Princeton CarbonWorks introduces the Wake 6560 Evolution II, an aero wheelset developed specifically to push the limits of the new UCI 65mm regulations. It is the sixth iteration of the sinusoidal flagship conceived in 2012, and combines a rim weight of 420 g with a system weight of 1250 grams in the lightest configuration.
A wheelset with 65mm depth that weighs less than many a climbing wheel. That is the paradox where PCW on target.
The 65mm limit: the new playing field
Since 1 January 2026, the UCI applies a maximum rim height of 65mm for mass-start road races. The measure is part of a wider safety package, motivated by scientific research on crosswind sensitivity and steering moments with deep rims. Brands that until recently had wheels 75mm or deeper in the peloton will have to adjust their line-up or accept that their top models are no longer race-legal.
The Wake 6560 oscillates with its distinctive wavy profile between 60mm and 65mm depth. This puts the wheelset right within the new regulations, without compromising on aerodynamic performance. Where competitors have to scale down, PCW only has to evolve.
The band central
That was the starting point for the Evolution II. Instead of first drawing a rim shape and then mounting a tyre on it, PCW worked in reverse order. Road tyres from 23 to 32 millimetres from multiple brands were mounted on four different hooked rim widths (21, 22, 23 and 24mm). Each combination was measured and 3D scanned to create a complete portfolio of tyre cross-sections.
Those actual, inflated tyre profiles then formed the basis for iterative CFD analyses via AeroCloud, carried out in cooperation with Luca Oggiano and Themis Petridi from NablaFlow. CFD results were plotted against rolling resistance data to find the most efficient combinations of tyre size, tyre shape and rim shape. The most promising models then went into the wind tunnel at Politecnico di Milano and A2 in Mooresville, North Carolina.
The result is a rim optimised around a 28mm tyre, with an internal width of 22mm and a maximum external width of 33mm. According to Luca Oggiano, the Wake 6560 Evolution II is “the fastest UCI-legal wheelset we have tested in the wind tunnel.”
The connection with top performance is also there: Oggiano and PCW CEO Harrison Macris previously collaborated on the wheels for Filippo Ganna's world endurance record. In addition, the Evolution II was already used by professional triathletes last season, resulting in world titles at both the Ironman and Half Ironman.
Lighter, stiffer, better protected
Despite the deep 65mm profile, the lightest configuration weighs in at Tactic Racing TR01V2-hubs only 1250 grams. The rim weight dropped from 470 g (Evolution I) to 420 g, a reduction of over 10%. That weight saving comes from an all-new carbon layup that simultaneously delivers higher impact resistance: the rims pass an impact test of over 120 joules.
In addition, the rims are now pre-balanced as standard to reduce speeding vibrations and harmonics. The non-drilled rim bed eliminates the need for tubeless tape and keeps rotating weight as low as possible.
Specifications
- Rim depth: 60-65mm (sinusoidal profile)
- Internal rim width: 22mm (hooked)
- External rim width: 33mm
- Rim weight: 420 g
- Lightest system weight: 1250 grams (Tactic TR01V2)
- Optimal tyre size: 28mm
- Impact resistance: >120 joules
- Spoke type: Steel (standard)
- Rim bed: Non-drilled, tubeless-ready
- Includes: Tubeless valves, padded wheel bag
Hub options and prices
The Wake 6560 Evolution II is available with six different hubs and ten colour options in three price categories. All prices in EUR,
- White Industries CLD - 1455 grams - from €3700
- DT Swiss 240 EXP - 1345 g - from €4200
- Tactic TR02 - 1320 grams - from €4.200
- Chris King R45D Ceramic - 1435 grams - from €4900
- DT Swiss 180 EXP - 1320 grams - from €4950
- Tactic TR01V2 - 1250 g - from €4950
The most expensive configuration, a Tactic TR01V2 at Gloss Chameleon, comes out at €5400
The wheelset is aerodynamically optimised based on actual tyre cross-sections rather than theoretical profiles, validated in two wind tunnels, and 50 grams lighter per rim than its predecessor.
Colours and availability
In addition to the six standard colours (Matte Black, Gloss Black, Matte White, Gloss White, Gloss Gold, Gloss Chrome), the Evolution II family introduces four new options: Gloss Sand, Gloss Cobalt, Gloss Red and Gloss Chameleon.
The Wake 6560 Evolution II is available immediately through local dealers, distributors and through princetoncarbon.com.
