Princeton Wake 6560 Evolution II: a new version that wants to take over everything in 2026

Princeton CarbonWorks announced in February 2026 the Princeton Wake 6560 Evolution II, sixth generation of its flagship wheel, and the brand comes out heavy artillery: it is according to it the fastest approved UCI wheel ever tested in their windmill. New lighter rim (420g vs. 470g on Evolution I), development process redesigned from tire, reinforced hook when everyone goes to hookless. Princeton once again did the opposite of the crowd, and not without arguments.

A development that leaves the tire to rebuild everything

The real rupture in this Evolution II is not seen at first glance: it is the method. Princeton mounted tires from 23 to 32mm on four rim widths (21, 22, 23 and 24mm internal), scanned them in 3D and created a complete matrix of cross-sections. These data then fed an analysis CFD with NablaFlow via the AeroCloud software, before validation in the wind tunnel at the Politecnico di Milano and the A2 tunnel in North Carolina.

This is called a system approach. Where most brands first optimize the rim and then add a tire, Princeton leaves the tire as the real front surface, the one facing the air. Result: a 22mm internal width hook rim and 33mm maximum external width, built specifically for the 28mm. The rim weight drops from 470g to 420g, 50g of wins per rim, and the impact resistance rises to 120 joules, against the 40 joules required by UCI approval. In terms of structural margin, it is colossal for a 420g rim.

The crochet bet against hookless trend

While the entire high-end segment converges towards hookless (ENVE SES 5.6, Cadex Max 50) Princeton does the opposite and strengthens its hooks. Harrison Macris, CEO and Senior Engineer, the policy is to proactively control tyre width to eliminate any deformation that would alter aerodynamics and behaviour.

The argument is not cosmetic. The whole logic of Evolution II is based on a tire section controlled at the exact millimetre because it is this section that has been scanned, modelled and optimized in CFD. If the hook keeps this geometry more reliable than a hookless rim, the choice makes sense. He may be accused of limiting the compatibility with some high profile tires, but Princeton does not make wheels for everyone and it is a branded bias assumed since the first day.

The yaw performance range is announced at ±12.5°, with particularly pronounced gains at large angles, exactly where the deep wheels and classic profiles usually struggle. The same logic had already distinguished previous generations in tunnel tests. Evolution II pushes even further on this point. The rim bottom remains without drilling for the spokes, which removes the need for a tubeless rim bottom and simplifies the mounting.

Ultra-premium positioning: everything, or almost anything, has a price

Princeton does not make entry-level wheels. She doesn't make mid-range wheels. It's just the top. This can be seen in each development decision of Evolution II: collaboration with NablaFlow and Luca Oggiano for the CFD, two validation tunnels (Politecnico di Milano + A2), patented RSL lacing, 10 colours immediately available, four of which are unreleased (Gloss Sand, Gloss Cobalt, Gloss Red, Gloss Chameleon). It's the kind of brand thatINEOS Grenadiers chooses for Filippo Ganna when they want to win the world time trial championship — Not for budget reasons.

The price follows this logic: from 3750€ (White Industries CLD, 1455g) to 4890€ (Tactic TR01 V2, 1250g) and up to 5300€ depending on the configuration. This is the price of access to the summit.

My opinion

The qualitative leap in the development method is real and documented. Scanning hundreds of front CFD tire/gear combinations in 3D before double validation, this is a level of rigour that exceeds the majority of competitors. The 50gs won per rim (470g → 420g) on a product already very light and are a concrete result. 1250g without spent carbon ray tip, it is truly impressive.

What stings is the entry price (3750)€) for the heaviest configuration (1455g in White Industries). To reach the 1250g put forward in all communications, you must climb to 4890€. To take full advantage of the promise, it will be necessary to go through this ultra premium version and abandon other less attractive configurations.

Technical specifications

• Profile: 60-65mm (sinusoidal oscillating)
• Weight: 1250g (Tactic TR01 V2, steel beams) / 1455g (White Industries CLD)
• Internal width: 22mm
• External width: Maximum 33mm
• Rays: Sapim CX-Ray (steel)
• Tire compatibility: Tubeless and rim bottom without drilling
• Available hub configurations: 6 options (including Tactic TR01 V2, White Industries CLD)
• Colour: 10 options (Matte Black, Gloss Black, Matte White, Gloss White, Gloss Gold, Gloss Chrome, Gloss Sand, Gloss Cobalt, Gloss Red, Gloss Chameleon)
• Price: 3750€$ (White Industries CLD, 1455g) or 4890€$ (Tactic TR01 V2, 1250g)
• Accessories provided: Tubeless valves + padded transport bag