When aerodynamics become a game of chasing single-digit watt reductions in drag (which they mostly have), wheels need to find new ways to differentiate. Parcours has routinely launched innovative designs, and the latest is their new GT line, kicking off with the Strade GT model.
What makes these novel is the new VibraCORE, which uses carbon fiber in a new way to dramatically reduce fatigue-inducing vibration frequencies. Here’s what you need to know…
What’s VibraCORE & how does it work?
Not to be confused with Spank Industries’ Vibrocore foam inserts, Parcours’ VibraCORE is equal parts material and design.
Developed in collaboration with Lineat and Nottingham Trent University, VibraCORE integrates Lineat’s AFFT (Aligned Formable Fibre Technology) reclaimed carbon material into the spoke bed of the rim as part of the structural layup.
AFFT reprocesses reclaimed chopped carbon fibers into a highly aligned fiber tape, which has a different structural behavior compared to conventional continuous carbon fibers (like UD or woven sheets typically used in wheel construction).
The key innovation is its placement: VibraCORE is incorporated as a layer within the spoke bed, accounting for approximately 12–15% of the total material by volume. The spoke bed is where loads are predominantly compressive and where energy from the tire and road is transferred into the wheel.
Unlike most approaches to vibration management in cycling, like tire pressure or frame compliance, VibraCORE dissipates vibration energy at the wheel before it reaches your hands or butt.
By the numbers, at 60psi, VibraCORE delivers a 23% reduction in RMS vibrational energy in the 4-12Hz range and 19% in the 20-50Hz range, the ranges most closely associated with rider comfort and fatigue.
In non-lab speak, they say the effect is akin to lowering tire pressure by 10-15psi.
They’re also lightweight & aero
The new Strade GT wheels are also really light (495g front, 635g rear, 1130g total), with rims weights of 370g front and 385g rear. That’s a huge reduction from prior Strade rim weights of 470/480g. Despite that, they’re stronger, with impact testing almost 4x UCI minimum requirements.
Additional weight savings come from Alpina Carbolite carbon fiber bladed spokes. This is the first time Parcours is offering carbon spokes, and they say the performance and ride quality are as good or better than steel spokes, but with big weight savings.
Rims measure 49.2mm deep in the front, 54.0mm deep in the rear, and are 23.5mm internal with a hooked bead. They’re aerodynamically optimized for 30mm tires but compatible with 28mm tires, too. With 700×30 tires mounted, you’ll save 3.2watts straight on versus the original non-GT version.
Crosswind stability is improved by 15%, though they say that going with tires wider than 30mm begin to negate the improvements in sideways drag reduction.
Available now for $3,299 with EZO steel bearings, or $3,589 with ceramic bearings, both with Shimano HG and SRAM XDR freehub body options. Custom hub colors and rim graphics available starting at $70.
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