Magene EXAR DB508 Review Carbon Fiber Wheelset Ultra Series (2025 model)

Magene’s 2025 range of EXAR carbon ULTRA wheels are reasonably priced for a performance-grade wheelset, but are they up to the job?

Quick Facts

This wheelset comes in 3 sizes. DB607 (60mm front rim depth), DB508 (50mm) and DB405 (40mm). The matching rear wheel sensibly comes a few mm deeper for each pair. These are only compatible with disk brakes but can be used with tubeless tyres or regular clinchers.

Check that you already have a 100/142mm thru-axle, and if you buy it, you can specify a Campag N3W, Shimano 11/12speed or SRAM XDR rear hub. You’ll need to purchase the disk rotor, cassette, tyre and any tube or sealant, but tubeless compatible rim tape and valve are included. Get the lightest TPU inners (I use Aerothan ATM) with your Conti 28mm clincher of choice – the fastest is AERO 111.

Magene EXAR DB508 Ultra – Detailed review

OK, let’s get into the nitty-gritty.

Key Decision-Making Factors for the Wheelset Category

When buying and evaluating any wheelset, consider six factors:

• Weight: At 1375g, this is a light 50mm wheelset. Lighter wheels improve climbing performance, reduce fatigue, and enhance acceleration.
• Aerodynamics: These 50mm rims compromise aero benefits and stability in high winds. Do not buy unstable but fast 80mm wheels for your only wheelset; get the 50mm. The 50mm front is paired with a 58mm rear, perfect! The negative wind effect on stability works mainly on the steering wheel.

• Build Quality & Design: GPLAMA  reviewed similar Magene wheels, and his wheel builder (NING) considered them well-made compared to tolerances. The spoke attachment to the rim requires maintenance with a specialist tool. Furthermore, I found the DT-SWISS-like hub at the edge of tolerance and had to tap the cassette on. I like the smoothness of the ceramic bearings but doubt they will add to durability – typically, the ceramic bearings do not wear, but they are harder than the metal they roll on – so that wears instead! I can’t yet say how these will hold up over time.
• Braking Performance: Excellent with Ultegra-grade rotors and Conti GP5000 ar around 80psi.
• Stiffness and Responsiveness: These are stiff and comfortable in a straight line on most sensible surfaces. Moderate power goes down with no issue. Neither you nor I are expert riders (expert riders are given wheels; they don’t buy them); thus, the power I can put down in a sprint and the limits I can take them to in technical manoeuvres are easily within the abilities of the wheel. It’s probably the same for you.
• Subjective factors: I wouldn’t say I like the gold detailing on the rim, but I do like the quiet DT-SWISS-like ratchet design in the rear hub.

What Sets the Magene EXAR Ultra Series Apart

What makes the Magene EXAR Ultra Series stand out in a crowded market is this:

• Carbon Fiber Spokes: Unlike many competitors, these wheels utilize carbon fibre aero spokes, which offer improved stiffness and weight reduction.
• Ceramic Bearings: Ceramic bearings enhance smoothness and reduce friction. They are expensive in the aftermarket.
• Flat Engagement Ratchet Design: This engagement system is noted for its rapid and precise power transfer, offering more efficient energy use during sprints and climbs. The ratchet can be easily swapped for ones with different engagement points to make your wheel sound cooler or engage quicker – whichever strikes your fancy.
• UCI Approval: These wheels are UCI-approved, making them suitable for racing.

Coupled with a list price of $1,200 to $1,300 and already on sale at various outlets, these are a contender in the performance wheelset market.

Comparable Products to Consider

When comparing the Magene EXAR Ultra Series to other upper/mid-tier options, consider the following:

• Zipp 454 NSW: Known for its aerodynamic profile and carbon fibre construction, the Zipp 454 is a competitor at a slightly higher price point. However, it lacks the flat engagement ratchet design found in the Magene. The Zipps are marginally heavier, but their novel aerodynamic profile and brand reputation might sway some of you.
• Mavic Cosmic SL 45 Disc: Another solid competitor, particularly for riders looking for lightweight and aerodynamic performance, though it doesn’t feature the carbon fibre spokes and ceramic bearings of the EXAR Ultra. The SLs are also heavier and listed at higher prices.

Each of these products provides strong performance in key areas. Still, the Magene EXAR Ultra Series stands out due to its blend of design features (like the flat ratchet engagement system) and competitive pricing, making it a good choice for riders seeking an all-rounder wheelset for fast group rides, racing and everyday performance.

Evolution from Previous Models

The Magene EXAR Ultra Series (2025 model) represents a modest improvement over earlier models.

• Improved Engagement System: The flat engagement ratchet design is a notable upgrade from previous models, providing faster power transfer during sprints and climbs.
• Carbon Spokes: Previous models utilized traditional alloy spokes, but switching to carbon fibre spokes offers better stiffness and a modest weight saving.
• Enhanced Aerodynamics: The deeper rim profile provides better theoretical aerodynamic performance, but the brand did not have wind tunnel test results.

These updates help to address some of the criticisms of earlier models and ensure that the 2025 version is more competitive at its price point.

Magene EXAR Ultra Series Specification and Quantitative Measurements

• Weight: The claimed weight for the Magene EXAR Ultra Series Wheelset is 1,375g for the pair, which is competitive, making it a solid choice for weight-conscious cyclists.
• Rim Depth: The front rim depth is 50mm, and the rear rim depth is 58mm, erring more towards aerodynamics than climbing efficiency.
• Internal Rim Width: The 23mm internal width ensures compatibility with a wide range of tyres, improving comfort and performance.
• Tyres – I used 23mm, 25mm and 28mm and would recommend the latter. 23 mm sits way too narrowly; don’t use 23mm. I’ll caveat that by saying that all tyres sit differently.

DB508, DB405, DB607 Specification Table

Physical Characteristics and Usage

• I’ve put in about 500km; the longest ride was 100km. Most rides were not hanging about, but there were no PB attempts or anything crazy.
• Road surface test conditions were average for the UK.
• Routes were flat and lumpy with the odd hill or two.
• You get a nice smooth ride on 28mm tyres. Even with the AERO 111 Conti’s, I only put in  ‘normal’/expected times on my local laps and favourite Strava segments. Then again, I usually use performance wheelsets, so that is what I would expect.
• Handling was solid and standard for the kind of riding I do.
• The braking was good, but that’s mostly the result of the rotors and tyres. I had performance standard versions of each.
• I’m lending these to a mate I regularly ride with who has stock wheels. I’ll feed back and update this review with his experiences, especially if he starts beating me 😉

The Magene EXAR Ultra Series offers an advanced and highly competitive wheelset that provides impressive performance for competitive cyclists, remaining reasonably accessible for high-performance gear. Its lightweight design, aerodynamics, and durability blend make it a strong contender in the disc brake wheelset category.

Take Out

If  $2k (£1500-£2000) is out of your price range and you must have a performance wheelset, these wheels are a good choice at or around the $/£1,000 mark

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