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Frequently Asked Questions

ARE THE WHEELS COMPATIBLE WITH CAMPAGNOLO OR SHIMANO DRIVETRAINS?

For rear wheels, we offer three high performance free hub assemblies to ensure that your Topolino wheelset will be compatible with any drive train you choose:
Shimano 8/9 speed - fits Shimano 8/9/10 speed and SRAM
Shimano 10-speed specific - fits Shimano 10 speed only
Campagnolo - fits Campagnolo 9/10 speed
The hub can be converted between any of our three available configurations by simply swapping out the freehub body and a couple of spacers. Note that slight re-dishing of the wheel is required when switching between Shimano and Campagnolo (not when switching between Shimano 8/9 and Shimano 10 speed).
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WHAT HAPPENS IF I BREAK A SPOKE?

Topolino's carbon/Kevlar spokes are incredibly strong and tough. Further, these spokes are not subject to flex fatigue like steel spokes, because they cannot move where they join the hub and do not experience the bend and squirm associated with conventional steel spokes. A small cosmetic nick in the spoke should normally be no problem. If a spoke ever does somehow fail, half of the spokes and one side of the hub are removed and replaced as one modular piece. Although not as inexpensive as a traditional steel spoke, the process is relatively straightforward (no special tools) and these "halves" are provided at a very reasonable cost.
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I AM A HEAVIER RIDER AT 220 lbs.. WILL THE WHEELS HOLD UP FOR A GUY LIKE ME ?

Yes, we have lots of riders your weight that love the wheels and ride them daily. We achieve our light weight through our unique construction and high-strength materials, not by reducing spoke count or by shaving away material to the limit of structural integrity. So, these wheels are not limited to lightweight riders. In fact we spend a good deal of time and energy testing many of the wheels on the market today and these wheels are by far the strongest in their weight class.
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WHAT KIND OF BEARINGS DO YOU USE?

Topolino wheels use full size 12mm sealed precision cartridge bearings, for years of maintenance-free service. We use two 6901-2RS bearings on the front wheels, and three on the rear. We also use a beefy 28mm O.D. (6001-2RS) bearing on the rear, just inboard of the freehub. Beware of "lightweight" wheels that use skimpy, undersize bearings. We are proud to announce that we now offer a ceramic bearing upgrade for all of our Carbon Core series wheels. For those that want the absolute best you can now purchase bearings that match Topolino's passion for technology.
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DO YOU OFFER CERAMIC BEARINGS?

Ceramic bearings are now available as a factory upgrade on new Carbon Core wheelsets.
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WHAT ABOUT AERODYNAMICS?

Topolino spokes have a bladed cross-section to provide an airfoil shape, with an aspect ratio around 2:1, to cut through the wind with the least possible aerodynamic resistance. For our shallower section rims, the C19 and the CX2.0, we also employ a rim with a teardrop semi-aero profile to get the greatest aerodynamic efficiency possible out of these lightweight rims. The rims of our AC29 and AX3.0 models both have a 30mm deep rim section as well as concealed spoke nipples, making these our most streamlined clincher wheelsets. For the VX4.0 model, we use an even deeper 40mm rim profile for even better aerodynamics. As you can see - While these wheels were designed to be exceptionally lightweight and durable, we also went to lengths to make them as aerodynamic as possible.
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YOUR WHEELS ARE SO LIGHT. ARE THEY DURABLE AS WELL?

Our wheels are very durable and are designed for both training and racing, even by riders in the 200lb. weight range. Before a Topolino wheel is ever offered to the public, it must pass a litany of tests, both on the road and in our test lab. This need not be considered a "delicate", race-only wheelset. That said, there are a wide range of variables - rider weight, riding style, terrain, conditions, etc., which makes longevity very difficult or impossible to predict. We will say this, we have plenty of riders with over 10,000+ miles on the wheels and they're still going strong.
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I KNOW ALL YOUR CLINCHER WHEELSETS ARE SUPER DURABLE. HOW DO YOUR VX4.0's COMPARE?

Our VX4.0's are one of the lightest wheelsets on the road today. We designed this highly-tuned wheelset to be the pinnacle of racing performance. Because this wheel uses an all-carbon rim it is best suited to racing conditions where all out performance is demanded. Like any all-carbon rim, these rims do not have quite as high an impact resistance as an aluminum rim. We recommend you ride your C19's everyday and save your VX4.0's for Sunday's race.Return to top
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WHY DON'T YOU HAVE LOGOS AND SPECIAL ACRONYMS FOR ALL OF THE GREAT TECHNICAL ATTRIBUTES YOU HAVE PACKED INTO YOUR WHEELS?

We are an engineering-driven company, not a marketing-driven company. I suppose when we grow to be a huge conglomerate, we might hire a marketing guru to tell us we need those things. But right now, we are too busy making new stuff.
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WHAT COMPUTER SENSOR MAGNET FITS TOPOLINO SPOKES?

All Topolino wheelsets come with a computer magnet and Topolino skewers. If you still need a magnet that fits our spokes, you can get it directly from us. Just click over to our accessory page to find out how to place an order.
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CAN YOU TELL ME ABOUT YOUR QUICK RELEASE SKEWER SETS?

We offer two outstanding sets of skewers: one with a titanium shaft and another with a chrome-moly shaft. All Topolino Carbon Core series wheelsets include our 95 gram titanium skewer set, while the Revelation II series wheels get our chro-mo skewer set. To take a peek at the skewers just click over to the accessory page.
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CAN I USE TOPOLINO WHEELS ON MY TANDEM?

We have recently developed and tested two Topolino tandem wheelsets for your doubled-up needs. First, our flagship tandem wheelset the AX3.0 Tandem, this wheel incorporates all of the technology Topolino has to offer in a zero-dish 145mm spacing configuration. We are also offering our more affordable AC29 in a tandem configuration. Check the dealer locator for a location near you to see our new tandem offerings or click over to out tandem page.
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CAN I USE TOPOLINO WHEELS FOR CYCLOCROSS OR TRACK RACING?

We have designed and built all of our current wheels for the use most of our customers are looking for, which is road bike riding on pavement. While, we cannot recommend other uses at this time keep your eye out for exiting new developments always underway at Topolino Technology.
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DO I NEED ANY SPECIAL TOOLS?

No, Topolino wheels use only standard wheel building tools. Your local bike shop should already have all of the tools necessary to repair and maintain your wheel should the need arise.
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THERE ARE EXOTIC WHEELSETS ON THE MARKET THAT COST TWO OR THREE TIMES AS MUCH AS YOUR VX4.0'S. ARE THESE EXOTICS BETTER?

No. Our patented designs and unique processes allow us to incorporate incredible technologies into every aspect of these wheels. We feel they are the best wheels you can buy, period. We encourage you to compare these wheels with the most expensive exotics in the world, and we are very confident that you will be pleasantly surprised by the results.
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WHERE ARE THE WHEELS MADE?

Topolino wheels are lovingly handmade in Connecticut, USA, where the designer watches over the manufacturing process, and each wheel is meticulously hand trued.
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WHAT IS YOUR WARRANTY POLICY?

We stand behind our product 100%. We will warranty our product against defects in materials or workmanship for one year from the date of original purchase. See owner's manual for more information. Just because your older Topolino wheelset is no longer covered under it's warranty, it doesn't mean we won't service them. We want your wheelset to roll smoothly for many, many years. We have an extensive small parts catalog and very reasonably priced labor rates. Anytime you need servicing we will be here to help you. Just call or email to schedule an appointment.
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WHERE CAN I GET YOUR PRODUCTS?

Our "Dealers" web page always has the latest information on how to get our products.
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