HED

Stinger 6 FR Carbon Road Wheelset - Tubular

Having spent decades at the forefront of aerodynamic wheel design, HED continues to make its wheels faster. The HED Stinger 6 FR Carbon Tubular Wheelset is no exception. The Stinger 6 is perhaps the perfect race wheel. Stiff enough for a sprint, but not so deep that a crosswind will catch you. The wind tunnel data doesn't lie, and neither does the host of professional feedback. The Stinger 6 Carbon Tubular Wheel is the fastest and most stable deep-section Stinger to date.

The Stinger 6 is an example of HED's evolution of revolution. For the new design, HED spent 10 days in the wind tunnel making shape adjustments as testing progressed. The results are astounding; compared to previous models, the Stinger 6 experienced a 100g reduction of drag at a 15 degree wind angle. The refined shape of the 60mm deep rim increases stability in cross winds, and as HED states, the Stinger 6 handles more like a 45mm rim in a crosswind.

The Stinger 6's protection from extreme wind angles is not limited to aerodynamic measures. HED pioneered the wide rim design that dominates today's carbon wheels with what it dubbed C2 Technology. C2 Technology's goal is to reduce the occurrence of the two main drag variables: aerodynamic resistance and rolling resistance. In 2006, HED set out to correct the problems associated with fitting tires into narrower rims, problems like higher required pressure, increased rolling resistance, decreased handling, and increased drag. HED found that by making the rim edge wider, a 23mm tire would flow exceptionally well into the rim shape, and thus create a flush aerodynamic profile for optimal airflow. In fact, the Stinger 6 is 3mm wider than the Stinger 3 for a greatly increased airflow. So C2 technology doesn't only address aerodynamics; it also reduces mechanical drag and energy dissipation. By increasing the contact patch with the road, C2 further improves the distribution of load and the lowering of rolling resistance. The C2 support of the tire carcass also decreases sidewall flexion that's responsible for energy loss in extreme yaw angles and cornering.

The HED Stinger 6 Carbon Tubular Wheel focuses on rigidity and stability. The carbon layup, resins, and fiber orientations of the Stinger 6 are at their most advanced stages to date. HED added a three separate carbon cloth layup that controls variable wall thickness and fiber orientation. When coupled with wider-is-better C2 technology, the result is a startling amount of lateral and torsional rigidity. To ice the cake, HED has also developed a 'secret weapon' it calls Stability Control Technology that effectively tames crosswind at any angle to the wheel. SCT is so secret that HED will not detail the process publicly, but the performance value is instantly recognizable upon usage.

The Stinger 6 FR Tubular Wheelset is a 24 spoke rim laced two-cross with bladed Sapim CX-Ray spokes. The wheel rolls on the new HED Carbon FR Sonic Hub. Each Sonic Hub has a grease port equipped with an aluminum port cap and ABEC5 bearings.