Strade GT: A new take on performance
Today we are indroducing the Strade GT, the first wheelset in Parcours’ new GT Series. At the centre of the Strade GT is VibraCORETM, developed in collaboration with Lineat and Nottingham Trent University. VibraCORE integrates Lineat's AFFTTM reclaimed aligned carbon fibre material directly into the spoke bed of the rim, reducing vibration at a structural level.
The idea is simple and well-recognised: if vibration transmitted through the wheel system can be reduced, riders can stay fresher for longer, and ultimately ride faster and further.
What is VibraCORETM?
VibraCORE is the defining element of Strade GT.
VibraCORE alters how that vibration travels through the rim structure, reducing the energy transmitted through the system. Certain frequency ranges have been identified as the most important, either because the body amplifies them or because they drive muscular fatigue. VibraCORE is designed to address this at source. By incorporating Lineat’s AFFT recycled carbon material into the rim structure, the system is able to absorb and dissipate vibrational energy before it reaches the rider.
The technology specifically targets the frequency ranges most strongly associated with rider‑perceived “road buzz”, the high‑frequency vibrations that make rough roads feel harsh and fatiguing.
At typical road pressures, testing shows that VibraCORE provides a reduction in RMS vibrational energy equivalent to lowering tyre pressure by around 10–15psi, without the associated trade-offs in rolling efficiency or handling precision. This allows Strade GT to deliver a calmer, more controlled ride over long distances, while maintaining the stiffness, responsiveness and aerodynamic performance expected of a high-performance wheelset. All this without compromising on weight, stiffness or durability.
Testing the concept
To validate the performance of VibraCORE, Parcours conducted controlled testing, in partnership with Nottingham Trent University, across multiple riders and surfaces in a real-world environment. Vibration sensors were used to capture ride data and results were then analysed in the frequency domain using power spectral density (PSD), with integrated energy and RMS values used to quantify differences in performance..
Aggregated across all testing, the data showed that rims using VibraCORE reduced vibration energy by between 19-23% compared to an equivalent rim without the technology. In practical terms, the effect is comparable to lowering tyre pressure by around 10–15 psi without the associated loss in rolling efficiency or speed.
The outcome is a noticeably calmer ride on rough surfaces, with reduced high-frequency “road buzz” and lower cumulative fatigue over longer durations.
Strade GT in more detail
Strade GT is the first wheelset in Parcours’ new premium ‘GT’ range.
The Strade GT continues Parcours focus on aero performance through research and development. The rim profile is an evolution of the existing Strade platform, with aerodynamics and handling stability optimised around a 30mm tyre. Strade GT outperforms the current model Strade aerodynamically by 3.2W (at 48kph), improving handling stability by 15%, and a weight of 1,130g.
VibraCORE technology has also enabled the use of carbon spokes which play a key role in the overall wheelset make up and weight. Alpina Carbolite spokes are used (21F/24R), chosen due to their narrow bladed cross-section, giving compliance close to a steel spoke whilst also being extremely lightweight.
Sustainability as a secondary benefit
VibraCORE technology uses recycled carbon fibre supplied by Lineat via its Aligned Formable Fibre Technology (AFFT).
While sustainability is not the primary driver of this project, the use of VibraCORE allows recovered carbon to be used in a structurally meaningful, performance‑critical application.
Parcours is developing a full cyclical pathway for its rims, allowing carbon recovered from legacy Parcours wheels (including those returned through the brand’s Crash Replacement Programme) to be reprocessed and reused within the VibraCORE component of new Parcours wheels.
A different approach to wheel performance
Strade GT represents a shift in how wheel performance is considered.
Rather than treating speed and comfort as opposing factors, VibraCORE allows both to be addressed within the same system. The result is a wheelset that maintains aerodynamic efficiency while reducing the vibration inputs that contribute to fatigue over long rides.
