GRANFONDO-CYCLING.COM
OQUO RP50 LTD CS Gravel Wheelset on Test
Stiff, direct and versatile, the RP50 LTD CS sees OQUO bring a road wheelset to gravel, with Mini-Hook rims that accommodate wider tires. Carbon spokes and hubs developed in the Basque Country promise road bike sharpness on almost any surface. The question is whether that road racing pedigree can hold its own in our big gravel wheel group test.This wheelset was tested as part of our big 2026 gravel wheel group test you can find an overview of all the wheels on test here.OQUO RP50 LTD CS | 1,380 g | 2,999 | Manufacturer websiteOQUO are Orbeas wheel brand, based in the Spanish Basque Country, where they develop and manufacture their own hubs. The name leaves no doubt about the RP50 LTD CSs origins: RP stands for Road Performance. Conceived as an all-road wheelset for tarmac and fast gravel alike, it has also been available since March 2026 in a CS version with carbon spokes. In a field of purpose-built gravel racing wheelsets, its the only one with road roots. The question is whether that puts it on the back foot before the test has even begun.All-Road DNA The OQUO Carbon Gravel Wheelset in DetailOne look at the rims reveals the OQUOs road heritage. At 50 mm deep front and rear, with a 25 mm internal and 34 mm external width, theyre among the narrowest in the test. The Mini-Hook design accepts road tires at 6.5 to 7 bar as well as gravel tires up to around 50 mm. Our 45 mm Continental Competition control tire grows only to 45.5 mm at the front and 45.4 mm at the rear, overhanging the narrow rim walls noticeably, yet it handles exactly as it should. At 1,380 g on our scales, the OQUO is also one of the lighter wheelsets on test, an advantage that shows on the climbs.Mini-Hook The small bead hook accommodates high-pressure road tires as well as gravel tires up to around 50 mm.Narrow base With a 25 mm internal rim width, the gravel tire protrudes considerably beyond the rim.Carbon blades The 20 Vonoa carbon spokes per wheel make the OQUO exceptionally stiff.Each wheel uses 20 Vonoa carbon spokes, laced to OQUOs own Q10 hubs, which are developed and manufactured entirely in the Basque Country. Inside, a SharkRatchet mechanism provides 45 points of engagement, while specially developed stainless steel bearings are, according to OQUO, more durable and smoother than many ceramic alternatives. Distinctive rims and decals and hubs finished in blasted silver give the wheelset a look all its own. At 2,999, its among the more expensive options in the test, though OQUO softens the blow with a lifetime warranty.SharkRatchet The Q10 hub with 45 points of engagement is developed and manufactured entirely in the Basque Country.Matte and understated Matte carbon and subtle decals combine with hubs finished in blasted silver.Road Racing on Gravel The OQUO RP50 LTD CS on TestOut on our test route, the OQUO immediately reveals its intended purpose, delivering a well-rounded yet aggressive and direct ride that feels remarkably like a road bike on gravel. Acceleration is excellent, with the high stiffness translating every pedal stroke directly into forward momentum. The wheels shine on the climbs, where their low weight and responsiveness come into their own. For gravel use, they almost feel a little too stiff, but that fits their design philosophy. After all, the OQUO were originally developed for narrower tires.In corners, the OQUO are agile, direct and eager to change direction, making them particularly entertaining on tarmac and fast gravel. However, if stability and confidence are your main priorities, youll be better served by a dedicated gravel wheelset. Their road racing DNA becomes most apparent on trails. The stiff, narrow rims transmit impacts directly to the rider, demanding careful line choice. Unsurprisingly, the OQUO finish in the bottom third of the test field for comfort, with virtually every wheelset featuring conventional steel spokes or wider tire profiles offering a smoother ride. For their intended all-road purpose, however, the OQUO do an excellent job.Narrow Equals Fast? The OQUO RP50 LTD CS in the Wind TunnelThe OQUO feels like genuine racing wheelset, both on tarmac and fast gravel. But how aerodynamic are the relatively narrow road rims? Subjectively, they deliver a solid mid-pack performance. The wheels are fun to ride, but with wide gravel tires fitted, the rims arent particularly wide or deep enough to create a convincing aerodynamic sensation. The wind tunnel paints a slightly better picture. With a rider on board at 36 km/h, the OQUO wheelset requires 1.7 W less power than our reference wheelset, the DT Swiss GRC 1100. That translates to a 12.3-second advantage over 40 km, although the result remains within the measurement tolerance of 4.3 W. The tire may help explain the result. We always measure the wheel and tire as a complete system, and on the 25 mm internal rim width, the Continental Competition retains a compact 45.5 mm profile.Conclusions about the OQUO RP50 LTD CSJudge the OQUO RP50 LTD CS as what it is, an all-road wheelset rather than a purebred gravel racer, and it makes a compelling case. On tarmac and fast gravel, it delivers road racing performance in full, with explosive acceleration, high stiffness and direct handling that come into their own on climbs. Rough terrain exposes its limits, as comfort and composure fall short. For riders who want one carbon wheelset to cover both road and gravel, the OQUO is a convincing choice at 2,999, backed by a lifetime warranty.TopsExplosive acceleration, particularly strong on climbsDirect, agile handlingVersatile on road and gravel thanks to Mini-Hook rimsLifetime warrantyFlopsLimited comfort on rough terrainUnsettled handling on trailsMore information at oquowheels.com.The Test FieldThis wheelset was tested as part of our big 2026 gravel wheel group test you can find an overview of all the wheels on test here.All wheels on test: CADEX Max GXR | DT Swiss GRC 1100 DICUT 50 | ENVE G SES 6.7 Pro | Fulcrum Sharq GR | HUNT 5AM Gravel Limitless Ti_UD | Leeze CH 60 PRO GX | Light Bicycle AG48 | NEWMEN Streem G.62 CS | OQUO RP50LTD CS | Reserve 48|53 GR | Roval Terra Aero CLX | Vision SC 45 i30 | Zipp 303 XPLR SWDer Beitrag OQUO RP50 LTD CS Gravel Wheelset on Test erschien zuerst auf GRAN FONDO Cycling Magazine.
0 Comments
0 Shares
25 Views