Roadborn Wide 38 and 50 Wheelset Review

In 2025, choosing a pair of wheels is a bit like looking for a needle in a haystack. Between the plethora of options and ever-increasing prices, it’s hard to know where to start! Today, we’re going to talk about Roadborn, a French brand that is still discreet but clearly deserves attention. To do that, we tested two pairs of wheels from their Wide range. Our verdict after two months of use.

By David Polveroni – Photos: All rights reserved

Roadborn is a little French gem that manufactures its carbon wheels near Le Mans. Created in 2016, the brand focuses on artisanal production, with hand-built wheels and genuine quality control. In short, it’s serious, local, and above all, reliable.

Their road range is divided into three categories:

• Acces: the entry-level to discover Roadborn without breaking the bank.

• Pro: with narrower rims (18 mm internal width) and in-house hubs, perfect for demanding cyclists.

• Wide: wheels with 21 mm wide rims and DT Swiss DT350, 240 or 180 hubs. Spoiler: this is the range we tested!

In the Wide range, two models particularly caught our eye:

• Wide 38 with DT350 hubs, at €1,549 for 1,500 g.

• Wide 50 with DT240 hubs, a little more expensive (€1,749), but still 1,500 g per pair.

And a little exclusive: I’m told that Roadborn is preparing a brand new pair for March. We won’t say more for now, but stay tuned, it promises to be very interesting!

The models in detail: wheels that impress

The Roadborn Wide 38 and 50 mm are, above all, sober and elegant in appearance. The 38 mm play the card of discretion with black stickers under varnish, while the 50 mm sport white stickers that are somewhat reminiscent of the famous Enve wheels. When riding, the look is really nice.

Technically, both models share a solid foundation:

• Unidirectional carbon rims with U Shape technology for top rigidity and stability.

• For tires, it’s a hooked system: this reassures those who are still hesitant to try tubeless. No problem mounting or dismounting the 26 mm Hutchinson Blackbird tires supplied. And if you want to switch to 28 mm or more, no problem either.

• Spoking: classic but effective, with 24 spokes laced 2-cross per wheel. It’s reliable, it doesn’t budge.

On the road: 38 vs 50, two different worlds

First impressions: two very distinct personalities. The 50 mm, clearly, are for rouleurs who want to give it their all on fast sections. With increased lateral rigidity, they respond instantly, but be careful, they can be tiring on long rides or climbs. And in the wind? Even if they are among the best in their category, they are still more sensitive than the 38 mm.

The 38 mm, on the other hand, play on a different field. Lighter underfoot, they offer incredible maneuverability. Uphill, they climb easily, and downhill, they are a real treat. Hairpin turns are handled effortlessly, and they are also very stable. In short, perfect wheels for cyclists seeking versatility and comfort.

Depending on your bike’s characteristics, the choice of rigid or more compliant wheels will have an impact. Don’t just look for the stiffest or the prettiest, but the pair of wheels with which you can complete X hours of effort, or a season of cycling. The ideal pair of wheels doesn’t exist; there will always be a compromise (which minimizes over time) between performance and comfort.

And comfort, precisely? Honestly, both models are similar on this point. With 26 mm tires inflated to 5 bar, it’s both performant and pleasant. We could even have tested 28 mm for winter, to gain grip and absorb road imperfections depending on the asphalt.

Mounting and dismounting? No problem, it’s as easy as pie. A good point for tubeless beginners.

Value for money

For the price, it’s reasonable. The DT Swiss hubs, especially the 240 version, ensure top reliability. After 3,000 km, no issues to report. If you’re looking for light, reliable, and hassle-free wheels, these Roadborns are an excellent choice.

Final verdict

If you’re looking for wheels that combine performance, versatility, and reliability, the Roadborn Wide 38 mm and 50 mm deserve your full attention. The 38 mm will be perfect for climbers and versatile cyclists, while the 50 mm will appeal to competitors seeking speed. And with a new product announced for March, we feel that the brand is not done surprising us!

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