The well-known Italian brand, Gipiemme wheels, now available in South Africa, is making a big impact on the cycling industry in the country.
With a range of stock having arrived, local cyclists are beginning to benefit from the advantages of the Italian make, and none more so than the Demacon Ladies Team.
The outfit comprising Lynette Burger, Carla Oberholzer, Kim le Court and Heidi Dalton have been the dominant team in South African road-racing this season.
The numerous events they have won include the national road championship title (Oberholzer) and the Cape Town Cycle Tour (Le Court).
Team captain Burger, who won the Fast One early this year, said the wheels had made a big difference to their riding.
“We are very happy with the wheels,” she said. “Gipiemme is a really high quality brand and we are delighted at being given the opportunity through Positive Sports Solutions to ride these wheels.
“It’s a very strong, light, rigid and responsive wheel. We ride with the GPM C32 carbon wheels, which do not have a very deep dish. This helps us, especially in very windy and hilly conditions.”
The Italian wheels became available to South African cyclists when stock arrived in South Africa in mid-year following an agreement between the European producers and Positive Sports Solutions.
The South African company is the sole distributor of Gipiemme wheels in the country, continuing its drive to create opportunities which are beneficial for local consumers.
“Positive Sports Solutions is trying to make cycling affordable to the public again,” said a company spokesman.
“In terms of the Gipiemme wheels, you are getting one of the highest quality carbon wheels at an affordable price.”
Besides the Gipiemme wheels, Positive Sports Solutions also distributes HEAD bikes, Westfalia bike carriers and Controltech components in South Africa.
The spokesman added that there had been a strong response from the public to the product.
“With Gipiemme’s wide range of road, mountain-bike, track and time-trial disc wheels, it makes it easy to cater for everybody’s needs,” he said.
“Our stock has arrived and anything not in our range at the moment can be ordered separately and delivered within seven to 14 days, depending on the availability at Gipiemme in Italy.”
He said that among the most popular models in the Gipiemme road range were the C32, C47 and the Manta Disc wheel. The disc wheel can be used by triathletes, time-trialers and track riders.
The most popular mountain bike wheel was the T289ER carbon, he said.
As the sole distributer of the products in the Southern African Development Community, all sales are done through Positive Sports Solutions.
Cyclists who would like to inquire about the options available can send an email to [email protected].