Test: Leeze CC 50 Disc Ultra: With its new flagship model, the Münsterland-based manufacturer pushes the boundaries of what's possible. The result is an aerodynamically optimized wheelset weighing under 1.300 grams, which impresses with its smooth running and attractive appearance – and might actually make you a bit faster when compared to simpler carbon wheels.
Wheel manufacturer Leeze has long since ceased to be a newcomer. Even the first wheelset, which Velomotion tested and presented eight years ago, was quite something for its time: very light at 1.330 grams, yet extremely affordable at €499. Sure, it was a wheelset for rim brakes, which would be quite narrow by today's standards. But its successor, the AC 25 Allroad EVO WSTO, with a 22 mm rim width, is tailored to modern tires, tuned for disc brakes, and weighs just 80 grams more. And at €599, the price premium is also moderate.
Leeze CC 50 Disc Ultra: Entry into a new price segment
Such wheelsets are now, of course, a marginal aspect of the portfolio. The focus is on disc wheelsets with deep carbon rims, which can now be offered at a relatively low weight and at a relatively low price. For a long time, a strong price-performance ratio was the USP of various young wheel manufacturers in competition with established brands that had been in the business for decades. But as these have gradually expanded their product ranges to include significantly more affordable variants, manufacturers like Leeze have taken on the high-end segment. The know-how is there – but what is at least equally important: the Münsterland-based company has long since established itself as a quality manufacturer and can credibly represent absolute top-of-the-line products. A Leeze wheelset doesn't have to be a budget decision – and so the portfolio can now be crowned with a product like the Leeze CC 50 Disc Ultra, the top version of which with Ceramicsped bearings costs almost €2.600.
What does Leeze deliver for this hefty sum? Definitely a wheelset that makes no compromises necessary. And when it comes to wheels, this primarily means the compromise between aerodynamics and weight. A 50 mm deep rim is considered an all-rounder for all situations these days; it also harmonizes visually with a flat, modern road aero racer. And the Leeze CC 50 Disc Ultra proves that such a wheelset doesn't have to be heavy: At 588 grams for the front wheel and 688 grams for the rear wheel (with tubeless tape, without valves), this is an extremely light wheelset. Competing products that reach these weight ranges can easily cost a thousand euros more; with standard instead of ceramic bearings, the CC 50 Disc Ultra also costs just €2.199. The price-to-weight ratio is therefore also uncompromising.
Aerodynamically optimized for 28 mm tires
There's no need to compromise on tire width either. With a 21 mm internal width and 28 mm external width, the wheelset is ideal for 28-inch tires—both in terms of rolling resistance and aerodynamics. Since it uses a hooked rim, you have freedom in tire choice and pressure. A 35-inch all-road tire will also work well with the rim; however, you can't use the Leeze CC 50 Disc Ultra for gravel—you'll need a more solid wheelset for that. Which brings us back to the topic of weight and the question of how to get an aero wheelset under 1.300 grams.
The magic word is "carbon spokes": These weigh about 40% less than steel spokes, making the entire wheelset about 80 grams lighter. In addition, the special hub bodies can be made slightly lighter than those for straight-pull steel spokes. However, the carbon spokes significantly complicate wheel construction, which also contributes to the high price of the Leeze CC 50 Disc Ultra.
Complex assembly completely by hand
First, you need special hubs and rims with integrated spoke nipples; then, the assembly must be done entirely by hand – the "Holland Mechanics" truing machine at Leeze must not be allowed to work on the Vonoa spokes. These have an aluminum thread at each end and are first screwed into the hub. To build tension and truing the wheel, you have to grip the inner spoke nipple from above. What protrudes from the rim below is not the nipple, but the end of the threaded sleeve pressed onto the spoke. Its square serves to hold the carbon spoke in place during truing, preventing it from twisting.
The Leeze CC 50 Disc Ultra features 21 spokes per wheel, naturally in a 2:1 spoke pattern. This is more than sufficient for high stability and stiffness; generally, the carbon spokes are quite easy to handle. Clamping a tire lever behind them when mounting the tire is no problem, and they are not otherwise fragile. However, if you're transporting the wheelset outside of your racing bike, you should still use the double wheel bag that comes with the Leeze CC 50 Disc Ultra.
During assembly, the tight fit of the tires is noticeable; even during installation, you're tempted to use a tire lever. One Schwalbe Pro One could even be inflated with a floor pump, even with the valve core installed; the other required a compressor. Removing the tires required no particular effort, and the rim-tire combination remained permanently sealed between installation and removal.
Compared to the wheelset normally mounted on our test bike, the Leeze CC 50 Disc Ultra saves 300 grams. With 28-inch tires, sealant, brake discs, and cassette, it weighs 2.550 grams; the rims weigh just under 400 grams each. Such a reduction in rotating mass should be noticeable, right?
Handy character and smooth running
The test bike with the Leeze Ultra actually feels quite manageable and can be quickly brought up to speed. Even in windy conditions, the ride is remarkably smooth. Sure, some days you might not want to pull on your jacket while riding hands-free – but the wind never actually tugs unpleasantly on the front wheel. The rim, which was largely developed in a "virtual wind tunnel," is slightly narrower than the 28-inch Schwalbe mounted on it; the inside of the rim is gently rounded rather than tapered. All this speaks for good aerodynamics, which is of course difficult to quantify in practice. However, performance data and average speed, when correlated with wind and route conditions, suggest that the Leeze CC 50 Disc Ultra is really fast. The ceramic bearings should also save a few watts, and the ratchet freewheel stands out with its pleasantly low resistance. Last but not least, the look of the wheels with shimmering carbon fibers and striking gray spokes is pleasing, and the painted logos also contribute to the elegant look – this is another reason to prefer the Leeze to other wheel sets.
The carbon spokes can't be said to offer any comfort advantage: While the wheelset doesn't feel overly stiff, it's certainly sporty and taut. However, there's no noticeable vibration dampening either. This, along with the high lateral stiffness, suggests that the CC 50 Ultra was designed for racing or, at least, ambitious sporting use.
With the CC 50 Disc Ultra, Leeze pushes the boundaries of what's currently possible and appeals to those looking for those "marginal gains" that make their road bike a bit faster. Carbon spokes, ceramic bearings, and the complex manufacturing process drive up the price; however, at just under €2.600 for this uncompromising wheelset, it's still quite affordable. Those with less demanding requirements can get the new Leeze CC 50 Basic R, a similarly dimensioned wheelset that weighs just under 150 grams more and is very affordable, starting at €999 (€1.399 with Ceramicspeed bearings).