In the past couple of years, gravel bikes have gone from modified cyclo-cross and touring bikes to purpose-built, ride them everywhere machines. With the new frame designs and their ever-expanding tyre clearance – plus the clever way brands are making room for this ballooned rubber – we've also seen an explosion in gear to kit out these adventure and all road bikes.
In the early days, if cyclo-cross wheels didn't fit your needs you're options were skinny overbuilt MTB hoops or road wheels that might not be up to the task. Now we are flush for choice for gravel-specific wheels in both 700c and 650b sizes.
What to look for in gravel wheels
On the surface, gravel and adventure wheels don't look all the different to road wheels, however, they need to be able to stand up to considerably more abuse. While feathery road wheels push into the territory just over 1kg, a light set of gravel hoops will often tack on an additional 500g of armour.
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Also, expect to find rims ready for tubeless tyres. Each brand has its own system, some are distinctly better than others, requiring no frustration, broken tyre levers or a flash pump/air compressor to get a tyre on the rim and inflated.
There are a range of alloy and carbon options out there, with carbon fibre commanding a considerably higher price tag.
Gravel wheel sizing
Most gravel bikes these days can roll on either standard 700c wheels or wider 650b hoops. 650b or 27.5in comes to us from touring bikes, however, in recent years, mountain bikers have cottoned on to the mid-size hoops for their manoeuvrability and lighter weight when compared to 29er wheels and tires.
Gravel wheel braking options
Gravel wheel rim width and depth
Gravel wheels rim material
Best gravel and adventure wheelsets
Hunt 30 Carbon Gravel Disc
- Internal rim width: 21mm
- Depth: 30mm
- Sizes available: 700c
- Weight: 1,479g
- Brake mount: Centre-lock - 6-bolt adaptor included
- Price: £862 / $1079 / AU$1539
Stan's No Tubes Grail MK3
- Internal rim width: 20.3
- Depth: 24.5mm
- Sizes available: 700c
- Weight: 1,675g
- Brake mount: 6-bolt or Centre-lock
- Price: £600 / $699 / AU$1100
ENVE G-23
- Internal rim width: 23mm 700c
- Depth: 25mm
- Sizes available: 700c and 650b
- Weight: 1,305g, 700c with Envy Alloy hubs
- Brake mount: Centre-lock
- Price: £2700 / $2800 / AU$TBC
Mavic Allroad Pro Disc
- Internal rim width: 22mm
- Depth: 24mm
- Sizes available: 700c
- Weight: 1,670g
- Brake mount: 6-bolt
- Price: £900 / $1200 / AU$1699
Zipp 30 Course DB
- Internal rim width: 21
- Depth: 26
- Sizes available: 700c
- Weight: 1,650g
- Brake mount: Centre-lock
- Price: £800 / $1010 / AU$1510
Reynolds ATR
- Internal rim width: 21mm internal (700c)
- Depth: 28mm
- Sizes available: 700c and 650b
- Weight: 1,685g (700c)
- Brake mount: Centre-lock
- Price: £1200 / $1299 / AU$2000
Bontrager Paradigm Elite 25 TLR Disc Road Wheel
- Internal rim width: 23mm internal
- Depth: 24mm
- Sizes available: 700c
- Weight: 1700g
- Brake mount: Centre-lock
- Price: £750 / $1000 / AU$TBC
You can read more at Cyclingnews.com
via Cyclingnews Latest Interviews and Features http://www.cyclingnews.com/features/best-gravel-and-adventure-cycling-wheels-2019
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