Ritchey WCS Apex II 46mm Wheelset

One constant present between this version of the Apex II wheelset range and the 2016 range is the Phantom Flange hubs. Phantom Flange™ refers to an arrangement in the design that gives the wheelset the impression of straight pull spokes, but are in fact J-bend spokes that are hidden within the hub profile – the  J-bend design creates the sleek, aero profile and direct-drive efficiency of straight-pull spokes but still uses stronger, more reliable J-bend spokes.

PHANTOM FLANGE ROAD HUBS – sleek looks and superlight forged-and-machined design

The second area of note for these hubs is that the rear freehub contains a patented 6 pawl, 12-point micro clutch engagement system, and as I recently found out by complete accident during a standard cassette swap, the hubs offer a tool-free design that allows for quick disassembly – with a bit of twisting wrist action the freehub body pulls out from the hub giving you access to the inside to hub body allowing for easy replacement of bearings or spokes as necessary.

Ritchey Phantom Flange front hub

And finally there’s a staggered drive side flange which is designed to increase the spoke bracing angle and eliminates interference between crossing spokes, that Ritchey claim to result in a stiffer, stronger wheel.

Rear Phantom Flange hub with staggered drive side flange.

The spokes are high quality Sapim CX, with 20 in a radial pattern up front and 24 in a radial and two-cross mix at the rear. It is compatible with Shimano/SRAM or Campagnolo 10/11 drivetrain systems. The bearings are sealed, load specific, 28mm drive side and 24mm non-drive side on the rear wheel.