OROME VALAR CS50A vs CS50D: Which 50mm Wheelset Is Right for You?

Can a 50mm carbon wheelset deliver the aerodynamic benefit of a deep rim without making your bike feel heavy or sluggish when the road turns upwards?

That is the idea behind the new OROME VALAR CS50 range.

Both the OROME VALAR CS50A and OROME VALAR CS50D combine a 50mm wave-profile carbon rim with an impressively low claimed weight. The main difference is in the spokes and freehub body.

The CS50A uses proven Sapim CX-Ray stainless-steel spokes and weighs a claimed 1310g ±15g. The higher-spec CS50D uses flat carbon spokes and weighs just 1225g ±15g.

So which one should you choose?

OROME VALAR CS50A vs CS50D at a glance

What do the two wheelsets have in common?

Both CS50 models are designed for fast road riding. They use 50mm wave-profile rims made with Toray T800 carbon fibre, with a 23mm internal width and 29.5mm external width.

Both are also tubeless ready and use ceramic-bearing hubs with a 60-tooth star-ratchet mechanism. The high tooth count provides quick engagement when you begin pedalling, which can be useful when accelerating out of a corner, responding to a change in pace or getting back on the power after freewheeling.

Freehub options include:

• Shimano HG 11/12-speed
• Shimano Micro Spline Road (MSR)
• SRAM XDR

The shared rim and hub platform means the decision is largely about how much you value the CS50D’s lower weight and carbon spokes compared with the practical serviceability and lower price of the CS50A.

What is a wave-profile rim?

Most deep-section wheels maintain approximately the same rim depth all the way around the wheel. The CS50A and CS50D use a rim that rises and falls in a distinctive wave pattern.

This variable-depth profile is designed to deliver the aerodynamic benefit of a deeper rim while supporting more predictable handling as the strength or direction of the wind changes.

That is relevant on New Zealand roads, where a sheltered section can quickly give way to an exposed road and a sudden crosswind. No 50mm wheel is unaffected by strong wind, but the wave profile is intended to make changes in wind pressure feel less abrupt at the handlebars.

Why wheel depth and weight both matter

A deeper rim is designed to manage airflow more efficiently than a shallow box-section rim. The benefit becomes more relevant as speed increases, particularly during racing, fast bunch rides and sustained efforts on open roads.

Rim depth is only part of the equation. The weight and construction of the complete wheelset also influence how the bike responds when climbing, accelerating or changing pace.

This is where both CS50 wheelsets stand out. The CS50A has a claimed weight of 1310g ±15g, while the carbon-spoked CS50D reduces that to 1225g ±15g. Both are very light for 50mm deep-section carbon wheelsets.

Why choose the OROME VALAR CS50A?

The OROME VALAR CS50A uses Sapim CX-Ray stainless-steel aero spokes and an aluminium-alloy freehub body.

Sapim CX-Ray spokes are widely used in performance wheel builds. Their bladed profile is designed to reduce aerodynamic drag, while their widespread availability makes replacement and servicing more straightforward than with a specialised carbon spoke.

At a claimed 1310g ±15g, the CS50A is still exceptionally light for a 50mm wheelset. It is the practical choice for riders who want:

• A lightweight 50mm aero wheelset
• Proven, widely available performance spokes
• More straightforward spoke replacement and servicing
• A wheelset for regular training as well as racing
• A more affordable entry into the CS50 range

If these will be your main road wheels and you regularly train, travel or race with them, the availability of conventional replacement spokes is an important advantage.

View the OROME VALAR CS50A 50mm Wave Carbon Disc Wheelset.

Why choose the OROME VALAR CS50D?

The OROME VALAR CS50D is the higher-spec option. It replaces the stainless-steel spokes with 5.2mm flat carbon spokes and uses a titanium-alloy freehub body.

These changes reduce the claimed wheelset weight to just 1225g ±15g, making the CS50D 85g lighter than the CS50A.

The stiff carbon-spoke construction is designed to produce a direct response when accelerating, sprinting or getting back on the power after a corner. The titanium-alloy freehub combines low weight with better resistance to cassette marking than a conventional aluminium freehub body.

The CS50D is the better choice for riders who want:

• The lightest wheelset in the CS50 range
• The direct and responsive feel of carbon spokes
• A performance-focused wheelset for racing and fast riding
• A deep wheelset that remains exceptionally light on rolling or climbing routes
• A titanium-alloy freehub body

The trade-off is that carbon spokes are more specialised than conventional steel spokes. Replacement parts and servicing may require more planning, so this should be considered before choosing the CS50D purely because it is the lighter model.

View the OROME VALAR CS50D 50mm Wave Carbon Disc Wheelset.

How much difference will 85g make?

The CS50D is 85g lighter based on OROME’s claimed wheelset weights. That is a meaningful reduction in an already lightweight wheelset, but it should not be the only factor in your decision.

The difference between the two models is also about how the wheels are built. The CS50A provides the serviceability of Sapim CX-Ray spokes, while the CS50D prioritises minimum weight and the direct feel of carbon spokes.

For many riders, the CS50A will offer the better balance of performance, price and everyday practicality. Riders chasing the lightest possible build or who specifically want carbon spokes may find the CS50D worth the step up.

Which CS50 wheelset should you buy?

Choose the CS50A if you want a very light and fast 50mm carbon wheelset with proven spokes that are relatively straightforward to source and replace. It is likely to be the best all-round choice for regular training, racing, fast club rides and longer road events.

Choose the CS50D if minimum weight and a stiff carbon-spoke build are your priorities. It is the higher-performance option for riders who want the lightest wheelset in the range and are comfortable with the more specialised servicing requirements.

Whichever version you choose, both wheelsets are designed to provide the speed of a 50mm carbon rim without the heavy feel sometimes associated with deep-section wheels.

Who are the OROME VALAR CS50 wheelsets for?

Both models are designed for riders looking for a genuine performance upgrade for fast road riding. They are particularly well suited to:

• Road racing
• Fast bunch and club rides
• High-speed training
• Rolling and undulating road routes
• Sportives and endurance road events
• Riders wanting one lightweight aero wheelset for varied road terrain

Their low weight does not make them dedicated climbing wheels, and the 50mm depth should still be considered if you frequently ride in very strong crosswinds. Their strength is the combination of useful aerodynamic depth and genuinely low wheelset weight.

If you’re unsure which model, freehub or tyre setup will suit your bike, contact Trev’s Cycle Shop before ordering.