Hunt launches 5AM Limitless wheelsets which it says are the fastest its ever made

Hunt has launched its latest flagship aero wheelset, the 5AM Limitless Ti_UD Carbon Spoke, designed specifically for high-speed road racing on flat and rolling terrain. Weighing in at 1212 grams for the pair, the wheelset features a mixed-depth design with a 58mm deep front rim and a slightly shallower 55mm rear rim. This approach aims to optimise aerodynamic efficiency by tailoring each wheel to its distinct airflow environment, with a wider front rim profile to manage cleaner airflow and a narrower rear rim prioritising weight savings and drive efficiency. A standout feature of the 5AM Limitless is its use of Venoa Ti_UD carbon spokes, which weigh just 1.7 grams each, signalling a shift away from traditional steel spokes in pursuit of weight reduction and lower rotational drag. Hunt has reduced the spoke count to maintain stiffness and durability, while hidden nipples further minimise aerodynamic drag. At the hub, the new Chase SLC system incorporates advanced materials and design, including CNC-machined aluminium and hybrid-ceramic bearings, although detailed specifications remain limited. The wheelset’s rim construction continues Hunt’s “Limitless” technology, employing a low-density polymer to allow a wider external rim profile without adding weight. This design helps maintain airflow attachment at higher yaw angles, improving performance in crosswinds. Hunt emphasises its rigorous development process, which includes computational fluid dynamics (CFD), multiple wind tunnel phases, and real-world sensor-based aero validation, reflecting a comprehensive approach beyond traditional tunnel testing. Hunt claims the 5AM Limitless offers significant aerodynamic gains over competitors, citing wind tunnel tests that show a 4.35-watt advantage over the Enve 4.5 Pro and marginal improvements compared to the Roval Rapide Sprint and Scope Artech 6. Outdoor testing reportedly reveals even larger benefits, with up to 8.5 watts saved against the Zipp 404 Firecrest. While these figures are impressive, Hunt acknowledges that testing variables can influence results and encourages viewing the data as indicative until independent validation is available. Priced from £1,999, the 5AM Limitless positions Hunt firmly in the premium aero wheelset market, marking a confident step beyond its traditional value-focused reputation. The combination of innovative materials, aerodynamic refinement, and detailed development suggests the wheelset could challenge established leaders in the sector. eMotoX Sports will be conducting independent testing to assess performance claims and will report findings in due course.