printed on the side of the rim. If you want to ride with inner tubes, the EXAR TPU inner tube is available with 45, 60 and 75 mm valves, so there's one for deep rims too.
What do the reviewers say?
The the5krunner review called the DB508 Ultra a well-built, light wheelset and highlighted the carbon aero spokes, the ceramic bearings and the quiet ratchet. The reviewer recommends 28 mm tyres with it and considers 23 mm too narrow for the 23 mm internal rim width. As a criticism, he noted that he couldn't test the long-term durability of the ceramic bearings. Hambini, known for his rigorous engineering tests, took apart and measured both the Ultra DB508 and the RB45 Pro wheelsets in detail.
Which one should you choose?
- You have a rim brake bike: Pro RB45 (for mountains and mixed terrain) or RB58 (for flat roads and fast paces).
- Disc brake, and the goal is the best value: Pro DB45 or DB58.
- Disc brake, and every gram counts: Ultra DB405 (for climbing), DB508 (all-round), DB607 (flat, aero).
General rule: a deeper rim is an advantage on flat roads and at high speed, but it's more sensitive to crosswinds. If you ride a lot in the mountains or in open, exposed areas, the 40–45 mm version is the safer choice.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Premium carbon tech at a much lower price than similar wheels from the big brands
- There's a rim brake version too (Pro)
- Tubeless-compatible, tubeless valves included in the box
Cons
- SRAM 12-speed and Campagnolo need a separate freehub
- The Pro's rim is narrower than the Ultra's
Why buy from Premiumbike?
We ship in-stock EXAR wheelsets within 2–4 working days, free on orders over 75 000 Ft. You have a 14-day right of withdrawal, and we're happy to help with compatibility questions.
Check out our EXAR brand page and all bike wheelsets, or pick your version and order the EXAR Carbon Fiber Pro or Ultra wheelset now.
