First ride on the RAR Aura 40mm wheelset: the ultimate in lightweight design

At the start of every year, we all have that desire to discover the new products that will make a difference. Today, the wheelset we have in our hands perfectly embodies this quest for excellence: a true technical gem that we would have loved to find under the Christmas tree. The RAR Aura wheelset is exceptional in more ways than one. Here’s what we discovered. By David Polveroni – Photos: ©roues-rar / 3bikes.fr

RAR, a key player in the high-end wheel market

RAR, now well-established in the French cycling scene, needs no introduction. We’ve already spent countless hours testing their wheels—exceptional builds conceived and designed with exemplary precision. Here are a few of our past reviews that are worth checking out: • Long-term review of the RAR Even 50 wheelset and the Even 50 / Magnum 60 combo • Long-term review of the RAR Exalt 40 Disc wheelset
• Long-term test of the RAR Even 40 wheels with brake pads • Long-term test of the RAR Magnum 60 wheels

After a (successful) test of the RAR Exalt this summer, Adrien Gontier, the founder, gave us a glimpse of what to expect for 2025. And here we are: introducing the RAR Aura, a wheelset that takes the pursuit of lightness and versatility even further.

The RAR Aura: a concentrated dose of innovation

In a market where carbon spokes are gradually becoming the norm, every new design requires strict specifications and meticulous engineering. After several months of development, the RAR Aura wheels have been unveiled, drawing inspiration from the Exalt series while introducing a host of new features. With a 40 mm-high rim and RAR ESO V2 UL+ hubs (78 g in the front and 168 g in the rear, equipped with CyclingCeramic bearings), the pair weighs an impressive 486 g for the front wheel and 590 g for the rear, for a total of 1,066 g including rim tapes and tubeless valves.

By way of comparison, these hubs rival the Tune Princess in terms of lightness, while offering better compatibility and durability, particularly with the carbon spokes used here.

First Impressions

As soon as you unbox them, the wheels’ understated elegance stands out. Their sleek design complements any bike, and the customization options offered by RAR allow them to meet even the most specific requirements. On the scale, the result is impressive. Built with ultralight TPU tubes (30 g each) and 25 mm Continental GP5000 tires, the whole setup remains astonishingly light.

With a lightweight cassette (a Recon 11-36 equivalent to a Dura-Ace), we found a weight savings of nearly 700 g compared to a standard setup (1,490 g for the wheelset, heavier tires, a spare tire, and an Ultegra cassette). But it’s not just about weight.

On the road: a revelation 

After 500 km of testing on various rides, these wheels reveal their full potential. From the very first pedal strokes, you feel a complete transformation of the bike. The wheels’ low inertia evokes the feel of old-school ultra-light tubular wheels: smoothness, responsiveness, and the ability to maintain speed without excessive effort. On climbs or during accelerations, the wheels’ lightness translates into incredible responsiveness, which is particularly noticeable under heavy load. Inflated to 6.5 bars, the tires offer perfect grip and a quiet ride, adding to the pleasure of riding.

We tested them on two different setups: a first-generation Factor O2 VAM, a fairly supple bike, and a much stiffer GIRS KOM R. In both cases, the RAR Aura wheelset performed perfectly, offering just the right amount of stiffness and optimal comfort.

Preliminary Conclusion

Are the RAR Aura wheels close to perfection? For now, we’re completely won over by their light weight, sleek design, and impressive performance. We’re continuing our tests to delve deeper into this initial hands-on experience and confirm their long-term potential. Check back in a few weeks for a full review. But one thing is certain: RAR continues to push the boundaries of wheel design.

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