Partington R-Series Performance Ti 50/65 Wheelset

Partington R-Series Performance Ti 50/65 Wheelset pairs a 50mm front rim with a 65mm rear, a combination built for riders who want deep-section speed without a front wheel that fights them in the wind. It is a carbon road wheelset designed, developed, tested and manufactured in Australia, and the Ti in the name refers to the upgraded hardware: ceramic bearings and a titanium ratchet system in the hub.

A Wheelset Designed as a System

Partington describes the R-Series as a complete redesign rather than an update to its MKII wheels, with a new rim, a new spoke and a new hub developed together. The rim is the AERON carbon fiber construction, a multi-material composite using Toray fibers around a PMI foam core. Partington says the foam damps road vibration and lets the laminate be tuned for more radial compliance, which is aimed at reducing fatigue on rough pavement. The rim shapes were refined through CFD analysis and testing at the SASI wind tunnel in Adelaide.

The focus there was not only drag. Partington says it balanced aerodynamic forces around the steering axis to cut down on steering disturbances, so the wheels are intended to feel calmer in crosswinds. That is the reasoning behind the mixed depth. The 50mm front is described as a balance of aerodynamic efficiency across typical yaw angles and stable handling, while the 65mm rear is shaped to maximize aero performance. Up front you get the predictable steering; out back you get the deeper profile.

Rim and Tire Details

The rims are hooked and work with tubeless or tubed tires, with no rim tape required. Inner width is 23mm and outer width is 34mm. Partington optimizes the profile for tires up to 30mm and recommends a 28mm front and 30mm rear, with compatibility from 28mm to 32mm and a maximum pressure of 87 psi. For most road riders that points toward modern wide-tire tubeless setups, which is where wheels of this width do their best work.

Lateral stiffness is listed at 50.5 N/mm for the 50mm wheel and 54.5 N/mm for the 65mm. Both wheels use Partington FLEXON carbon spokes, made from continuous Toray intermediate-modulus carbon fiber, in an 18-spoke front and 21-spoke rear layout. The spokes are replaceable, using steel pins and inserts.

The Ti Hub

The PERFORM hub is an anodized black aluminum design shaped using finite element analysis to trim mass while holding stiffness. Its floating bearing architecture is arranged, according to Partington, for low rolling friction, long bearing life and an even spread of load. The Ti models add ceramic bearings and a titanium ratchet system.

The new ratchet has 68 engagement points, a 38 percent increase over the MKII wheelsets, plus a helical drive system meant to keep engagement positive under hard loads while holding freewheel drag down. In practice, that means less dead space between pedal stroke and drive when you stand up out of a corner or jump on a sprint. The rear hub is available with Shimano HG, SRAM XDR or Campagnolo N3W freehubs, and the wheels are Centerlock disc only.

Who It Suits

This is a wheelset for fast road riding, racing and fast group rides where aero gains count and the wind is not always cooperative. The stated system weight limit is 110 kg, which covers rider, bike and gear together, so heavier riders should check that figure carefully. Wheelset weight is listed at 1,175 grams for the 50mm set and 1,265 grams for the 65mm set, with a tolerance of plus or minus 1 percent.

Each wheel ships with a padded wheel bag, a bidon, an exercise towel, a valve and a rotor lockring. Partington backs the wheels with a 2-year manufacturer warranty and a multi-year crash replacement program, both of which require registration at time of purchase. Available decals are Strong Dark, Strong White and Subtle White.