HED JET 6 PLUS BLACK CARBON DISC BRAKE WHEELSET - CLINCHER

At this point in the development of wheel technology, the aerodynamic benefits of HED's Jet 6 Plus Black Carbon Disc Brake Wheelset are collectively taken as an industry truism. Ditto the cross-wind stability granted by the bullet-shaped inner face of the carbon fairing. The disc brake capabilities of these wheels are still something of a novelty on road racing kit, with proponents and detractors pitching their cases on the world's largest cycling stage in Europe. By combining its proven aerodynamic technology with the nascent trend of discs on tarmac, HED helps advance the pro-disc contingent's case that superiority of disc brakes will be the industry's next assumed truth.

We've had the opportunity to ride several models of road disc brakes, and we can understand why HED is keen to make this transition. Discs do away with one of our greatest critiques of carbon rims — the questionable braking — for stopping power that modulates better, grabs with more consistency, and virtually ensures that the Jet 6s will never violently deform because they hit the glass transition temperature as a result of a long, hot descent.

While the new road disc technology may be responsible for stopping a cyclist on these wheels, their strongest selling point is definitely the boost they provide while they're going. Again, the 60mm profile is an aerodynamic truism, but HED also knows that faster speeds require a heightened sense of control that's often at odds with wheels of this depth. HED's Stability Control Technology (SCT), which reduces lateral forces at 0-15 degree yaw angles. This makes the Jet 6's 60mm depth handle unruly wind with the intuitive predictability of a 30 or 40mm deep wheel that has a traditional NACA airfoil cross section.

The rims' aerodynamic savings are compounded by a reduction in the rolling resistance because of the Jet 6's 25mm wide C2 rims. C2 rims increase the tire's volume and contact patch for lower rolling resistance, more grip in corners, and a more vertically-oriented side wall that is better able to deform around irregularities in the road surface — all of which translates to being able to run a lower PSI for increased comfort without sacrificing efficiency. The tire shape also means the transition air makes from the edge of the tread to the end of the rim is smoother, resulting in still less aerodynamic drag.

The Sonic Black hubs are virtually the same as the previous Sonic models, running ABEC5 bearings on oversized axles with wide flanges for a stiff, lateral bracing angle for more efficient power transfer. The rear hub has high flanges and a capped grease port, so you can power wash and re-lube the wheels as needed. Both quick-release skewers have titanium shafts, and the ratchet ring in the rear hub is also titanium.

Deep, aerodynamic wheels with durability and solid braking
Disc brakes address the main concern with carbon wheels
Generous internal width for lower PSI and a more efficient ride
Alloy spine reinforces the rim against cobbles and gravel
Carbon fairing extends all the benefits of deep dish rims
HED is one of the original pioneers in aerodynamic wheelsets