Speed, responsiveness, comfort: in the Campagnolo Bora Ultra WTO Disk Brake Every sensation is maximized. The Venetian manufacturer has further improved its historic aero wheel. It did so by adjusting details, such as the nipple attachment and rim width.
For the first time we saw them competing at the Milan-Sanremo. They were on the bike of some riders of the UAE. But other pros were using them since the winter retreats, like Matteo Trentin who apparently is one of the most sensitive riders. He was entrusted with one of the very first sets.
Wide channel
But let's get to the wheels. These are available in three sizes: 33, 45, and 60 millimeters. The acronym WTO stands for Wind Tunnel Optimized, meaning that they have been studied starting from the wind tunnel, but optimized for reality. where the impact with the air is never perfectly frontal and stable. This is a unidirectional high-modulus carbon rim. The internal channel is 19mm (wide enough) and this makes it easier to use today's wider tires. It can fit up to 28 mm.
But a real gem is the "pre-drilled" mold for the spokes and nipples. This solution gives the rim extremely compactness. In short, it is not weakened by a later hole. It feels as if the wheel is a single piece, with all its components intact.
Hubs and spokes
As for the hub, it's the classic and proven Campagnolo Cult: USB ceramic bearings with high resistance to wear and temperature. The bearings reach lower temperatures, expand less and create less friction. Its structure is made of aluminium, with an hourglass shape which, in the wind tunnel, has been seen to reduce turbulence. Hub which, clearly, is compatible with the thru axle, now “imposed” by the disc brake.
And then there are the rays. These are 24 both front and rear, Both use G3 spokes, but their layout is different. The front spokes are radial, the rear two are crossed, and one is radial for each "district." Furthermore, the front spokes on the left are double those on the right. This ensures balanced and safe braking in all conditions.
But the real gem, as we mentioned, is the nipple connection to the rim. This is achieved using Aero Mo-Mag technology. The spoke is inserted into the rim with a reinforcement, resulting in a very clean wheel. aerodynamic and also very rigid.
Instant acceleration
We tested the 45mm version, the most versatile and the one most requested by riders, given that the 33mm is now only used for stages with extremely tough climbs. And given that its weight is 1.520 grams (660 grams front; 765 grams rear) is quite low considering we're talking about tubeless and disc brakes.
The first thing that struck us was their ability to accelerate: both when starting off and when relaunching. It wasn't so much the famous reactivity that struck us as the ease one has in making speed. You get a feeling of lightness as you pick up the pace. However, once you get going, these Boras don't lose momentum. If you let up a bit, they continue to roll smoothly. Campagnolo's suggested price starts at €2.292 per pair.
But to fully appreciate a wheel, the tires also count. We had tubeless ones. Vittoria Corsa Graphene 2.0 25mm. They were also inflated quite well (about 7,5 bar) considering our weight (just over 60 kilos), and the grip was always excellent. Comfort was the same. But in this sense, the thru-axle... and the bike itself also matter.
Testate on a bass
We tested the Campagnolo Bora WTO Disc Brake on a Low Diamond Sv, A true Made in Italy superbike. SV is the now-famous acronym of the Veneto brand and stands for Super Veloce (Super Fast), but also Super Versatile. Clean lines, yet a very sturdy frame with relatively "triangular" cross-sections that make it very rigid.
Here too, aerodynamics reign supreme, both for the design of the tubes themselves and for the total absence of external cables. Furthermore, the small “fairing” that protrudes behind the steering column and from which the suspension arms originate helps to vent the air.
The front end is very well designed: the fork has a very short rake and this also contributes to making the Diamante lightning fast. You might think it would be difficult to go downhill, but the wheel, bike and tyre package is practically perfect. We slipped away well both in the fast and tighter corners.
Top level assembly: group Campagnolo Super Record Eps, saddle Selle Italia Flite, Handlebars, stem, and seatpost are all made in Basso. The Diamante SV, equipped in this way, costs €12.388.
