SCOPE R5C
REviEwEd
wheels usually bear the brunt of the economies.

aero advantage and ability of the wheels to hold thatThat’s why there’s a glut of new brands cropping

speed paid off. (We changed our tactic and went

up to exploit this lucrative after-sale market. Morefrom further out, in case you were wondering). At

brands mean more competition for our cash – anda claimed 1.555g the Scope R5c wheels are pretty

the chance to get more for our money. This is truemuch about right for their depth – a little heavierof Scope and their three-wheel range. The R5cthan some, like the Token TK-C55 hoops at 1.448g,hoops here, the 45mm-deep R4c wheels and thebut lighter than others, including the 1.740g Vision

30mm-deep R3c wheels all come in at £1,199. It’s a

Metron 55s. However, we weighed our set at 1.700g

competitive price point and Scope is sparring with(770g front and 930g rear). Not too heavy for wheels

high-profile brands like Mavic and Fast Forward, butof this depth, but a little heavier than the claimed

that doesn’t mean that we should overlook the newbies.

weight than we’d like. Still, for a flat circuit race or

Reviewed by: roadcyclinguk.com
Published: January - 2016

FAST AND WELL-PRICEDCARBON CLINCHERS WITH
EXCELLENT BRAKING BUTHEAVIER THAN CLAIMED

time trial, when wheels like this will really come into
Investing in a decent wheelset can make a significant

their own, weight isn’t as big an issue as you would

difference to how a bike rides, particularly given theexpect. On top of that, the aero benefit increases thebudget wheels specced on bikes costing thousands

faster you’re going, and once over the 40ph mark,of pounds. Generally speaking, you have threethey were really at home, holding that speed very well.

choices: to focus on low weight, aerodynamics or a
middleground between the two, and that’s reflected

Dutch wheel company Scope spent more than two

in Scope offering three wheel depths. The deeper

years developing their debut range of hoops before

you go, the bigger aero advantage you can pickunveiling them at the end of 2014. These 55mm-deepup and at 55mm, the R5c hoops are designed withR5c carbon clinchers are the deepest in their range

speed and aerodynamics in mind. While a deeper

and come in £1,199. Deep rims without the need forwheel often comes with increased stiffness, improved

deep pockets? They’re not quite as light on the scales

aerodynamics and faster straight-line speed, but

as they are on your wallet, but these are fast wheels

there’s also a weight penalty, which in the R5c doeswith an aero advantage and impressive braking.

blunt acceleration and responsiveness a little. It takes
a bit more puff off the line but, once up to speed, theWheels often represent an obvious upgrade to mostgap we were losing on the way to the town sprintriders. Bikes are specced to fit a price point andsign, we were making up by the finish, when theSo, what’s in the wheel? The rims are produced from

SCOPE R5C
REviEwEd
The R5c is at about the limit of general use at

They’re not especially light (and heavier than

55mm. Any deeper and a wheel is too specific forclaimed), but in reality you won’t be buying a 55mm

anything other than racing and begins to struggle

wheelset for outright low weight and long rides in thein the wind regardless of the design. However,hills. What you do get is a stiff wheelset which, oncedue to that bulbous rim profile, which measures

wound up to speed, holds that pace very well, with a

24mm externally and 16,4mm internally, we found,

rim profile which is on-trend and excellent braking,compared to flat-sided aero wheels, handling wasn’t

even if the wheels aren’t especially comfortable.

the struggle it used to be in crosswinds.
The R5c is at about the limit of general use at
Of course, there is a limit and if there’s a strong

55mm. Any deeper and a wheel is too specific forcrosswind gusting off the coast (as is often the caseanything other than racing and begins to struggle

unidirectional carbon fibre, with a 3K carbon weave

where we do our riding) then you’re going to feel itin the wind regardless of the design. However,used on the areas of stress, including the tyre bed

and may be better off with a shallower wheel, butdue to that bulbous rim profile, which measuresand at the spoke nipples. Scope have also used ain typical conditions these wheels behave well. This

24mm externally and 16,4mm internally, we found,proprietary blend of carbon fibre and resin on thewider rim profile also means compatibility with wider

compared to flat-sided aero wheels, handling wasn’t

braking track to combat two key issues associatedtyres, another of the latest trends in cycling, is superb.

the struggle it used to be in crosswinds. Of course,with carbon clincher wheels: heat build-up andDue to the time of year of the test, we ran these withthere is a limit and if there’s a strong crosswind

braking performance. In fact, the braking – even

25mm Vredestein Fortezza Senso Xtreme Weather

gusting off the coast (as is often the case where wein the wet – was impressive. Carbon wheels often

tyres and that proved to be an ideal match. The

do our riding) then you’re going to feel it and may

struggle to match alloy rims when it comes towheels are built around a sealed hub with 120 pick-up

be better off with a shallower wheel, but in typicalbraking but Scope have done a good job, helped bypoints, making for quick engagement, and laced withconditions these wheels behave well.

developing their own brake pads.

Sapim’s premium CX-Ray spokes, with 18 in the frontand 21 in the rear. The rear also has a super-wide

One of the biggest trends for aero wheels is the shift

PROS+ Once up to speed, they held it wellaway from flat-sided V-shape profile and towards a

If you’re in the market for a relatively affordable set+ Well priced

toroidal shape. Again, this has had some effect onof aero hoops to race on, or time trial wheels which+ Impressive build

weight – the new design is often a smidge heavier –remain usable when you’re not up against the clock,+ Good braking

but modern rim designs behave infinitely better inthen these are a good option.

the wind.

SCOPE R5C
REviEwEd
CONS– Heavier than claimed– Pretty harsh
SPECIFICATION
Price: £1,199
Weight: 1,700g
Depth: 55mm
Rim width: 24mm
Website: www.scopecycling.com
UK distributor: Oneway Distribution