Affordable Carbon Wheelset Review: Scribe Inception 50+ - A Stunning Bicycle Upgrade at a Reasonable Price
In the world of high-performance road cycling, upgrading to carbon wheels can often come with a hefty price tag. However, the Scribe Inception 50+ Disc wheelset is challenging this norm, offering a budget-friendly carbon wheelset that delivers strong performance characteristics.
Priced at just £649, the Scribe Inception 50+ Disc wheelset is one of the cheapest full-carbon wheelsets on the market. Its specifications include a weight of 1433g, a depth of 50mm, an internal rim width of 24mm, an external rim width of 31mm, a clincher ('mini hook' design) rim technology, tubeless readiness, Scribe High-Speed pawl hubs, round, J bend, alloy spokes.
One feature that may split opinion is the freehub's noise level. For those who prioritise silence, Scribe offers an option to specify a medium viscosity grease to dampen the sound of the freehub.
The Inception 50+ wheelset performed well on Oxfordshire's notoriously rough tarmac, providing a smooth ride quality. Its lateral stiffness and snap may not be as pronounced as that of top-tier carbon wheels, but it offers performance comparable to some of the best road bike wheels available.
The hub system of the Inception 50+ wheelset is functional and fast-engaging, with a 6-degree pickup. The wheelset was constructed with a mix of T700 and T800 fibres, ensuring a balance of lightweight and durability.
The Scribe Inception 50+ Disc wheelset was set up easily, thanks to the ramped rim bed and bead-lock design. Despite its 50mm depth, it did not feel overly twitchy in crosswinds, making it a suitable choice for riders who frequently encounter gusty conditions.
The rolling performance on flatter roads was good for this price point. However, the lack of bladed spokes affected its top end speed, and it may exhibit a slight softness when putting down big efforts or sprinting hard. The durability of the hub system is not yet fully tested, as it has not been through a long winter of use.
For those seeking an upgrade that is more race-oriented yet still comparable, the Élan SL+ from Scribe is a step above, providing better stiffness and power transfer through premium carbon and hub components.
In conclusion, the Scribe Inception 50+ Disc wheelset competes well with mid-range carbon wheelsets like those from established brands’ house lines and entry-level race wheels. It offers a value proposition, providing wide rims for modern tubeless tires, lightweight design, and stable handling comparable to many mid- to high-end wheels without the steep price. For riders looking for carbon performance without a premium price tag, the Scribe Inception 50+ Disc wheelset is a worthwhile consideration.
The Scribe Inception 50+ Disc wheelset, while offering strong performance characteristics in high-performance road cycling, is also a worthwhile consideration for those seeking budget-friendly gadgets in the realm of technology. Its specifications, such as a weight of 1433g, a depth of 50mm, and an internal rim width of 24mm, are reminiscent of advanced sports equipment. Furthermore, the option to specify a medium viscosity grease to reduce the noise level of the freehub caters to those who prioritize quiet operation, much like some premium electronic devices on the market.
