Today, we take a closer look at the Corima wheelset that fitted our Look 785 Huez RS on our last test. The exact model, a pair of Corima WS DX 47mm, was offered here in its tire version.
Presentation
This pair of Corima features a 47mm carbon rim profile (for a width of 26mm), kind of compromise between high rims intended for the plain and low rims more suited to mountainous terrain. In this version, braking is disc, but there is the equivalent in pad braking. I was able to test them with 28mm Vittoria tires, therefore with a Shimano Ultegra Di2 transmission, to locate the material with which the test was carried out. Visually, this is a very successful model, where Corima's know-how is evident. Now let's move on to the sensations experienced during the first outings…
First impressions
The key word with this wheelset will undoubtedly be balance. It shows from the first turns of the wheel, with a sort of very successful marriage between rigidity, comfort and aerodynamics, for a performance that seems excellent from the outset. For a rather high-end pair of carbon wheels, available around 1750 euros, we can easily see the know-how of the brand in the field, who has been equipping World Tour teams for years and has more than 40 years in the manufacture of wheels. This model is therefore very attractive, especially since the discs seem perfectly integrated into the whole, for a very pleasant result. The kilometers go by smoothly and the level of comfort felt is really very good, with a very interesting rigidity. Completely conclusive first impressions that can only seduce…
Aero Dynamics, Corima is riding the trend
The new trend in carbon wheels seems to revolve around high rim models. The progress made in recent years in working with carbon now makes it possible to combine lightness and aerodynamics. With a weight of 1720 grams per pair (795 the front and 925 the back), we are clearly on a light model, given its disc braking system. And rather than slicing between ultra-light low rim wheels and very imposing profile wheels, the choice of many competitors is often for intermediate models, suitable for all terrains. This is clearly one of the big advantages of this model, which offers a very wide range of uses and allows to maintain a very important inertia on the flat despite a contained weight.
The dynamism, the key point of this model
These wheels have more than one trick up their sleeve. With an interesting inertia, very sophisticated aerodynamics, we are already dealing with a very interesting model. But the real plus of these wheels is in their dynamism. Indeed, reminders are perfectly managed with this material, and we take them very easily to the sprint, on the flat or on the side. Of course, other models offering even lower weight will offer even drier stimuli on rough terrain, but will lose in yield when the percentages decrease. Here, the combination of these different qualities makes it possible to react to perfection on very varied terrains, because this is its main function, offer a versatile model that doesn't require you to choose between aero and lightness. A model that will appeal to runners looking for performance on hilly and rolling races, and which will also adapt perfectly to training outings at a more moderate pace. To take advantage of it, it will of course be necessary to reach sufficient speed, but during the most peaceful outings, their behavior remains very good, which is not the case for all wheels with such a profile, especially in disc braking. Of course, don't expect exceptional time trials with this type of model, and there are also models even more suitable for pure climbers. But it is rare to have to express yourself on only flat or only difficult roads, you often have to know how to juggle from one field to another, hence the advantage of opting for this type of wheels.
The faults of these wheels ?
The few details that have caught our attention in the wrong sense of the word are quite rare and are by no means crippling. First, very high speed behavior can sometimes seem slightly rough. By very high speed, you have to understand the speeds that you can reach in fairly steep descents, beyond 80kmh. Once this level has been crossed, the stability of the whole is a little less good, which can cause some rather unpleasant vibrations. The other detail to take into account is on the tightening side of the wheels, which is not a classic quick tightening but a tightening which is done using an allen key. More aero, more integrated, but also longer to undo when changing a wheel. Without screwdriver, the operation can take a long time, in race in particular. This is one of the disadvantages of this system, which apart from this detail is rather effective.
Our opinion
You would have understood it, this pair of Corima has all the qualities to meet the needs of demanding competitors, but also cyclists in search of sensations and comfort. A very good compromise, and above all a very balanced model which is suitable for all uses. The cost may seem high, but for a model as versatile as this, it turns out to be an interesting case. The availability of pad brakes is also an advantage for those who do not wish to switch to disc braking or who do not have a compatible frame.
We liked :
Versatility
Aesthetics
Performance in competition
The weight, pretty boilerplate
We liked less :
Tightening
Downhill stability, fairly average
Note
8/10
Technical sheet
Mark : Corima
Model : 47 WS Black DX
Price : 1750 €
Weight : 795g (before) and 925g (back)
Braking : discs (available in pad braking)
Cassette compatibility : Shimano, Shame, Campagnolo (11 speeds)
