【WOUND UP】Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee. - The long-awaited Zephyr Track is back in stock!

Thrilled to announce their long-awaited return

The long-out-of-stock WOUND UP forks have finally crossed the ocean and arrived. (Thank you so much for your patience...!!)

This shipment includes the Zephyr Track, a fork designed exclusively for track bikes. Its unique appearance pairs perfectly with slim steel frames and has the power to completely transform the impression of your bike.

This is great news for those who have been waiting, and for those hearing about them for the first time, it’s a chance to explore new custom possibilities. A fork is a vital component that directly affects not just the look, but also the ride quality. That’s why you can’t miss the chance to get your hands on such a special piece again. Speaking for myself, I was so indecisive about which fork to choose that I ended up installing one on a bike that had been gathering dust at home immediately.

Dedication and aesthetics in every fork

Since it’s been a while, let’s start with a brief introduction to the brand.

WOUND UP is a brand whose parent company, Advanced Composites, is based in Salt Lake City, Utah, USA. The company’s exceptional technology in manufacturing high-performance materials like carbon tubing and fiberglass for aerospace and space exploration is also applied to the cycling sector, which is how WOUND UP creates its forks. (Their technology is a trade secret; we’ve even been denied factory tours in the past...)

They have remained committed to manufacturing in the USA since 1997, completing every step in their own factory—from material selection and molding to the beautiful finish. This commitment to quality control and the pursuit of craftsmanship without compromise, under their own watchful eyes, is one of the reasons they have been supported by cyclists around the world for many years.

WOUND UP’s greatest feature is their integrated molding technology using Filament Wound Carbon Fiber (FWCF), a method few others in the world use.
By winding carbon fiber, they achieve a seamless structure.

The combination of a smoothly finished forged aluminum crown and fork blades that taper elegantly toward the tips makes for a lightweight yet highly rigid fork. Furthermore, it possesses the ability to effectively absorb road vibrations transmitted from the wheels, creating a fork with a sophisticated silhouette.

Understanding offset and trail changes with the Zephyr Track

Among WOUND UP’s extensive lineup, the "Zephyr Track" is a model developed specifically for track bikes intended for velodrome racing. A track bike is a single-speed bike with no shifting capability, often referred to as a "fixed gear" bike because the crank turns as long as the rear wheel is moving.

The name "Zephyr" comes from Zephyrus, the Greek god of the west wind, and in English, it implies a "gentle west wind."
WOUND UP interprets this as a symbol of "lightness, sophistication, and quiet strength," and on their official US website, they use the tagline "Ride the western wind."

It’s easy to feel how this fork truly answers the needs of track bike riders who navigate city streets, reading traffic lights and car movements while smoothly gliding through the urban rhythm with precision steering and pedaling—just like riding on the wind.

One of the factors that influences a bike’s handling and ride quality is the "trail." The Zephyr Track has a unique characteristic in its "offset," which is related to the trail. While the fork ends might look "reversed" at a glance, they are actually specially designed via CNC machining to provide a 35mm offset.

For now, it’s easiest to imagine that "a smaller offset brings the wheel closer to you."

As the fork offset changes, the trail amount increases or decreases, which significantly alters handling and how the bike feels while riding.

[Differences based on changes in offset (Plus vs. Minus comparison)]

To elaborate a bit further: if the offset becomes "greater than your original fork," the "handling becomes slightly heavier, but straight-line tracking improves, reducing instability during sprints or high-speed cruising." If the offset becomes "smaller than your original fork," "it may be slightly twitchy at high speeds, but handling becomes lighter, making U-turns and fine maneuvering in the city easier."

If your head starts spinning trying to figure out how changing your fork will affect the numbers and ride quality... don’t hesitate to ask us. Exploring and refining your bike to match your ideal style of riding is part of the fun.

Compatible bike standards and custom suggestions

We've focused on the fork, but we mustn't forget the "headset," which is essential for connecting it to the frame. Since there are many different standards for this part, there are cases where the Zephyr Track cannot simply be bolted on.

This time, in addition to 1-inch threaded models, we have also stocked 1-inch & 1-1/8-inch ahead models. Keirin frames are generally 1-inch threaded types, so you can use the CHRIS KING GripNut 1″ or the WILDE x CANE CREEK 110 ZN 1″ Threaded Headset, but keep in mind that frame prep may sometimes be required when replacing a stock fork. (When in doubt, ask the Circles mechanic staff!)

For the now-rare 1-inch ahead type, like the older model AFFINITY CYCLES LoPro that I ride, you can rest easy knowing that options like the CHRIS KING NoThreadSet 1″ or CANE CREEK Forty exist. It’s a lifesaver for so many people... *tears of joy*

If you have a chromoly frame like a SURLY Steam Roller or AFFINITY CYCLES Metropolitan, these are 1-1/8-inch ahead types, which remain the current mainstream standard, so you can continue to use your original headset. Of course, you could also take this opportunity to refresh your bike by replacing it along with the fork.

As a custom upgrade to give your bike a new look and ride feel, a WOUND UP fork is an incredibly attractive option. Beyond the Zephyr Track, there are various models compatible with V-brakes, disc brakes, and everything from road bikes to gravel bikes, so take that step to deepen your connection to your one-of-a-kind ride.