Despite the assortment of pointy bits on a bicycle, the dastardly disc brake is causing consternation among some professional roadies at the sharp end of the sport as well as within the UCI. However, the fact remains that the majority of recreational road cyclists can benefit greatly from the increased braking power and tyre width allowances that discs offer.

The RX830 wheelset is Shimano’s first foray into the higher end of the disc specific road wheel market and, although a non-series product, should slot into Shimano’s offerings around the Ultegra level.

A carbon and aluminium laminate comprise the RX830’s tubeless compatible rim, striking a balance between strength, stiffness and price. The 32.5mm depth of the rim gives the impression of a slightly aerodynamic profile and the RX830’s spoke nipples are externally adjustable, surely a welcome consideration for those looking to run the wheels tubeless. The internal rim width comes in at close to 18mm which should suit wider road tyres well, not to mention cyclocross rubber.

As with all Shimano hubs, bearings are of the cup and cone variety, their high-end seals sure to keep things spinning freely while allowing easy maintenance and without the need for specialist tools. The freehub sported by the RX830 is 10 and 11 speed compatible.

Laced two-cross on both the front and rear wheels, 24 bladed, double-butted and straight-pull spokes hold everything together.

When it comes to the discs themselves, ChainSlap’s set of wheels came with Centrelock 140mm Ice-Tech rotors which compliment Shimano’s hydraulic RS685 and RS785 brake levers. However, riders looking to match the RX830 wheels to a mechanical disc brake calliper may desire a larger diameter rotor up front.

Stay tuned for ChainSlap’s thoughts on how the RX830s roll in the upcoming review… after we’ve given them a baptism by mud in the upcoming Huttcross races and on Welly’s finest gravé secteurs.