Campagnolo Bora WTO 45 2WF C23 Disc Wheelset

The Campagnolo Bora WTO 45 2WF C23 Disc Wheelset occupies a precise point on the depth-versus-weight spectrum — one that Campagnolo has refined over decades of racing at the highest level. At 45mm, the Bora WTO sits deep enough to cut meaningfully through air on flat, open roads, yet shallow enough that the weight penalty on prolonged climbs stays manageable. This is the wheelset you reach for when the route mixes everything: a fast rolling start, a few lumpy sectors, and a sprint finish. It does not ask you to specialise.

The foundation of the Bora WTO line is Campagnolo's HULC carbon construction — High Ultimate Layup Construction — a proprietary process that governs how carbon fiber plies are oriented and layered through the rim. The objective is simultaneous gains in stiffness and weight reduction, rather than trading one for the other. The 2WF designation refers to the two-way fit tubeless compatibility: you can run the wheels tubeless for lower rolling resistance and puncture resilience, or use a standard clincher setup with an inner tube. The C23 internal rim width, at 23mm, is designed around modern tire widths of 25mm and above, optimising the tire profile for better aerodynamics, improved grip geometry, and a more compliant ride over rough pavement.

The WTO designation — Wind Tunnel Optimized — reflects a development process built around real-world riding conditions rather than idealized zero-yaw wind tunnel runs. Campagnolo engineered the rim's drop-shaped cross-section to perform across a range of yaw angles, acknowledging that crosswinds are a constant on open roads. The Aero Mo-Mag nipples are seated inside the rim bed, away from the wheel's outer surface, removing a source of aerodynamic turbulence that external nipple designs introduce. Disc-brake compatibility means the rim is freed from braking-surface duties entirely, allowing the carbon layup to be optimised purely around stiffness, weight, and aerodynamic shape — without any thermal compromise.

Design Benefits

1. Disc-Optimised Carbon Rim: Because the Bora WTO 45 relies entirely on disc brakes for stopping power, the rim never has to double as a braking track. That means the carbon layup is engineered without thermal stress considerations, allowing Campagnolo to prioritise the rim characteristics that actually matter — stiffness, low weight, and aerodynamic consistency. The result is a rim that behaves predictably under hard braking in wet conditions, where a carbon braking surface would compromise.
2. C23 Wide-Rim Geometry: The 23mm internal width is not a styling choice. It reshapes a 28mm tire into a more rounded, aerodynamically efficient profile — reducing the turbulent shoulder where rim and tire meet. Beyond aerodynamics, the wider rim bed improves cornering stability and allows you to run lower tire pressures without the risk of pinch flats, which translates to better traction on technical descents and variable road surfaces.
3. Aero Mo-Mag Internal Nipples: Traditional spoke nipples sit proud of the rim surface and introduce small but real aerodynamic disturbances as the wheel spins. Campagnolo's Aero Mo-Mag system recesses the nipples inside the rim bed entirely, smoothing the outer surface of the wheel and reducing drag. The system also retains the ability to true the wheel from inside the rim, so serviceability is not sacrificed for aerodynamic gain.
4. Multi-Drivetrain Availability: The Bora WTO 45 ships with a choice of three freehub bodies — Campagnolo N3W, Shimano HG11, or SRAM XDR — covering the full range of current groupsets. Whether you are running a Campagnolo build, a Shimano-equipped road bike, or a SRAM AXS drivetrain, there is a direct-fit option without adapters or workarounds.
5. Real-World Yaw Aerodynamic Tuning: Wind tunnel development at zero yaw tells you how a wheel behaves in a headwind. Campagnolo's WTO process extends testing across the yaw angles a rider actually encounters — typically between five and fifteen degrees — where crosswind effects are most pronounced. The drop-section rim shape and spoke arrangement are both tuned around this broader range, which means the wheel stays stable and predictable when a crosswind catches you mid-descent or mid-sprint.

Final Take

The Bora WTO 45 is built for riders who train and race across varied terrain and refuse to carry separate wheelsets for different conditions. It rewards those who want tubeless capability, disc-brake confidence, and genuine aerodynamic performance without sacrificing climbing composure. This is a wheelset that earns its place as your single answer to almost any road.