The Ursus Proxima 40 Team Edition is the kind of wheelset that makes you rethink what an under-the-radar brand can deliver. While Ursus may not be the first name riders in the U.S. mention when talking about high-end performance wheels, the Italian company has been perfecting its craft for decades. This was my first chance to properly review their wheels, and the Proxima 40 TE quickly proved that Ursus deserves a spot in the same conversation as the big players.

All Photos: Jordan Villella/Bikerumor.com unless otherwise noted

Cyclocross racers will recognize Ursus for its support of the Italian Guerciotti Elite Team, and that’s where I first heard of them. Ursus has a rich history in cyclocross and still offers high-end cyclocross-specific tubular wheels. Road racers may know Ursus from their entry into the World Tour in 2024 with Team Picnic PostNL.

Team Picnic PostNL with their new sprinter Fabio Jakobsen. Photo: Ursus

Who is Ursus?

Ursus has been grinding away since 1966, when Sergio Ferronato patented a quick-release clamp for steel saddles. A year later, inspired by the bull from Quo Vadis, he named the company Ursus — a nod to stubborn strength and grit. From there, the brand hustled through Italy’s golden age of cycling, building hubs, clamps, and brakes. By the ’80s, Ursus was diving into mountain bike parts, and by the mid-’90s, carbon and alloy wheels rolled into the catalog when Mirko Ferronato joined the family business. Fast-forward, and that bull logo is stamped on the same wheels you’ll see under WorldTour pros and junior development squads alike. A reminder that Ursus still blends old-school Italian craft with speed and precision. They still offer a variety of other gear like handlebars, hubs, and stems, but today we’re here to talk wheels.

Racing Pedigree

The Proxima 40 TE is the mid-depth wheel in the Ursus Proxima TE line. The line offers a wheel for nearly all stage racing scenarios, and as well they should, now fully supporting Team Picnic PostNL for all their wheel needs. The Ursus Proxima TE line comes in 35, 40, 50, and 60 mm depths, all featuring an external width of 30 mm (29 mm in the 35 mm profile). Riders like Romain Bardet, newly signed sprint master Fabio Jakobsen, and John Degenkolb are putting them through the wringer at the highest level.

That pedigree shows up in every detail. The Proxima wheels hit the sweet spot between aerodynamics, comfort, and handling stability. Plus, they are strong enough for gravel, though not the widest when compared to mega-wide wheels like the Zipp 303 XPLR. The Proxima 40 TE fits a 40-45mm tire perfectly, and that’s the sweet spot for fast euro-gravel, which is the kind I like to ride the most.

U-RS Xeramik Hubset

The heart of the Ursus Proxima 40 Team Edition is its U-RS Xeramik hubset, and it feels every bit like a pro-level centerpiece. It’s a bit bulkier than most road hubs we see these days, but it’s built to last and be serviceable. Machined from 7075 aluminum, the hubs are packed with ceramic bearings that spin effortlessly. What makes these hubs stand out is Ursus’ U-Press system, a tool-free service feature that allows you to open them for maintenance in minutes, without needing to access any tools. I love a hub that’s easy to service, and these are very simple to figure out.

The driver is a super simple three-pawl system that’s easy to maintain and clean. The bearings are stout 6902 ceramic all around with a press fit that makes them easy to access after a muddy race or training ride.

Proxima 40 Team Edition Rims

The Proxima 40 Team Edition rims strike a sweet spot for modern road and gravel racing — a 40mm depth that strikes a balance between aero speed and everyday stability. Built from UD carbon and laid up for stiffness without excess weight, the rims measure 30 mm externally and 22.43 mm internally, providing today’s 28–32 mm tires with a wide, planted profile that feels fast. Yet, they aren’t stifled at 32mm, and fit up to a 45mm tire without distorting the shape into lightbulb territory.

Ursus utilizes its MiniHook bead design, which securely locks tubeless tires without the mounting headaches. These wheels set up effortlessly with a floor pump and no special treatment. On the road, the crisp rim translates into sharp cornering confidence and a touch more compliance than you’d expect from a race rim. It’s the kind of shaping and width that feels like a true all-rounder; at home in a sprint as it does grinding over chipseal on a big training ride.

Build Quality

The build of the Proxima 40 Team Edition showcases Ursus’s race-first attention to detail. The Ursus Proxima 40 Team Edition features 24 Sapim CX-Ray Secure Lock spokes, both front and rear, using a 2-cross pattern that strikes a balance between lateral stiffness and solid vertical compliance.

These bladed spokes are not only aerodynamic but also incredibly durable, and the Secure Lock nipples maintain consistent tension over time. Nothing super secret sauce, just a very good quality build that you can service when needed.

Ursus Proxima 40 Team Edition Specs

• Rims: Full UD carbon, tubeless-ready, 40 mm depth, 30 mm external, 23 mm internal
• Hubs: U-RS Xeramik™, AI 7075 aluminum, ceramic bearings
• Spokes: 24 Sapim CX-Ray Secure Lock® (front & rear), straight-pull, 2-cross
• Weights: 665 g front / 764 g rear – actual*
• Driver Options: Shimano, SRAM XDR, Campagnolo, Ekar
• Includes: Tubeless tape, valves, and a nice wheel bag you’ll actually use.
• Warranty: 2 years
• Price: €1,750
• Other Depths: Also available in 35 mm, 50 mm, and 60 mm depths

Ride Impressions – Ursus Proxima 40 Team Edition

On the road, the Proxima 40 TE rides like a finely tuned race wheel. It’s stiff and precise when sprinting, responsive on climbs, and gives a tangible kick on the flats. At 40 mm deep, they manage crosswinds better than taller race wheels while still delivering speed. On a long climb, the low rotating mass makes the wheels feel snappy and willing; on the way back down, they track confidently, with that predictable point-and-shoot feel.

What stood out most was the balance between stiffness and comfort. So many race wheels feel punishing on rougher roads, but the Proxima 40 Team Edition has a nice feel. The wheels seem to dull vibrations without dulling performance. That balance makes those wheels an asset. I found myself looking to ride the Proxima 40 Team Edition over “faster/deeper” wheels in the queue because of their versatility. Plus, the minimal branding means they match well with any bike, especially my Standert Kreissage.

Another highlight was the responsiveness of the wheels under load. Stand up to sprint or punch up a roller, and the Proxima 40 TE responded instantly. I especially like that sensation while riding hard up hill. I usually ride slightly deeper 50 mm wheels, and these undoubtedly spin up faster, yet hold speed. That same responsiveness translated into lively handling on technical descents, where the wheels responded precisely to every steering input. They don’t just hold speed; they feel like they want to accelerate through every turn.

Final Thoughts

The Ursus Proxima 40 Team Edition is a showcase of innovative engineering and WorldTour validation. Lightweight, aero, stiff, and reliable, they deliver pro-level performance without feeling out of reach.

At €1,750, they’re not “I can’t believe these are so cheap” pricing, but they are a solid price for a solid product. I’m very excited to see their trajectory now that they are on the World Tour with the most demanding riders in the world – expect big things.

Ursus.it

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