The Ursus Proxima 40 Group Version is the form of wheelset that makes you rethink what an under-the-radar model can ship. Whereas Ursus might not be the primary identify riders within the U.S. point out when speaking about high-end efficiency wheels, the Italian firm has been perfecting its craft for many years. This was my first likelihood to correctly evaluate their wheels, and the Proxima 40 TE shortly proved that Ursus deserves a spot in the identical dialog as the large gamers.
Cyclocross racers will acknowledge Ursus for its help of the Italian Guerciotti Elite Group, and that’s the place I first heard of them. Ursus has a wealthy historical past in cyclocross and nonetheless affords high-end cyclocross-specific tubular wheels. Street racers might know Ursus from their entry into the World Tour in 2024 with Group Picnic PostNL.
Who’s Ursus?
Ursus has been grinding away since 1966, when Sergio Ferronato patented a quick-release clamp for metal saddles. A 12 months later, impressed by the bull from Quo Vadis, he named the corporate Ursus — a nod to cussed energy and grit. From there, the model hustled by means of Italy’s golden age of biking, constructing hubs, clamps, and brakes. By the ’80s, Ursus was diving into mountain bike elements, and by the mid-’90s, carbon and alloy wheels rolled into the catalog when Mirko Ferronato joined the household enterprise. Quick-forward, and that bull emblem is stamped on the identical wheels you’ll see underneath WorldTour professionals and junior growth squads alike. A reminder that Ursus nonetheless blends old-school Italian craft with velocity and precision. They nonetheless supply a wide range of different gear like handlebars, hubs, and stems, however at this time we’re right here to speak wheels.
Racing Pedigree
The Proxima 40 TE is the mid-depth wheel within the Ursus Proxima TE line. The road affords a wheel for almost all stage racing situations, and as nicely they need to, now totally supporting Group Picnic PostNL for all their wheel wants. The Ursus Proxima TE line is available in 35, 40, 50, and 60 mm depths, all that includes an exterior width of 30 mm (29 mm within the 35 mm profile). Riders like Romain Bardet, newly signed dash grasp Fabio Jakobsen, and John Degenkolb are placing them by means of the wringer on the highest stage.
That pedigree reveals up in each element. The Proxima wheels hit the candy spot between aerodynamics, consolation, and dealing with stability. Plus, they’re robust sufficient for gravel, although not the widest when in comparison with mega-wide wheels just like the Zipp 303 XPLR. The Proxima 40 TE matches a 40-45mm tire completely, and that’s the candy spot for quick euro-gravel, which is the sort I wish to experience probably the most.
U-RS Xeramik Hubset
The guts of the Ursus Proxima 40 Group Version is its U-RS Xeramik hubset, and it feels each bit like a pro-level centerpiece. It’s a bit bulkier than most highway hubs we see lately, however it’s constructed to final and be serviceable. Machined from 7075 aluminum, the hubs are filled with ceramic bearings that spin effortlessly. What makes these hubs stand out is Ursus’ U-Press system, a tool-free service characteristic that permits you to open them for upkeep in minutes, with no need to entry any instruments. I really like a hub that’s simple to service, and these are quite simple to determine.
The motive force is an excellent easy three-pawl system that’s simple to take care of and clear. The bearings are stout 6902 ceramic throughout with a press match that makes them simple to entry after a muddy race or coaching experience.
Proxima 40 Group Version Rims
The Proxima 40 Group Version rims strike a candy spot for contemporary highway and gravel racing — a 40mm depth that strikes a steadiness between aero velocity and on a regular basis stability. Constructed from UD carbon and laid up for stiffness with out extra weight, the edges measure 30 mm externally and 22.43 mm internally, offering at this time’s 28–32 mm tires with a large, planted profile that feels quick. But, they aren’t stifled at 32mm, and match as much as a 45mm tire with out distorting the form into lightbulb territory.
Ursus makes use of its MiniHook bead design, which securely locks tubeless tires with out the mounting complications. These wheels arrange effortlessly with a flooring pump and no particular therapy. On the highway, the crisp rim interprets into sharp cornering confidence and a contact extra compliance than you’d anticipate from a race rim. It’s the form of shaping and width that seems like a real all-rounder; at dwelling in a dash because it does grinding over chipseal on an enormous coaching experience.
Construct High quality
The construct of the Proxima 40 Group Version showcases Ursus’s race-first consideration to element. The Ursus Proxima 40 Group Version options 24 Sapim CX-Ray Safe Lock spokes, each entrance and rear, utilizing a 2-cross sample that strikes a steadiness between lateral stiffness and stable vertical compliance.
These bladed spokes will not be solely aerodynamic but additionally extremely sturdy, and the Safe Lock nipples keep constant stress over time. Nothing tremendous secret sauce, simply an excellent high quality construct you could service when wanted.
Ursus Proxima 40 Group Version Specs
Rims: Full UD carbon, tubeless-ready, 40 mm depth, 30 mm exterior, 23 mm inside
Hubs: U-RS Xeramik™, AI 7075 aluminum, ceramic bearings
Spokes: 24 Sapim CX-Ray Safe Lock® (entrance & rear), straight-pull, 2-cross
Weights: 665 g entrance / 764 g rear – precise*
Driver Choices: Shimano, SRAM XDR, Campagnolo, Ekar
Consists of: Tubeless tape, valves, and a pleasant wheel bag you’ll really use.
Guarantee: 2 years
Value: €1,750
Different Depths: Additionally accessible in 35 mm, 50 mm, and 60 mm depths
Experience Impressions – Ursus Proxima 40 Group Version
On the highway, the Proxima 40 TE rides like a finely tuned race wheel. It’s stiff and exact when sprinting, responsive on climbs, and offers a tangible kick on the flats. At 40 mm deep, they handle crosswinds higher than taller race wheels whereas nonetheless delivering velocity. On a protracted climb, the low rotating mass makes the wheels really feel snappy and prepared; on the best way again down, they observe confidently, with that predictable point-and-shoot really feel.
What stood out most was the steadiness between stiffness and luxury. So many race wheels really feel punishing on rougher roads, however the Proxima 40 Group Version has a pleasant really feel. The wheels appear to boring vibrations with out dulling efficiency. That steadiness makes these wheels an asset. I discovered myself seeking to experience the Proxima 40 Group Version over “quicker/deeper” wheels within the queue due to their versatility. Plus, the minimal branding means they match nicely with any bike, particularly my Standert Kreissage.
One other spotlight was the responsiveness of the wheels underneath load. Stand as much as dash or punch up a curler, and the Proxima 40 TE responded immediately. I particularly like that sensation whereas using exhausting up hill. I normally experience barely deeper 50 mm wheels, and these undoubtedly spin up quicker, but maintain velocity. That very same responsiveness translated into energetic dealing with on technical descents, the place the wheels responded exactly to each steering enter. They don’t simply maintain velocity; they really feel like they wish to speed up by means of each flip.
Closing Ideas
The Ursus Proxima 40 Group Version is a showcase of modern engineering and WorldTour validation. Light-weight, aero, stiff, and dependable, they ship pro-level efficiency with out feeling out of attain.
At €1,750, they’re not “I can’t consider these are so low cost” pricing, however they’re a stable worth for a stable product. I’m very excited to see their trajectory now that they’re on the World Tour with probably the most demanding riders on this planet – anticipate huge issues.
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