Gravel wheels
Racewielset aluminium 40 mm
An aluminium wheelset with 40 mm tall rims, filed under gravel wheels but described for road bikes. It suits road riding and light gravel outings.
What you get
- Wheelset for road and gravel bikes
- Aluminium rims
- Rim height 40 mm
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
- You switch between tarmac and light dirt tracks
- You want aluminium with a bit more profile than a classic shallow rim
- 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 ride rough terrain, so pick a robust set made for gravel or MTB
- 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
- The brake type is not in the title, so check it before ordering
- See whether the rim width suits the tyres 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.
Also in this category
- Carbon wielset 700C met schijfrem1 shop · Amazon.com.be€485.63
- ERE Research Tenaci GX 23 Disc gravelwielset1 shop · bol€498.95
- Carbon racewielset 700C1 shop · Amazon.nl€288.54
- Novatec carbon racewielset 28 mm tubeless1 shop · Amazon.com.be€557.01
- Racewielset met schijfrem1 shop · bol€575.92
- Racefietswielset 700C 40 mm2 shops · Amazon.nl, Amazon.com.befrom €199.99
