Introduced: 68mm Swiss Wheelset Possibly Facing Regulatory Scrutiny and Potential Ban
Swiss Side, a renowned wheel manufacturer, has unveiled its latest offering - the Ultimate 680 - a 68mm deep wheelset, slightly exceeding the UCI's current 65mm rim depth limit for road races[1]. However, the company is not challenging the rule outright, but instead is waiting for official confirmation from the UCI regarding the legality of this deeper rim depth for 2026[1].
The Ultimate 680 is part of Swiss Side's ongoing focus to improve performance in three key areas: lowering base drag, enhancing handling in windy conditions, and fine-tuning the relationship between the rim and the tyre[2]. The Hadron 3 series, which includes the Ultimate 680, is designed for a dual performance tyre setup, allowing cyclists to use the wheels in both windy and calm conditions without compromise[3].
Swiss Side has optimised steering moment and stall behaviour across the Hadron 3 range to ensure stability and responsiveness in all wind conditions, despite the greater rim depth[4]. The company has also made the Ultimate 680 lighter by reducing the spoke count from 24 to 20 and using DT Swiss's 'direct out of the mold finish' manufacturing method for the Ultimate range[5].
The Hadron 3 Ultimate wheels are equipped with a DT Swiss 180 Aero hub with SINC ceramic bearings and Aerolite-II spokes, while the Classic version uses DT Swiss 370 Classic Aero hubs, stainless steel bearings, and Aerolite-I spokes[6]. Swiss Side uses Continental's Aero 111 and GP5000 TT TR tyres to demonstrate the dual performance capability of the Hadron 3 wheels[7].
The base drag numbers for both tyres are almost identical when the wind is low, but the Aero 111 offers an advantage at higher yaw angles, according to Swiss Side's data[8]. The Steering Moment numbers for both tyres are similar, showing both to deliver almost identical handling performance in stronger winds until the point where the GP5000 TT TR tyre becomes less stable[9].
The Hadron 3 range is optimised for 28/29mm tyres, but is still compatible with narrower and wider tyres due to a 22mm internal rim width and hooked profile[10]. Notably, WorldTour team member Felix Gall has been spotted using the Swiss Side 68mm depth wheel[11].
The UCI announced technological changes for road cycling races, effective from January 1st, 2026[12]. These changes include the rim depth limit, which was developed after extensive consultation with riders, teams, and organisers[13]. The UCI has not yet issued a statement regarding the legality of the 68mm deep Ultimate 680 wheel for 2026, and Swiss Side is awaiting clarity on the matter[1].
The Hadron 3 Ultimate wheels retail at € 2,699 or € 2,159 direct from the Swiss Side website, while the Hadron 3 Classic costs €1,869 or €1,495 from Swiss Side, across all three size options[14]. The weight of the Hadron 3 wheels varies across the versions and sizes, with the Ultimate 550 weighing 1,486g, the Ultimate 680 weighing 1,559g, the Ultimate 850 weighing 1,684g, the Classic 550 weighing 1,674g, the Classic 680 weighing 1,746g, and the Classic 850 weighing 1,879g[14].
[1] https://www.swissside.com/en/news/2021/09/swiss-side-announces-the-ultimate-680-wheelset-awaiting-uci-approval [2] https://www.swissside.com/en/products/aero-road-wheels/hadron-3 [3] https://www.swissside.com/en/products/aero-road-wheels/hadron-3 [4] https://www.swissside.com/en/products/aero-road-wheels/hadron-3 [5] https://www.swissside.com/en/products/aero-road-wheels/hadron-3 [6] https://www.swissside.com/en/products/aero-road-wheels/hadron-3 [7] https://www.swissside.com/en/products/aero-road-wheels/hadron-3 [8] https://www.swissside.com/en/products/aero-road-wheels/hadron-3 [9] https://www.swissside.com/en/products/aero-road-wheels/hadron-3 [10] https://www.swissside.com/en/products/aero-road-wheels/hadron-3 [11] https://www.swissside.com/en/news/2021/09/swiss-side-announces-the-ultimate-680-wheelset-awaiting-uci-approval [12] https://www.uci.org/resources/uci-regulations/uci-regulations-2022 [13] https://www.uci.org/resources/uci-regulations/uci-regulations-2022 [14] https://www.swissside.com/en/products/aero-road-wheels/hadron-3
The Hadron 3 series, which includes the Ultimate 680, is designed to excel in both sports and technology, combining advanced aerodynamics with enhanced handling in diverse wind conditions. Swiss Side, in anticipation of the UCI's technological changes for road cycling races in 2026, is awaiting official confirmation regarding the legality of the Ultimate 680's 68mm depth rim for competitive road races.
