When an opportunity to judge the CADEX Max 40 wheelset arrived in my inbox, I couldn’t kind my excited reply quick sufficient. These wheels are like capturing a unicorn. Whereas they function normal specs like hookless 22.4mm inner rims, additionally they provide ultra-rare built-in carbon spokes bonded on to the aero-optimized carbon hub flanges. And, they simply look quick. However, how did they carry out? The Max 40s have been mild and extremely stiff, and responsive. And, the ticket value is steeper than your native hill climb.
Unboxing the CADEX Max 40 Wheelset – US$4,500
The wheels have been securely packaged and arrived undamaged. The retail containers every contained one wheel, in a wheel bag with a small accent and literature pouch. Included with every wheel is a set of plastic tire levers that incorporate a valve core software, and an XD driver was supplied with the rear wheel. For folk on Campagnolo drivetrains, the suitable freehub is offered from CADEX. Additionally, the wheels arrived with rim tape and tubeless valves put in.
Clearly, CADEX went for the minimalist aesthetic with the packaging. Furthermore, selecting to make use of single materials packaging, recycling the containers after unpacking is a cinch. Even the field handles have been recyclable cellulose. Off to a superb begin.
The Items
Wheels like this demand a dialogue of specification and design first. The development is uncommon, or as Germans would possibly say: überselten—which is German for “unicorns usually tend to be part of you for breakfast.” Okay, that will not be a literal translation…
Whereas there are spokes manufactured from carbon available in the market, they aren’t but extensively accessible, and might require the usage of particular hubs designed to just accept them. These wheels skip a proprietary spoke and hub interface by simply bonding the spokes to the hub flange. The built-in carbon spokes create a little bit of a threat for possession, which I’ll get into extra beneath.
The Specs
- Rim: 40mm deep, hookless carbon, 22.4mm inside width, 28.5mm outer width.
- Weight: Claimed ~1249g (pair), precise weight with tape/valves (e.g., 1325g).
- Hubs: CADEX R3 (Entrance) & R3-C48 (Rear) Built-in Aero Hubs with Ceramic Bearings.
- Spokes: CADEX Tremendous Aero Carbon Spokes, 16F/24R, DBL (Dynamic Balanced Lacing).
- Freehub: 48 tooth ratchet system (7.5° engagement)
- Freehub interface: Shimano HG (mounted), SRAM XDR (offered), and Campagnolo N3W (accessible).
- Brake Sort: Centerlock disc interface.
- Axles: 100x12mm (F) / 142x12mm (R) Via Axle.
- Tire Compatibility: Optimized for 700×28, beneficial for 25 – 32.
- Max Strain: 72.5 PSI max (hookless).
- Max Supported Weight: 285 lbs (129 kg).
- Guarantee: Lifetime + 5-Yr Incident Substitute (for registered house owners).
- MSRP: $4500 full wheelset ($2000 entrance, $2500 rear)
The lightness of being
The precise weight of the wheelset I examined, with tubeless tape and valves, was 1325g. At 76g greater than the spec weight, and assuming 45g for 60mm tubeless valves and 23mm tubeless tape, the wheels are doubtless nearer to 1280g, which is inside manufacturing tolerance of the wheels. Word than the HG driver I’ve mounted weighs barely greater than an XD driver (maybe 15g?).
I reached out to CADEX, and so they advised me that when launched in 2024, the claimed weight of the Max 40 wheelset was with out tape and valves. Moreover, they defined that the manufacturing tolerance allowed a ±5% variance in ultimate weight. Although that will appear to be rather a lot, it bears noting that each revealed assessment, together with this one, has seen no wheelset exceed the 5% tolerance. By their very own requirements, CADEX is delivering its promise.
Whereas 30g isn’t a deal breaker for me, and also you’ll perceive why after I describe the trip really feel; nevertheless, I can think about that the “weight weenies” won’t be impressed by the mark being missed. However, at that time, isn’t that simply nitpicking? Although we may quickly see extra wheel units on this vary, in January 2026 highway bike wheels this “featherlight” stay exceedingly uncommon.
Built-in Carbon Structure
Most wheels are a group of elements—a hub, some spokes, and a rim—held collectively by pressure. The CADEX Max 40, nevertheless, is nearly a singular, natural construction. On the core are the built-in carbon spokes seamlessly bonded on to the aero carbon hub flanges. Resulting in decrease weight, and tuned efficiency: stiff laterally, but vertically compliant. Custom hub and spoke preparations merely can not ship this stage of tuned really feel. 
By eliminating the normal mechanical interface (both J-bend or straight-pull head), CADEX has eliminated a significant level of potential flex and weight. This creates a one-piece hub-and-spoke unit that behaves with unbelievable structural unity.
Whenever you put down the watts, there may be zero feeling of ‘wind-up’—the facility goes from the cassette to the highway with a 1:1 immediacy that I’ve by no means skilled on a steel-spoked wheel. If i mentioned it was magical, I wouldn’t be unsuitable…
Dynamic Balanced Lacing
However, it isn’t magic. It’s extremely superior engineering. CADEX calls it Dynamic Balanced Lacing, and admittedly it seems like gimmicky advertising. Nevertheless it isn’t, within the phrases of…
Ewan Campbell, CADEX World Product Advertising Communications, Sez: Dynamic Balanced Lacing (DBL) is our system-engineered design constructed for real-world effectivity you’ll be able to really feel from the primary pedal stroke. It includes a wider spoke bracing angle and a 2:1 spoke configuration—14 spokes on the drive facet and seven on the non-drive facet—that creates optimized leverage between pulling and pushing forces. At relaxation, spoke tensions are deliberately unequal. Beneath energy, these tensions stability dynamically, rising transmission stiffness and bettering effectivity. The result’s a wheel that delivers extra direct energy switch, larger stability below load, and an instantly noticeable response when acceleration issues most.
Andy Sez: Ewan offered an in depth explainer in regards to the engineering…however, on the rivet out on track, energy switch was direct and the wheels felt unwaveringly steady. The response is immediate. If you’re not an engineer, that’s the underside line you should know.
Can You Tune Them?
Sure! Regardless of the bonded building on the flanges, these built-in carbon spokes can positively be tuned. CADEX makes use of inner nipples hidden contained in the rim. Due to this fact, in contrast to another bonded carbon wheels (e.g., the Light-weight Obermayer), the Max 40 could be trued and the spoke pressure could be adjusted. If the wheel takes a minor hit or ‘settles’ over time, a mechanic can nonetheless deliver it again to an ideal circle.
The Elephant within the Room
The built-in carbon spokes do change the stakes in case you have a catastrophic incident (learn: break a spoke):
- The fact of restore: As a result of the spokes are bonded to the hub flange, a snapped spoke just isn’t a 15-minute roadside repair. You can not merely thread in a brand new spoke. A damaged spoke requires substitute of the hub/spoke construction. Likewise, the hubs are replaceable if one suffers harm.
- The security internet: CADEX is clearly conscious that it is a premium, high-stakes funding. They again the Max 40 with a Lifetime Guarantee in opposition to manufacturing defects and a 5-year Incident Substitute Program.
- The Pez Take: For those who’re the unique registered proprietor and also you bin it in a crit, CADEX gives a 50% low cost on a substitute. It’s the “value of admission” for WorldTour-level stiffness-to-weight. Briefly: they’re constructed to be remarkably robust, however when you do handle to interrupt them, you aren’t simply changing a spoke—thankfully, with the CADEX guarantee being so beneficiant, these are removed from ‘disposable’ wheels.
Highway Hookless Rides On
The Max 40 makes use of a hookless bead seat. We’re not going to have a dialogue about hookless vs hooked right here. However, it suffices to say that cautious choice of tires is required to make sure the wheel and tire interface is safe. CADEX, clearly recognizing the security implications, specify tires they’ve examined and confirmed are protected. Additionally they present an inventory of tires that both failed the CADEX testing for compatibility or that the tire producer states are incompatible with hookless rims. Additionally they make very clear in printed and digital media that accompany these wheels that the utmost strain should NEVER exceed 72psi (5 bar).
To CADEX’s credit score they despatched alongside a set of their Aero Cotton tires in 28mm width, particularly designed to mate to those rims as we detailed in GearBreak in Could 2025. They usually did so splendidly.
The Aero Cotton tire in 28mm width is spec’d to weigh 278g, however on my scale they got here in at 295g which is nearer to the claimed weight of 305g for the 30mm tire. Once more, CADEX’s weight claims come up barely brief, and once more it’s not a deal breaker for me, however…
Rim Width
Let’s speak in regards to the rim dimensions. Efficiency-oriented riders are more and more centered on width—specifically inner width. As the usual tire widths within the professional peloton now measure 28, 30, and typically 32mm, rim widths have additionally grown. A wider inner dimension is critical to attain the best rounded form for the tire as soon as inflated to facilitate a easy, easy lean when turning. And, a wider outer dimension is required for maximal aerodynamic effectivity of the rim/tire combo.
Whereas my measurements taken should not scientifically exact, they characterize some key factors about these wheels:
- The inner width measured very near the said 22.4mm.
- The general width appears to be barely narrower than the claimed 28.5 mm.
- The bead flange was within the neighborhood of 3mm
- The precise measured width of the inflated tire at 72psi was 28.30mm, measured width at 61psi (not proven) is 27.93mm (barely narrower than the rim, which is sweet!)
Using the Cadex Max 40 Wheelset
My observations and impressions are of two varieties. First, let’s discuss tire strain and the equipped tires. Then, we are able to transfer on to trip really feel and efficiency. Particularly, whereas these wheels are extremely light-weight, the claims of wheel stiffness and quick freehub engagement are the actual story with these wheels.
I’ve a small city lake close to my residence that’s conducive to testing gear. Looping the lake clockwise gives no left turns and only some intersections, it presents just a few sharp ramps, and most significantly visitors is low so I can concentrate on the check. With a break within the Michigan climate, and a slight warmup, I took these out for just a few rides, placing on about 100 miles (160km) in temps starting from 34°F as much as 55°F. The check rides, being throughout a heat up between early winter lake impact snow cycles, weren’t on pristine dry tarmac.
Beneath Strain
My every day driver tire/rim combo is a 30mm tire that inflates true to dimension on a 21mm inner width rim. Being barely narrower, the Cadex Aero Cotton offered a little bit of studying curve to search out the best strain. Used to operating tires with a bit extra quantity, and having no reference for establishing these tires, I turned to Silca’s on-line strain calculator as a place to begin. Coming in at 68psi beneficial, the trip was okay, if a bit on the tough facet.
It took me a few rides to get the strain dialed. As soon as I did, settling at 61 and 62 psi (entrance and rear) the ~2mm narrower profile and the corresponding smaller quantity offered a trip high quality that was on par with my common tires. I’ll word that I found that CADEX supplies a beneficial tire strain, and the ultimate pressures have been bang on with their suggestion.
CADEX aimed for a tubular-like really feel, and I imagine they succeeded. The carcass makes use of a 320tpi building. With the best strain, the trip is classy. These are race oriented tires, however they proved sturdy, with no punctures or points throughout winter rides.
Telepathic Feeling
As soon as the strain was sorted out, I centered on the trip feeling of the wheels. I can let you know, the one factor holding these wheels again was me. I merely don’t climb in addition to I used to, nor can I snap a dash that used to flex my rear triangle. However, Because the hosts of a preferred UK-based biking YouTube channel would say: these wheels are “telepathic.”
Using these wheels, it was apparent that they don’t have any noticeable lateral flex. I didn’t have any fancy gauges or testing gear to confirm it, I can solely go off of feeling. Energy into the pedals translated instantly into ahead velocity, and turning these felt confidence inspiring. Moreover, geared up with 48t ratchet (most of seven.5° freeplay) that engages the freehub gave the sensation of “instant-on” energy switch.
Snapping a dash at 850W catapulted the bicycle ahead. Getting out of the saddle for a 30 seconds at 550W effort to ascend a brief ramp launched the bicycle up the highway. Regardless of the tires being barely narrower than those I usually trip, the tires have been confidence inspiring. They all the time felt solidly planted—little question owing to the 22.4mm inner width of the edges. Course corrections mid-turn felt easy and exact. I’ll word than the ‘further’ 30g was not thought-about or thought of till I sat down to put in writing this up. It merely didn’t matter out on the highway.
Total Trip Impressions
Normally, using the lake course a number of instances, I ended up setting PRs throughout the lake by the top of the check rides. Importantly, after I regarded on the energy numbers, I wasn’t actually smashing something past my regular energy vary. The wheels and tires merely unlocked extra velocity. I can not provide exact rolling resistance watt financial savings for the tires, or watts saved by the elevated stiffness, however the section instances say it’s accessible.
I additionally noticed that the highway really feel was smoother than I usually expertise. Using on roads and streets I’m acquainted with, one which has a floor composed of bricks, the entire connection to the floor felt much less buzzy. Once more, it’s onerous to quantify this, however 28mm tires on a brick highway needs to be a bit jarring. It definitely is on my 30s mated to a standard wheel set. However, on this setup, whereas I may really feel the road, it simply wasn’t as harsh. I can say unequivocally that I’ve by no means ridden a wheel or wheel/tire combo that felt this good.
The Ticket Worth
I saved the toughest a part of this assessment for final. The plain truth is that the CADEX Max 40 wheelset are the spendiest wheels I’ve ever ridden. At $4500 for a wheelset these are a severe improve funding. It might be onerous to justify spending extra for a wheelset than a typical mid-tier specified bicycle prices. However, these wheels are for sure halo worthy.
The value could also be justifiable in some measure as a result of they’ve seen use within the UCI professional tour. The Large-mounted, Australian-based Jayco-AlUla and Liv-AlUla-Jayco groups campaigned on these within the 2025 WorldTour. Notable riders utilizing these wheels final 12 months have been Ben O’connor and fellow Australian nationwide champ Luke Durbridge. For 2026, Liv-Jayco-AlUla (girls’s WorldTour crew), Crew Jayco-AlUla (males’s WorldTour crew) and Equipo Kern Pharma (Spanish UCI ProTeam and Large grassroots improvement squad) will all run CADEX part. It’s not a stretch to say that anybody mounting these on the native Wednesday Evening Worlds group trip or your subsequent Criterium race are rolling on a Grand Tour prepared wheelset.
The Backside Line
The CADEX Max 40 wheelset is “halo” worthy in each sense of the phrase—ultralight, surgically exact, and unapologetically costly. By bonding carbon spokes on to the hub flanges, and using their proprietary DBL, CADEX has created an built-in system that delivers telepathic 1:1 energy switch. Whereas the load and rim dimensions strayed barely from the advertising claims on our scales, the real-world efficiency achieve is simple. These wheels provide WorldTour-level stiffness that makes each watt really feel magnified. The built-in carbon spoke building does imply a high-stakes restore, or substitute, course of if issues go sideways. However, for the rider in search of absolutely the pinnacle of present wheel expertise—and who has the checking account to match the ambition—the Max 40 is a masterclass in fashionable carbon engineering. You’re going to get what you pay for when you make the leap.
For those who’re constructing a halo bike, or seeking to improve to a WorldTour high quality wheelset, the CADEX Max 40 needs to be on the high of your shortlist. However, with the steep entry charge, justifying their value requires dedication like that you simply used to take the KOM on that Strava section you have been attempting to bag. These are doubtlessly the stiffest, most responsive wheel improve you should purchase, offered you’re okay with the humbling actuality that you’ll doubtless be the weakest hyperlink within the system.
• See extra at the CADEX web site
Word: When you have different experiences with gear or one thing so as to add, drop us a line. We don’t declare to know every part (we simply suggest it at instances). Give us a pat on the again when you just like the opinions or name us out when you really feel the necessity!
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