Brand Overview & History
Miche (est. 1919, Italy) is a century‑old component house best known for wheelsets, cassettes, and track kit. After a modern relaunch of its high‑end wheel programme, Miche’s premium Kleos RD (Race Division) line positions the brand back into the performance conversation with Made‑in‑Italy rims, updated hub internals and (on RD) CeramicSpeed bearings. The range now spans Kleos RD (race), Kleos (core carbon), SWR Evo, and Graff gravel/all‑road options. In 2024–26, the company has continued to broaden depth/width options (e.g., Kleos 42/50/62, Graff Aero 48) with modern 21–23 mm internals to pair optimally with 28–32 mm tyres.
Rider feedbacksentimentreviews
Praises
- Reviewers call Kleos RD 50 a “stunning ride quality and high‑end build” with easy tubeless setup and composed crosswind behaviour; some retailers add that the four‑year warranty (region‑dependent) sweetens the value. Community sentiment often applauds the Made‑in‑Italy story and sensible specs.
Concerns
- They’re not the very lightest at a given depth, and pricing can creep up when spec’d with CeramicSpeed bearings (RD). Miche’s wider distribution is improving, but some riders still see it as a less mainstream choice versus DT/Zipp.
Overall
Quietly positive — underrated wheels that ride better than their marketing hype implies, with a meaningful price advantage against big‑name aero options.
Feature Product Showcase
Source: Company/brand website. Image source: company product website.
Kleos RD 50
- Specs: 50 mm deep carbon rims, ~1504 g measured, 21 mm internal; CeramicSpeed bearings in RD hubs; rounded U‑shape for stability; tubeless‑ready with tape/valves supplied.
- Who it’s for: Performance road/triathletes
- AU pricing: Varies by importer; EU RRP noted at €2,349 for RD, while non‑RD Kleos 50 sits around €1,350 (indicative).
Professional Industry Reviews
road.cc rates the Kleos RD 50 8/10: not the lightest, but superb ride/build quality, very composed in wind, and a “you’ll be impressed”verdict once rolling.
220 Triathlon similarly praises stability, premium feel, and quiet freehub, noting responsiveness just shy of the ultimate class leaders (Cadex/Black Inc).
GRAN FONDO highlights the CeramicSpeed hubs and Italian manufacture, framing Kleos RD as Miche’s marker in top‑end performance with sensible 21 mm internals for 28 mm tyres.
Where Miche wins?
Miche’s Kleos RD 50 stands out for ride feel and crosswind manners at a lower price ceiling, especially if you value Made‑in‑Italybuilds and conventional, serviceable parts. If you’re chasing the very lightest number on a scale, Cadex likely edges it; if your priority is calm, fast, and well‑built without paying a celebrity tax, Kleos RD is compelling.
Brisbane Cyclist Perspective
For windy stretches and mixed surfaces, the Kleos RD 50’s stability and smoothness are a great match — quick on the flats, settled in gusts, and versatile with 28 mm tyres for comfort in summer heat.
