Syncros Capital SL Aero on test

Syncros take on the competition in our aero wheel group test with the Capital SL Aero, featuring a one-piece carbon construction. Tipping the scales at less than 1,300 g, the € 4,000 wheels seem to meet all of our requirements with their carbon spokes and deep rims. But how do they stack up in our group test?

**Syncros** Capital SL Aero 60mm | € 4,198 | 1295 g | Manufacturer’s website

We tested these wheels for our big 2024 aero wheel group test – click here for an overview of the test field or to check out the individual reviews.

Swiss brand Syncros present a unique high-performance wheelset with the Capital SL Aero. The one-piece construction is similar to that of the Lightweight Obermayer EVO, but with optimised aerodynamics to push the boundaries of what is possible. Syncros are also setting new standards in their cooperation with Schwalbe to develop suitable aero tires, taking a holistic approach to the aero topic (though we’re using our control tires from Continental in this test). But is this really the ultimate combination for every situation? We put it to the test against established high-performance players to see how the Syncros Capital SL Aero stacks up.

Carbon as far as the eye can see – Syncros Capital SL Aero

Wow: the weight of the Syncros Capital SL Aero already speaks volumes. At just 1,295 g, the wheelset is right on the heels of the Lightweight Obermayer EVO. And that’s despite some promising aerodynamic improvements. This is confirmed when looking at the rim geometry. With 60 mm deep rims that are up to 33 mm wide, Syncros seem to have found the perfect balance. Interestingly, in pursuit of maximum aero gains, the Capital SL Aero wheelset relies on a wider rim at the rear – the opposite way around to many of the other wheels in this test. With an internal rim width of 25 mm and a hookless design, most 28 mm tires are too narrow to safely use, according to the new ISO standard, but a little more comfort never hurt anyone, provided there’s enough clearance to fit a 30 mm tire. For the hubs, Syncros rely on DT Swiss. However, the hubs are hidden beneath one of the wheels’ most striking features. The hubs are embedded in the seamless, one-piece carbon construction, resulting in a unique and extremely sleek look. The visible fibres also provide a premium feel and let the wheels shimmer in the light.

**As good as it gets**
The gold standard for tubeless setups: the continuous rim bed is guaranteed to seal, even without tubeless rim tape.

**Clean**
The spokes flow seamlessly into the rim, creating an almost organic look, and ensuring razor sharp power transfer.

**Fast**
The Syncros Capital SL Aero is not just aerodynamically optimised – the wheels also look incredibly fast outside the cafe.

As you might expect, Syncros aren’t shy to charge for their flagship wheels. At € 4,198, the Capital SL Aeros cost a significant amount of money – particularly when you consider that Syncros only offer the EU’s legally stipulated two year warranty, plus three years of crash replacement with staggered prices. Here, Syncros still have some catching up to do with the competition.

**Unique**
The Syncros wheels look like an artwork, with the spokes woven together and connected to the hub like a spider’s web.

**Aero to the max?**
The hookless rims are claimed to be more aerodynamic than a traditional hooked design. Is that the Syncros Capital SL Aero wheelset’s secret?

The definition of speed – Syncros Capital SL Aero on test

From the first few metres on board the Syncros Capital SL Aero wheels, you can tell that the Swiss brand have worked some kind of magic! The wheels are incredibly well balanced and efficient, offering a perfect compromise between compliance and stiffness. Despite the carbon spokes, Syncros have managed to create wheels that aren’t rock hard. However, that’s certainly not to say the wheels are too flexy under any circumstances. When it comes down to it, the Capital SL Aeros are stiff and direct, converting every watt into propulsion when you sprint, and blasting down every descent with clinical precision. Due to their low weight, Syncros’ superb wheels also make effortless work of the climbs. Overall, they’re an incredibly efficient and fun combination that never fails to impress. We can’t fault them, which isn’t something we could say about any other wheels on test.

Faster than the wind – The Syncros Capital SL Aero in the wind tunnel

The Syncros Capital SL Aero deliver across the board, on the road and in the test lab. They felt like the fastest and most aerodynamic wheels on test, which the wind tunnel only serves to confirm. Here, the Syncros are the undisputed aero winners. Accordingly, the Capital SL Aero takes the lead in terms of the average power, by a margin of one watt. Syncros’ wheels set the bar across virtually all yaw angles. It’s only at extremely steep angles, which you’ll rarely encounter in reality, that some of the other wheels perform marginally better. Overall, this makes the Syncros the clear aero favourite – we wouldn’t have thought that any wheelset could dominate the competition to such an extent.

Our conclusion on the Syncros Capital SL Aero

The Syncros Capital SL Aero is the ultimate high-performance wheelset currently on the market. Thanks to perfectly tuned handling, class-leading aerodynamics, and a unique construction, the wheels are the highlight of the test. Unfortunately, the price puts them out of reach for some. But compared to the other equally expensive (or even moreso) models on test, Syncros deliver the maximum of what’s currently possible. It’s an unmatched combination, making the Syncros Capital SL Aero the clear test winner.

Tops

perfectly balanced wheels for all racing scenarios
class-leading aero performance
incredibly lightweight considering the level of aero performance
classy, understated look

Flops

somewhat stingy guarantee and crash replacement scheme

For more information, visit syncros.com

The test field