Giveaway: The Citec 3000 S Aero DB is a high-profile aluminum wheelset for road bikes with disc brakes, designed for training and competition in road cycling and triathlon. It is aimed at riders who are looking for an aerodynamically optimized, yet practical, system wheelset.
With a stated wheelset weight of approximately 1.595 grams (700C, 20/21 spokes), this model falls within the solid range of modern aero aluminum wheels. In terms of price, the set is positioned in the mid-range for direct sales – depending on the freehub standard and finish – with manufacturer-stated set prices around €600 and individual wheel prices of €319 (front) and €469 (rear).
Citec 3000 S Aero DB – Design and technical features
Rim profile and tire compatibility
The Citec 3000 S Aero DB wheels use a 26 mm high, curved aluminum aero rim with an internal width of 21C. The profile is designed as a high-profile rim with a concave internal structure ("Concave System"), which, according to the manufacturer, reduces weight while simultaneously increasing rim stiffness.
The rims are designed to be tubeless ready (clincher), allowing the use of modern, wide racing tires with or without inner tubes. With an internal width of 21 mm, tires between approximately 25 and 32 mm can be practically accommodated, making them suitable for both road cycling and triathlon use.
Spokes, hubs and lacing
The front wheel uses 20 bladed spokes, the rear 21, with the rear wheel in a 14/7 lacing pattern (2:1 lacing). Combined with the high-profile rim and recessed aluminum nipples, this is intended to reduce air turbulence and improve aerodynamics.
The hubs are based on Citec Power Block system hubs with a wide flange spacing and the DT Ratchet freehub system (Shimano/SRAM 9-12 speed, Campagnolo up to 13 speed, and SRAM XDR). The hubs run on sealed deep groove ball bearings, and the brake rotors are mounted via Center Lock. Thru-axles are standard: 12 x 100 mm front and 12 x 142 mm rear. Citec combines this with its proprietary ETS (Equal Tension System) spoke system, which aims for the most even spoke tension possible and high lateral stiffness. The permissible system weight of 115 kg covers a wide range of users – including riders with luggage or those using the bike for everyday riding.
Citec 3000 S Aero DB – Aerodynamics and Driving Dynamics
The DB version is technically based on the long-established 3000 S Aero platform, which has repeatedly received positive reviews in various tests of the rim brake version. The 3000 S Aero has been highlighted in the all-round segment and described as a particularly well-balanced wheelset with good aerodynamics and a moderate rim depth.
The DB variant adopts the concept and profile, but adapts them to the requirements of disc brakes:
- lower rim height (26 mm instead of 30 mm),
- wider inner width (21C),
- Disc brake hubs with Center-Lock and thru axles.
From a technical standpoint, this results in a wheel that is more aerodynamic than classic, very shallow aluminum wheels, without the crosswind susceptibility of deep carbon profiles. The moderately deep rim, combined with a 2:1 spoke pattern and wide flange spacing, suggests good initial stiffness and precise steering, especially when standing and sprinting.
Maintenance and durability
The concave system with an aluminum rim offers advantages over carbon rims in terms of impact resistance and everyday use, such as on rough roads or during frequent training. The use of standard thru-axles and an established DT Ratchet freehub simplifies servicing and spare parts availability.
The manufacturer's specified system weight of 115 kg is practical for an aero aluminum set in the disc brake category and allows its use even for heavier riders or as a robust training wheel.
field of application.
Citec itself lists road cycling and triathlon as the areas of application, for competition and training. Thanks to the tubeless-ready 21 mm rim, the set is suitable for classic road bike setups with 25 mm tires as well as for slightly higher-volume tires, for example for long distances or poor road surfaces.
Compared to significantly lighter, very low-profile climbing wheels, the Citec 3000 S Aero DB excels on undulating to flat terrain, where aerodynamics, stiffness, and stability are paramount. At the same time, the weight remains moderate enough that even longer climbs pose no problem – the classic profile of an all-round wheelset with an aerodynamic focus.
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Deadline for entries: December 11, 2025