Long-term test of the RAR AURA wheels: French excellence

Choosing a pair of wheels is often a headache, given how plentiful the offering is. Between Chinese brands with attractive prices and European references with recognised know-how, it can be hard to find your way. For this long-term test of more than 8,000 km, we chose to stay with a 100% French product, made in Maubeuge: the RAR AURA 40. Very high-performing, extremely light wheels, but also with an out-of-the-ordinary price.

By David Polveroni – Photos: DR

RAR (Roues Artisanales RAR) is a company founded by Adrien Gontier, a passionate French craftsman who develops and hand-builds his wheels. The brand is recognised for its highly technical approach, with high-performance, made-to-measure products and meticulous attention to detail. Its models stand out for a unique know-how that rivals prestigious brands such as Lightweight.

We have already had the opportunity to test almost their entire range in the past, and it was with great pleasure that we agreed to try the promising RAR AURA 40.

An out-of-the-ordinary weight

With only 1,060 g claimed for the pair in 40 mm depth, who wouldn’t dream of that? By comparison, most competing wheels in this category weigh between 1,300 and 1,400 g. RAR achieves this exceptional weight through optimisation work on every component.

The rims are made of carbon with dimensions optimised for performance, offering an internal width of 21 mm and an external width of 28 mm. They are compatible with tubed and tubeless tires and, crucially, they are hooked. Many brands choose hookless rims (hookless) to save weight, but here safety remains a priority. At a weight of only 340 g, they guarantee lightness and efficiency.

The spokes, designed with a hybrid technology combining high-modulus carbon and titanium, offer up to 300% greater strength than the best steel spokes while being lighter. This innovation allows better stiffness and optimal responsiveness.

The hubs have been completely redesigned for perfect integration of the carbon spokes. They are available with CyclingCeramic bearings, favouring smoothness and efficiency, or SKF bearings, known for their robustness and durability. Their design is a true technical feat: despite the use of durable materials such as steel for the ratchet rings, they have a remarkably low mass.

Two different bikes

For this test, we mounted the RAR AURA 40 on two bikes of different stiffness, but designed with the same goal: climbing fast. The first, the Girs KOM, is a stiff and light bike, perfectly suited to mountainous routes. The second, the Factor O2 VAM, offers an even higher-end frame, specially designed for the mountains.

As for tires, two setups were tested. The first, a classic setup with 25 mm Continental GP5000 combined with RideNow TPU inner tubes, gives an ultralight configuration. The second, tubeless, uses 26 and 28 mm Blackbird tires to improve both comfort and grip.

From the very first ride, the difference is noticeable. With 500 grams less than the previous setup, the weight saving is felt immediately, giving a sensation of increased responsiveness and agility.

On the road: feel and performance

From the first turns of the wheel, the AURA 40 impress. The hum of the tires recalls that of tubulars of old. The wheels seem to want to accelerate on their own, with a stunning ability to surge again. On the flat, efficiency is excellent, and the low inertia does not translate into a lack of stability, notably on descents. Nothing moves!

But it is on climbs that these wheels make the most sense. As soon as you get out of the saddle, they reveal exceptional liveliness. Every pedal stroke is rewarded, giving the impression of a smoother, more efficient climb. After 200 km, you feel less tired than with other wheels, proof that the controlled stiffness and the comfort of the carbon spokes play a key role.

The tubeless experience further reinforced this comfort. Moving to 26 and 28 mm Blackbird tires brought a noticeable gain in absorbing bumps without sacrificing liveliness. On descents, the stability is reassuring: the stiffness of the spokes and the design of the rim ensure excellent control, even on uneven surfaces. Their handling is also a strong point, offering great precision in tight corners.

Reliability and durability

After 8,000 km in varied conditions, from temperatures of -7°C to spring days, the wheels showed no sign of premature wear. The only maintenance needed was lubricating the freehub body after a few very wet rides. The CyclingCeramic bearings (another French touch!) became smoother after a few hundred kilometres.

Price and positioning

These exceptional performances come at a price:

– With CyclingCeramic bearings: €4,859

– With SKF bearings: €4,499

– RAR Exalt (a more accessible model with Sapim spokes): €2,999

Verdict: should you splurge?

The price of the RAR AURA 40 may raise questions, but it remains in the same range as competing models such as Lightweight. It is not the same manufacturing process, but both have their arguments.

Admittedly, some Chinese brands offer alternatives at more affordable prices, but what about the design, the quality of the materials and the French craftsmanship? These wheels are not simply a mass-produced product, they embody a unique handmade approach, with an attention to detail and a level of demand that justify their positioning.

For cyclists on a tighter budget, the little sisters, the Exalt, take up some of the elements, but with notable differences: the rim fibres are of higher modulus on the Aura, the hubs have been redesigned and incorporate a mechanism with steel ratchet rings. This makes it possible to reach a reduced weight while guaranteeing exemplary durability.

If your budget allows it, go for it. You won’t regret it!

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