Wheels with carbon fiber rims will exhibit different braking characteristics than wheel with
aluminum rims. Please refer to our FAQ and carbon rim braking manual insert for more information.
Carbon rims do not dissipate the heat generated by braking as fast as aluminum rims. Managing rim
temperatures through proper brake application is important. If rims are allowed to overheat, damage
to the rim and/or tire can result. During long descents, it is very important that brakes are applied
with greater force, more frequently, and for the shortest possible time period. Just like in a car,
DO NOT DRAG YOUR BRAKES. The technique of frequent, hard braking and releasing, even if only
releasing for brief periods, significantly reduces rim temperatures.
Carbon rims can have a higher rate of brake pad wear, especially in wet conditions. Check your
brake pad thickness before each ride.
Carbon rims are different from aluminum rims in wet braking conditions. We recommend test riding
your carbon wheels in wet conditions.
Brakes and Tandem Wheels
Rolf Prima tandem wheels are compatible with industry standard tandem brakes. Both front and
rear alloy tandem wheels are compatible with rim or disc brakes. Carbon fiber tandem wheels
and Tandem Stealth are designed for disc brake only.
Follow the brake manufacturer’s instructions for installation and adjustment.
MTB, Road Disc, Cyclocross disc brakes
Rolf Prima mountain bike, cyclocross and road disc wheels are compatible with 6 bolt or Center
Lock disc brake rotors depending on the model. They are not rim brake compatible. Refer to
your bike and/or brake owner’s manual for proper installation and setup.
Cassette Compatibility
All road, cyclocross and tandem Rolf Prima wheels are Shimano/SRAM 11-speed compatible as are
most MTB wheels. To use a 10-speed cassette with 11-speed compatible wheels, use the 1.8mm Rolf
Prima supplied spacer behind the cassette in addition to any spacer included with your cassette. For
road 11-speed cassettes, do not use the Rolf Prima supplied spacer. For 11-speed MTB cassettes (not
XD) use the 11-speed spacer.
Rolf Prima Campagnolo wheels are 10/11-speed compatible. Contact your Rolf Prima dealer for
options to convert between Shimano and Campagnolo (road), or Shimano and SRAM XD (MTB).
Installation and Recommendations
There are many different drivetrain and tire systems. Before attempting any installation of compo-
nents onto this wheelset, make sure the parts are compatible. Tires, valves, gear clusters, brakes
and the frame and fork spacing must be correct. If you are unsure of the compatibility of any part,
consult your Rolf Prima dealer.
Brakes and Brake Pads
Proper brake pad adjustment
Rim brake pads should be adjusted so
that they sit 1mm to 2mm away from the
rim when the brakes are released. Toe-in
brake pads 1mm. When the forward most
tip of the pad first contacts the rim, there
should be 1mm space at the back of the
pad. Brakes should be properly centered
over the rim so that each pad is the same
distance from the rim when the brakes
are released.
Rim brake pads should be aligned properly with the braking surface of the rim and should contact
only the machined or designated brake surface of your rim. Ensure there is adequate clearance
between the top of the brake pad and the tire. Improper or misaligned pads can cause premature rim
wear or a sudden tire blowout.
Rims with aluminum braking surface: Brake pad selection and maintenance
While your Rolf Prima alloy wheels do not require special brake pads, for best braking perfor-
mance use Rolf Prima RED brake pads. Brake pads from many manufacturers are available in
different compounds. It is important that medium compound pads designed for aluminum rims
are used with your Rolf Prima wheels. Soft pads may cause brake stutter or be too “grabby”.
Hard compound pads are abrasive and may decrease the life of your wheels.
Inspect and clean your brake pads frequently. Road grit, small rocks and other items can
become embedded in brake pads and cause accelerated wear of the braking surface. If you hear
scratching noises when you brake that is a hint. Check and clean your pads.
Rims with carbon braking surface: Brake pad selection and maintenance
Rolf Prima Carbon wheels with carbon brakewalls feature a specially prepared braking surface,
but can still be susceptible to heat build-up issues and abrasion. These carbon wheels come
with Rolf Prima brake pads. We strongly recommend the use of the supplied Rolf Prima pads as
the use of other pads may void the warranty and decrease the braking function.
FWD
FIGURE 5.1
TOE-IN
GAP
1MM
