Partington R-Series Performance 50/65 Wheelset

The Partington R-Series Performance 50/65 Wheelset is a carbon disc brake road wheelset from Australian wheel builder Partington, with a 50mm-deep front rim and a 65mm-deep rear. Both rims share a wide 34mm outer profile. Partington says the R-Series was designed, developed, tested and manufactured in Australia, with wind tunnel testing at SASI in Adelaide.

Mixed-Depth Rims

Pairing a shallower front wheel with a deeper rear is a common way to balance aerodynamics and handling. The front wheel is the one the crosswind pushes on, so a lower profile there usually helps the bike feel steadier. The deeper rear rim carries the aero benefit with less effect on steering. For a rider who likes the look and speed of deep carbon but wants calmer handling on exposed roads, this is the idea behind the 50/65 setup.

AERON Carbon Rim Construction

The rims are Partington's AERON carbon, a multi-material composite made with Toray fibers around a PMI foam core. Foam-core construction is used to shape a deep rim while managing weight and impact resistance. The rim has a 23mm inner width and a 34mm outer width. A wide inner width supports larger tires at lower pressure, and a wide outer profile shapes how air moves from the tire onto the rim. Partington lists 28mm as the minimum tire size and 32mm as the maximum. The rims run as a clincher or tubeless setup, with a maximum tire pressure of 87 psi, so check your tire manufacturer's guidance alongside that number.

PERFORM Hub and Build

The wheelset uses Partington's PERFORM hub, machined from aluminum with an anodized silver finish. Spoke count is 18 in the front wheel and 21 in the rear. A lighter spoke count up front and more spokes at the rear is a typical choice, since the rear wheel takes drive torque and more of the rider's weight. Braking is Centerlock disc only, so make sure your rotors and frame suit it. The wheelset is rated for riders up to 242 pounds.

Freehub Options and Finishes

Three freehub options are available: Campagnolo N3W, HG11 for Shimano and SRAM 11-speed, and XDR for SRAM's XD-R driver. Choose the one that matches your cassette before ordering, since it determines which drivetrain the wheels support. Two finishes are offered, Strong White and Subtle White.

What Comes in the Box

Each wheel ships with a lockring, a valve, a bidon, a wheel bag and an exercise towel.

Where It Fits

The 50/65 pairing makes sense for riders who want deep-section speed for road races, fast group rides and rolling terrain, with a front wheel that handles gusts more predictably. Partington also sells the R-Series in a 65/65 depth and a 50mm option. This 50/65 sits between them, and it is the sensible pick if you ride in a mix of conditions and do not want to commit to the deepest profile front and rear.