When Jeff from NorCal Cycling set out to capture one of Northern California's most coveted Strava KOMs on Shannon Road - a segment attempted over 48,000 times - he knew that equipment choice would be crucial. At the heart of his build was a carefully selected pair of FARSPORTS S3 wheels (2024 version), proving that sometimes the less-known brands can outperform the industry giants.
The Perfect Wheel Selection
In the quest for the perfect climbing setup, Jeff's wheel choice came down to a critical balance between aerodynamics and weight. The selected FARSPORTS S3 wheels offered an optimal combination:
- 35mm depth carbon rims
- Full carbon spoke construction
- Optional Ceramic Speed bearing upgrade
- Total wheelset weight: just 1,290 grams
- Aerodynamic profile despite shallow depth
- Available with premium ceramic bearings
The Complete Super Bike Build
Frame Selection
- Specialized S-Works SL7
- Chosen for its balance of aerodynamics and stiffness
- Perfect power transfer characteristics
- Aerodynamic tube shapes for the flatter sections
Tire Setup
- Specialized S-Works Turbo Cotton tires in 23mm
- Latex tubes for reduced rolling resistance
- Narrow profile optimized for climbing
- Tan wall aesthetics matching the premium build
Strategic Equipment Choices
The wheel selection was particularly crucial because the segment demanded different characteristics:
1. Fast rolling at high speeds (25-28 mph) in the initial flat section
2. Light enough for efficient climbing
3. Stiff enough for maximum power transfer
4. Aerodynamic enough to maintain speed
The FARSPORTS S3 wheels proved to be the perfect choice, offering:
- Shallow enough profile to minimize crosswind effects
- Light enough for climbing efficiency
- Carbon spokes for optimal stiffness
- High-end hub engagement for immediate power transfer
The KOM Attempt
Preparation Strategy
- Timing: End of season with high fitness but low fatigue
- Equipment optimization without going to extremes
- Maintained practicality (kept bottle cages, computer mount)
- Perfect tire pressure for the conditions
Execution
- Strategic pacing dividing the segment into thirds
- Aerodynamic positioning in the faster sections
- Final two minutes at 555 watts
- Secured the KOM by 5 seconds
Power Analysis
- Conservative start in an aero position
- Strategic power distribution
- Maximum effort in final two minutes
- Overall power slightly below maximum capability (~20 watts)
The Build Philosophy
What makes this build particularly interesting is its practical approach to performance. While the bike could have been made lighter by:
- Removing the front derailleur
- Eliminating bottle cages
- Cutting down handlebars
- Removing computer mount
Instead, the build maintained full functionality while achieving remarkable performance, with the Farsports wheels playing a crucial role in balancing weight, aerodynamics, and stiffness.
Results and Performance
The combination of strategic equipment choices, particularly the FARSPORTS S3 wheels, along with careful pacing, resulted in a successful KOM capture on a highly competitive segment. The wheels proved their worth in both the high-speed approach and the climbing portions of the segment.
Conclusion
This build demonstrates that with careful component selection, focusing on versatile performers like the FARSPORTS S3 wheels, it's possible to create a bike that's both incredibly fast and practically usable. The success in capturing a highly contested KOM proves that sometimes the best equipment choices aren't always the most obvious ones, and brands like Farsports can compete with - and sometimes outperform - more established names in the industry.