High-end carbon wheel makers Enve and Lightweight can charge up to a $1,000 more for similar wheelsets, which makes Tune wheels a bargain buy considering they build each wheelset by hand to their customers specifications. They also manufacture all of their carbon fiber in house instead of outsourcing to China—a common practice even among the most expensive wheels on the market.
While popularity for the brand continues to grow stateside, Tune wheels at the moment can be hard to find at your local bike shop—which means you'll probably have to order directly from their website without taking a look at them in person first. Luckily we've got our hands on the TSR 27, an entry-level aluminum clincher that's reasonably priced and custom built.
Here's how the Tune TSR 27 held up during our series of tests.
The Specs
1 of 7Price: $750
Weight: 1,440 grams (set)
Hub: Mig 70 (front); Mig 180 (rear)
Spokes: Sapim Di-Light stainless steel; 24 front, 28 rear
Rim: 27 mm depth; aluminum
The Ride
2 of 7Tune has kept the overall weight of the TSR down to a reasonable 1,440 grams. By using a high spoke count (24 front, 28 rear) and radial lacing to pair with its lightweight aluminum rim, stability is improved and the maximum rider weight limit is an astounding 242 pounds--much higher than what you'll find with other racing wheelsets.
The Ride (Continued)
3 of 7While Tune hasn't gone for the recent trend of a wide rim width, the TSR 27 handles well on high-speed descents. The aluminum brake track provides superior braking performance that is much better than what you'll find with an all-carbon wheel.
The Ride (Continued)
4 of 7Where the TSR separates itself from other wheels is the performance of the hub. The $750 price tag is almost worth the purchase of the Mig 70/180 alone. The bearings are exceptional and roll with very little effort. Acceleration is also among the best hubs we've tested on any wheel. As with most of Tune's wheels, there is something to be said for expert machinists and wheel builders, and the guys in the Black Forest of Germany are some of the best on the planet. You won't find a more well-tuned (pun intended) wheel anywhere—boutique builders included.
The Verdict
5 of 7The aesthetics of the TSR 27 need to be noted here. While not as sexy as all carbon wheels, the nine color options of the hubs, spoke nipples, and decals are a nice option for customization.
The Verdict (Continued)
6 of 7With the overall lightweight, lateral stiffness, and fast rolling hubs, you've got a wheel that's suitable for century rides, climbing, or your local criterium. The low price point makes it ideal if you're looking to upgrade on a budget, or if you're scared to race (and possibly crash) a carbon wheel that's over $2K.
Who it's for: Budget conscious cyclists looking for a high quality wheel that's versatile enough for racing or training.
Verdict: 4/5
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