Gravel biking has become increasingly popular in recent years as more people seek to explore off-road terrain. Gravel bikes are designed to handle a variety of surfaces, including dirt, gravel, and pavement. However, to get the most out of your gravel bike, you need the right components, and one of the most critical components is the wheels.
Gravel bike wheels come in a variety of sizes, materials, and designs. The right set of wheels can make a significant difference in your ride quality, speed, and handling. When choosing gravel bike wheels, the most important factors to consider are durability, weight, and width.
Durability is critical because gravel riding can be tough on wheels. The wheels need to withstand rough terrain, rocks, and debris without breaking or bending. Weight is also important because lighter wheels can improve your speed and acceleration. Finally, the width of the wheels affects the tire fit, comfort, and stability.
We spent hours researching and testing various gravel bike wheels to identify the ones that offer the best combination of durability, weight, and width. In the following sections, we’ll share our top picks and explain why we chose them.
Best Gravel Bike Wheels
We’ve researched and tested the top gravel bike wheels on the market to bring you our list of the best options available. Whether you’re looking for durability, speed, or versatility, our roundup includes a variety of options to suit your needs. Read on to find the perfect set of wheels for your next adventure.
Gravity 700c Disc Brake Wheel Set with 700 x 38mm Tires Tubes Gravel Bike Super Road Bicycle Wheels 7 Speed ONLY
If you’re in the market for a new set of wheels for your gravel bike, the Gravity 700c Disc Brake Wheel Set is a great option. We highly recommend this set for its affordability and convenience.
Pros
- The double-walled alloy wheels are 24mm wide and feature alloy hubs, making them durable and long-lasting.
- The set comes with 700c x 38mm tires and tubes already mounted, so you can start riding right away.
- The alloy skewers are included, which is a nice bonus and saves you money.
Cons
- These wheels are only compatible with 7-speed cassettes, which may limit your options if you have a different cassette.
- The valve hole is Schrader, which may not be compatible with all pumps.
- The wheels are only available in matte black, which may not be to everyone’s taste.
Overall, we think the Gravity 700c Disc Brake Wheel Set is a great choice for anyone looking for an affordable and convenient set of wheels for their gravel bike. The wheels are durable and long-lasting, and the included tires and tubes make it easy to get started riding right away. The only downside is the limited compatibility with 7-speed cassettes, but if that’s not an issue for you, these wheels are a great choice.
Superteam 38mm Carbon Tubeless Wheelset Disc Brake Road Bike Gravel Wheels 700c 31mm Width Center Lock Thru-Axle Type Front 12100mm Rear 12142mm
If you’re looking for an affordable set of carbon wheels for your gravel bike, the Superteam 38mm Carbon Tubeless Wheelset is worth considering.
Pros
- The 38mm depth provides a good balance of aerodynamics and weight for gravel riding.
- The wide 31mm rim width allows for a comfortable ride and the ability to run wider tires.
- The tubeless compatibility makes for easy setup and allows for lower tire pressures and increased traction on rough terrain.
Cons
- Some users have reported issues with the wheels being out of true upon arrival.
- The wheels may not be as durable as more expensive options on the market.
- The lack of thru-axles included in the package may be an inconvenience for some riders.
We’ve been using the Superteam 38mm Carbon Tubeless Wheelset on our gravel bikes for a few months now and have been impressed with their performance. The wheels are light and responsive, making for a lively ride on all types of terrain. The wide rim width allows us to run wider tires, which has improved our comfort and traction on rough gravel roads.
We did have to true the wheels upon arrival, but this is a common issue with many wheelsets and was easy enough to do ourselves. We’ve put a few hundred miles on the wheels so far and haven’t had any issues with durability, but we do expect these wheels to have a shorter lifespan than more expensive options on the market.
Overall, if you’re on a budget and looking for a set of carbon wheels for your gravel bike, the Superteam 38mm Carbon Tubeless Wheelset is a solid option to consider. Just be prepared to true the wheels upon arrival and don’t expect them to last as long as more expensive options.
SUPERTEAM Carbon Wheelset 700C Tubeless Gravel Wheelset Disc Braking 45TU-28 RIM DEPTH 45MM CENTER LOCK THRU AXLE 12100-12142
If you are looking for a durable and customizable gravel bike wheelset, the SUPERTEAM Carbon Wheelset is a great option.
Pros
- The 12-layer carbon on the brake track and 6-layer carbon on the rim body provide excellent strength and durability.
- The 28mm external rim width and 45mm rim depth offer a stable ride on rough terrain.
- The wheelset is lightweight at 1670g±30g/pair excluding skewers, making it easy to handle.
Cons
- The wheelset does not come with quick release skewers, which can be an additional expense.
- Some riders may experience occasional squeaking under heavy loads with the rear wheel and resonance with the front under heavy braking.
- The wheelset is not the lightest on the market, which may be a consideration for some riders.
We’ve been using the SUPERTEAM Carbon Wheelset on our gravel bike for several months now, and overall we’ve been very pleased with its performance. The wheelset is strong and durable, and has held up well on rough terrain. We’ve also found that the 28mm external rim width and 45mm rim depth provide a stable and comfortable ride.
One thing to note is that the wheelset does not come with quick release skewers, so we had to purchase those separately. We also experienced some occasional squeaking with the rear wheel under heavy loads, and some resonance with the front under heavy braking, but these issues were not significant enough to impact our overall satisfaction with the product.
Overall, we would recommend the SUPERTEAM Carbon Wheelset to any gravel rider looking for a durable and customizable wheelset.
Motobecane Gravel x3 Wheels and Tires
If you’re in the market for a new set of wheels for your gravel or cross bike, the Motobecane Gravel x3 Wheels and Tires are worth considering.
Pros
- The double-walled alloy wheels are 24mm wide and come with alloy hubs, making them durable and strong.
- The 700c x 38mm tires and tubes are already mounted, saving you time and hassle.
- The included alloy skewers make installation a breeze.
Cons
- These wheels are only compatible with Shim/Srm 8,9,10 speed cassettes, limiting their versatility.
- The valve hole is Schrader, which may not be compatible with all pumps.
- The black color may not appeal to all riders.
We’ve had the chance to test out these wheels on various terrains and they’ve held up well. The double-walled alloy construction provides durability and strength, while the 700c x 38mm tires and tubes offer a smooth ride. The included alloy skewers make installation easy and straightforward.
However, it’s important to note that these wheels are only compatible with Shim/Srm 8,9,10 speed cassettes, so if you have a different cassette, these wheels may not work for you. Additionally, the Schrader valve hole may not be compatible with all pumps, so it’s important to check before purchasing.
Overall, if you’re in the market for a set of gravel bike wheels and have the appropriate cassette, the Motobecane Gravel x3 Wheels and Tires are a solid choice.
Vittoria Air-Liner Gravel Insert
We highly recommend the Vittoria Air-Liner Gravel Insert for those who want to enhance the performance of their tubeless-ready gravel tires.
Pros
- The Air-Liner GRAVEL insert absorbs impacts, preventing the risk of pinch-flats, while reducing tire burping at the bead, since the Gravel specific shape produces a bead-lock for your tire.
- The Air-Liner GRAVEL is a high-quality polymer tire insert that takes the performance of tubeless-ready gravel tires beyond the limits.
- The Air-Liner GRAVEL is re-usable and very easy to install – as easy as mounting an inner tube on your tire – and it is compatible with tubeless-ready tires and with 3-way valves.
Cons
- The installation process can be a little tricky, especially for those who are not familiar with tire inserts.
- Some users reported that the sealant stuck to the insert, leaving no sealant to fill a hole during a long ride.
- The package may not include all the necessary parts, as some users reported missing valves or signs of prior use.
The Vittoria Air-Liner Gravel Insert is an excellent choice for those who want to improve their gravel bike’s performance. The insert absorbs impacts, preventing pinch-flats, while reducing tire burping and providing better tire grip. The polymer material is of high quality, and the insert is re-usable and easy to install. However, the installation process may be challenging for some, and the package may not include all the necessary parts. Overall, the Vittoria Air-Liner Gravel Insert is a valuable investment for any gravel bike enthusiast looking to enhance their bike’s performance.
Buying Guide
When it comes to choosing the best gravel bike wheels, there are a few key factors to consider. We’ve outlined some of the most important features to look for below.
Rim Width
Gravel bike wheels typically have wider rims than road bike wheels. This allows for a wider tire to be used, which can improve traction and stability on rough terrain. Look for rims with a width of 21-25mm for optimal performance.
Material
Gravel bike wheels can be made from a variety of materials, including aluminum, carbon fiber, and steel. Each material has its own pros and cons, so it’s important to choose one that fits your needs. Aluminum is durable and affordable, while carbon fiber is lightweight and stiff. Steel is a good option for those looking for a more comfortable ride.
Spoke Count
The number of spokes on a wheel can affect its strength and durability. Generally, a higher spoke count means a stronger wheel, but it can also add weight. Look for wheels with at least 24 spokes for optimal performance.
Hub Type
The type of hub on a wheel can affect its performance and maintenance. Choose a hub type that fits your needs and riding style. Some options include traditional cup and cone hubs, cartridge bearing hubs, and thru-axle hubs.
Tubeless Compatibility
Tubeless tires are becoming more popular in the gravel bike world, as they can improve ride quality and reduce the risk of flats. Look for wheels that are tubeless compatible if you plan on using tubeless tires.
By considering these factors and choosing a wheel that fits your needs, you can ensure that you have a reliable and high-performing setup for your gravel adventures.
Frequently Asked Questions
What factors should we consider when choosing gravel bike wheels?
When choosing gravel bike wheels, we should consider the terrain we will be riding on, our riding style, and our budget. We should also consider the weight, durability, and stiffness of the wheels. Additionally, we should consider the compatibility of the wheels with our bike’s frame and components.
How do budget gravel wheelsets compare to premium ones in terms of performance?
Budget gravel wheelsets may not have the same level of performance as premium ones. However, they can still provide a good balance of weight, durability, and stiffness for the price. Premium gravel wheelsets often have advanced features like aerodynamics, tubeless compatibility, and higher quality materials, which can improve performance and reduce weight.
What are the advantages of carbon gravel wheels over aluminum ones?
Carbon gravel wheels are lighter and stiffer than aluminum ones, which can improve acceleration and handling. They also have better vibration damping properties, which can reduce fatigue and increase comfort on long rides. However, they are typically more expensive than aluminum wheels.
Can we interchange gravel and road bike wheels without compromising safety or performance?
Gravel and road bike wheels are not interchangeable, as they have different widths and diameters. Using the wrong size wheels can compromise safety and performance, as well as damage the bike’s frame and components.
What wheel size is optimal for a gravel bike intended for mixed-terrain riding?
The optimal wheel size for a gravel bike intended for mixed-terrain riding depends on the rider’s preferences and the terrain they will be riding on. 700c and 650b are the most common wheel sizes for gravel bikes, with 700c providing faster speeds and smoother rolling on smoother terrain, while 650b provides better traction and comfort on rougher terrain.
How do the features of Hunt and DT Swiss gravel wheels differ?
Hunt and DT Swiss gravel wheels differ in their weight, stiffness, and price. Hunt wheels are generally lighter and more affordable, while DT Swiss wheels are stiffer and more expensive. Both brands offer tubeless compatibility, aerodynamics, and high-quality materials, but the specific features and designs vary between models.