Gravel wheels

Racewielset met schijfrem

A wheelset for road or gravel bikes that works with disc brakes. The listing is short, so several details are worth confirming with the shop.

What you get

Wheelset for road and gravel bikes
Disc brake compatible

Why dedicated gravel wheels?

A gravel wheel has to handle a wide range of tyres, usually 35 to 50 mm. That is why the rims are 23 to 30 mm wide inside, much wider than road rims. A wide rim gives the tyre a round shape and allows low pressures without the sidewall folding.

Strength matters more than on the road. More spokes, a thicker rim wall and sturdy hubs let the wheel take knocks and rim strikes. That costs weight: a good set usually weighs 1,500 to 1,900 g. For rough rides with luggage, the extra toughness is worth the weight.

The rim profile matters less than on the road, because you ride slower. Shallow and mid profiles (up to about 40 mm) are the most popular: lighter, stable in wind and more comfortable. Deeper profiles win on fast, flat gravel but feel stiffer.

Get a tubeless-ready rim, hooked or hookless depending on the tyre. Many gravel wheels are hookless and have a maximum tyre pressure, often 3 to 5 bar. Check it before choosing a tyre.

Deep or shallow rim profiles for gravel

On gravel you ride slower, so the aero gain is smaller than on the road.

Profile	Weight (set)	Wind and speed	Comfort	Crosswind and braking
Shallow (up to 30 mm)	Usually 1,500 to 1,700 g	Little aero, good climbing	Soft and lively	Stable, disc brakes work well
Mid (30 to 45 mm)	Usually 1,600 to 1,850 g	Balanced	Average	Usually calm in crosswinds
Deep (45 mm or more)	Usually 1,700 to 2,000 g	Aero on fast sections	Stiffer	More affected by crosswinds

Weights are indicative. Always check the rim’s maximum tyre pressure.

Choose it if

Your bike has disc brakes and you need a new or spare set
You ride on tarmac and light gravel
You ride gravel with tyres of 38 mm or wider.
You want to go tubeless at low pressure with a strong wheel.

Choose something else if

You need to know the rim material and width, which the title does not say
You ride mostly on tarmac: road wheels are lighter.
You ride technical MTB trails: an MTB wheel is stronger.

How to choose gravel wheels

Check the hub standard
Check the axle (usually 12 mm thru-axle, 100 front and 142 rear) and the freehub (Shimano HG or SRAM XDR).
Choose the rotor mount
Check whether the hub uses Centerlock or 6-bolt and buy a rotor that fits.
Check tyre clearance
Make sure the widest tyre you want to run fits in the frame, also with the wide rim.
Set the wheel up tubeless
Apply tape and valve, add sealant and inflate the tyre. Then drop back to a low riding pressure.

Good to know

Check the axle standard (thru-axle or quick release) and the rotor mount (Center Lock or 6-bolt)
Make sure the rim width suits the tyre width you want to run
Check the maximum pressure of hookless rims and do not exceed it.
Watch the maximum system weight if you carry luggage.
Have spokes and bearings checked regularly, especially after a lot of off-road.
Check that the rim width suits your tyre size.

What you get

Why dedicated gravel wheels?

Deep or shallow rim profiles for gravel

Choose it if

Choose something else if

How to choose gravel wheels

Check the hub standard

Choose the rotor mount

Check tyre clearance

Set the wheel up tubeless

Good to know

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