Light Bicycle has announced a Falcon Pro C25 disc wheel weighing 779 grams that would be the lightest solid disc wheel yet designed for triathlon racing, but the claim of "breaking weight records" is technically premature—the wheel remains unreleased, and no official UCI or industry weight record formally exists for triathlon disc wheels. Light Bicycle has teased the C25 with engineering details but has not announced a release date or final pricing as of mid-2026. The C25 represents a significant step forward if it reaches market, offering roughly 100 grams less weight than most comparable triathlon disc wheels available today. The design targets serious time trial and triathlon racers where every gram counts, though buyers should understand the wheel is still in announcement phase and may face supply, pricing, or final specification changes before launch.
Table of Contents
- How the C25 Achieves Sub-800g Weight
- How It Compares to Current Triathlon Wheels
- Real Limitations and What You Should Know
- What If the C25 Stays Unavailable?
- When to Revisit the C25 Announcement
- Frequently Asked Questions
How the C25 Achieves Sub-800g Weight
The wheel's lightweight design relies on hollow carbon construction with six internal stiffening ribs that allow removal of air bladders after molding while maintaining structural stiffness. This approach eliminates material that other manufacturers use to brace the rim's internal structure, reducing mass without sacrificing durability under the forces a time trial or triathlon imposes.
The C25 pairs this carbon frame with a 25mm internal hooked, tubeless-ready bead and approximately 32mm external width for smooth aero transition with 25–30mm tires. Tubeless compatibility matters for many racers because it allows lower pressures and lower unsprung weight (no inner tube), though the wheel's true aerodynamic benefit depends on final testing that has not been publicly shared.
How It Compares to Current Triathlon Wheels
To understand what 779 grams means, context matters. The Lightweight AUTOBAHN, a previous benchmark lightweight disc wheel for triathlon, weighs 800 grams with carbon spoke construction, making it only 21 grams heavier than the C25.
Comparable current triathlon disc wheels range from 890g (Scope Artech) to 1,010g (Caden Disc), placing the C25 over 100 grams lighter than most options available today. In practical terms, 100 grams on a wheel is noticeable—equivalent to half a water bottle—but the performance gain depends on course profile and aerodynamic trade-offs. A wheel optimized purely for weight may not deliver the same aerodynamic advantage as heavier alternatives designed for low drag, so racers should wait for independent testing before assuming the C25 is superior to every existing option.
Real Limitations and What You Should Know
The C25's claimed weight improvement comes with several important caveats. First, the wheel is not yet available for purchase, and Light bicycle has not disclosed an official release date or final confirmed pricing. Second, no independent testing of the wheel's aerodynamic profile, stiffness, or real-world durability has been published, so early claims remain unverified by outside sources.
Third, light disc wheels are inherently a niche product. A lighter wheel helps most on flat or rolling terrain in time trials and triathlons where aerodynamics dominate; on steep climbs, the weight difference becomes marginal compared to rider power. Triathletes and time trialists should also consider whether a lighter wheel fits their bike's load limits—some frames and forks are engineered for lighter wheels and perform worse with heavier alternatives, but ultralightweight wheels present the opposite concern.
What If the C25 Stays Unavailable?
Light Bicycle's history with product announcements suggests patience may be necessary. The company frequently teases new wheels months or years before they reach customers, so the C25 may not be purchasable in 2026 or early 2027.
Racers who need a lightweight disc wheel now should not hold out for the C25; existing options like the Lightweight AUTOBAHN and others in the 800–900g range are proven and available. If weight is your primary concern, Light Bicycle also offers an alternative approach: the 180mm deep AER180 rim for windy conditions, which they market as "near-equal aerodynamic performance to a full disc while offering greater stability in crosswinds". This rim is lighter than a full disc and is available now, making it a practical option for racers who want Light Bicycle's engineering without waiting for the C25.
When to Revisit the C25 Announcement
Monitor cycling media and Light Bicycle's official channels for a concrete release date, final weight confirmation, and pricing. Once the wheel ships, independent testing—particularly aerodynamic analysis and durability feedback from early users—will clarify whether the weight savings come with real-world trade-offs. Until then, the C25 remains an interesting but unproven promise in a category where promise and performance do not always align.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 779 grams confirmed as an official weight record?
No. Light Bicycle teased the weight figure, but no formal UCI or industry record exists for triathlon disc wheels, and the wheel is unreleased. The claim is a marketing position, not a verified standard.
Can I buy the C25 now?
No. As of mid-2026, Light Bicycle has not released an official launch date or pricing. You should not expect availability without further company announcements.
What weight difference would I feel on the bike?
In time trials and triathlons, 100 grams on a wheel is perceptible but small—equivalent to half a water bottle. The real benefit depends on the course (flat terrain favors lighter wheels) and aerodynamic testing, which has not been published for the C25.
Are there lighter triathlon discs available now?
The Lightweight AUTOBAHN at 800 grams is only 21 grams heavier and is available today. Comparable wheels range from 890 to 1,010 grams.
