We tested some of the world's most expensive wheels: Partington R-Series MKII R39/44 review

We test one of the world's lightest and most expensive disc clincher wheelsets

Partintgon R Series
(Image: © Future / Tom Wieckowski)

Cyclingnews Verdict

I've only been impressed with the Partington R Series MK II wheels. Ride quality is fantastic and it's clear the brand aims for zero compromise in its approach. They are very expensive and beyond the reach of most of us, but I suppose if you can afford them they will represent good value.

Pros

  • +

    Incredibly stiff, fast wheels

  • +

    Trouble-free tubeless setup with no tubeless tape needed

  • +

    Stylish, understated aesthetics

Cons

  • -

    A very expensive wheelset

You can trust Cyclingnews Our experts spend countless hours testing cycling tech and will always share honest, unbiased advice to help you choose. Find out more about how we test.

TECH SPECS: Partington R-Series MKII R39/44

Partintgon R Series

(Image credit: Future / Tom Wieckowski )

Price: £5,499.00
Weight: F: 538g / R: 635g Pair: 1173g as tested.
Rim Dimensions: F:39mm R:44mm
Rim Widths: Int. 21mm Ext: 26.5mm
Spoke Count: F: 20 / R: 20
Rim Type: Hooked
Tubeless / Tubes: Both
More Information: partington.cc

The Partington R-Series MKII R39/44 wheelset is one of the lightest and most expensive disc clincher wheelsets in the world. Manufactured in Victoria, Australia the wheels are the brainchild of company founder and engineer Jon Partington, who moved to Oz around 13 years ago but hails from the UK and has a background in the motorsport and automotive industries.

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Testing Scorecards and notes
Design and aestheticsA great looking, understated wheelset. Completely custom design that delivers in use 9/10
Ride qualityI found the ride quality to be fantastic across the board and was impressed9/10
Tubeless CompatibilityOne of the best tubeless setup experiences i've had, very easy to do10/10
HubsBeautiful aesthetically, with top end bearings. Bearings will require routine maintenance to protect your investment and a tool is needed in the event of drive side bearing work9/10
Value This is a tricky one, These are hyper expensive wheels beyond the reach reach of most. You are getting a custom made product that doesn't cut corrners. I guess if you can afford them they are good value. 8/10
OverallRow 5 - Cell 1 90%

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Tom Wieckowski
Tech writer

Tom joined the Cyclingnews team in late 2022 as a tech writer. Despite having a degree in English Literature he has spent his entire working life in the cycling industry in one form or another. He has over 10 years of experience as a qualified mechanic, with the last five years before joining Cyclingnews being spent running an independent workshop. This means he is just as happy tinkering away in the garage as he is out on the road bike, and he isn’t afraid to pull a bike apart or get hands-on with it when testing to really see what it’s made of. 

He has ridden and raced bikes from an early age up to a national level on the road and track, and has ridden and competed in most disciplines. He has a keen eye for pro-team tech and enjoys spotting new or interesting components in the wild. During his time at Cyclingnews, Tom has already interviewed some of the sport's biggest names including Mathieu van der Poel, Tadej Pogačar and Alberto Contador. He's also covered various launches from brands such as Pinarello, Ridley, Specialized and more, tackled the Roubaix Challenge sportive aboard his own rim-brake Cannondale SuperSix Evo, tested over 20 aero helmets in the wind tunnel, and has created helpful in-depth buying advice relating to countless categories from torque wrenches to winter clothing.