Ultimate Campagnolo Wheels Guide and Hierarchy [Road Bike Edition]

Campagnolo is the oldest manufacturer of bicycle components in the world, known for their high-quality and aesthetically-beautiful bike parts.

Campagnolo wheels are no different.

Campagnolo – also known as “Campag” or “Campy” – produces a wide variety of road wheelsets, from flagship professional-standard wheels to budget-friendly entry-level models.

But, presented with such a range of options, it can be difficult to know which Campagnolo wheels are the right choice to suit your needs.

So, what is the hierarchy of Campagnolo’s wheelsets? And what should you be looking for in your next set of wheels?

Don’t worry! In this article, we’ll give you a complete rundown of the whole Campagnolo wheelset range, from entry-level to professional standard.

Let’s dive in!

Campagnolo Road Bike Wheelset Hierarchy

Campagnolo produces a wide range of wheels to suit any riding style, budget, or compatibility.

Here is the Campagnolo wheelset hierarchy, from entry-level to flagship:

Campagnolo Calima (Entry-Level)

• Weight: 1826 g
• Rim Depth: 24 mm
• Brake Type: Rim Brake Only

Campy’s most budget-friendly wheelset – Calima – is a low-profile, aluminum wheelset, aimed at those looking to upgrade their wheelset on a budget.

Given they can be found new for under $300, the Calimas are undoubtedly great value. It’s a tried and tested wheelset that will hold up to a lot of use.

Additionally, the wheelset is only available as a clincher and for rim brake set-ups.

Coming in at 1826 g, they’re not especially lightweight either. However, what you do get is a reliable, nice-looking set of wheels that isn’t excessively heavy, coming in at a very reasonable price point.

Campagnolo Scirocco (Mid-Range)

• Weight: 1722 g
• Rim Depth: 35 mm
• Brake Type: Rim or Disc Brake

The Scirocco is a mid-range, budget-friendly “aero” wheelset, with medium-profile rims and an aluminum build.

Retailing at around $500, they’re a fairly cheap option if you’re looking for an aero wheelset. They have a 35 mm rim profile, meaning that they will be both stronger and significantly more aerodynamic than the Calima wheelset.

They’re not particularly lightweight, however, at 1722 g, though not super heavy either. They’re available for either disc or rim brake systems, but exclusively as a clincher.

Campagnolo Zonda (Mid-Range)

• Weight: 1520 g
• Rim Depth: 24/27 mm
• Brake Type: Rim or Disc Brake

The next step up, the Zonda wheelset, is another mid-range model in the Campag lineup. Another aluminum, low-profile wheel, but with higher quality, considerably lighter materials, and some aero features, the retail price of around $600 is justified.

The first major benefit of the Zonda wheels is that they weigh in at just 1520 g. Additionally, a variable rim profile of 24-27 mm, and aerodynamic-profile spokes provide superior aerodynamic properties, saving some valuable watts compared to the Calima or Scirocco wheelsets.

They’re available with disc brake compatibility, but you can also get them in the rim brake model. They’re exclusively available as clinchers.

Campagnolo Bora WTO (Pro-Standard)

• Weight: 1395-1510 g
• Rim Depth: 33/45/60/77 mm
• Brake Type: Rim or Disc Brake

The Bora WTO wheelsets are a premium model, available in a variety of rim profiles, and crafted from high-quality carbon fiber, making them lightweight and aerodynamic.

All models are available for either rim brakes or disc brakes, and the rim profiles available range from medium-profile at 33, or 45 mm, and high-profile at 60, or 77 mm.

Their weight varies significantly, from an extremely lightweight 1395 g for the 33 mm rims to a reasonable 1510 g for the 77 mm profile.

These wheels are some of the best available on the market, with extremely high-quality materials, low weight, and extreme aerodynamic capability with a 77 mm rim. They’re all “tubeless ready”, meaning you can run a tubeless or clincher set-up.

The 33, 45, and 60 mm models are all around $2500 per pair, so this is a huge step up in price from mid-range. However, to get the ultra-deep 77 mm model, you’re looking at €2100 per wheel.

Campagnolo Bora Ultra WTO (Pro-Standard)

• Weight: 1385-1590 g
• Rim Depth: 33/45/60/80 mm (Disc Wheel Variant Available)
• Brake Type:

Campag’s flagship wheelset range, the Bora Ultra WTO is the best-of-the-best when it comes to wheels.

Often found in the pro-peloton, they make no compromises when it comes to build quality, materials, or weight.

Available in various carbon-fiber rim profiles again: 33, 45, 60, or 80 mm rims, or if you’re building yourself a TT bike, then they also have a TT disc wheel model available. They’re also all exclusively available for disc brakes, sorry old-school rim brakers!

Once again, they’re all tubeless ready, and vary significantly in their weight, from 1385 g for the 33 mm rims, to 1590 g for the 80 mm rims.

However, once again, you pay a heavy premium for this wheelset, with the 33 mm rims coming in at €3100, and the 80 mm at €4100.

Although these really are the best wheels you can find, you could likely buy a very good full bike for this price, so it’s worth considering whether you actually need wheels of this quality, especially since there are considerable diminishing returns at play here.

But, if money is no object, and you are looking for the ultimate wheels for your set-up, you can’t go wrong with the Bora Ultras – as many of the pro-peloton will tell you.

Found this Campagnolo Wheelset Guide helpful? Check out more from the BikeTips experts below!