Best gravel wheelsets 2025: The greatest wheels for off-road and aggressive driving

The greatest gravel wheelsets may also help rework the journey and efficiency of a gravel bike. There are a number of completely different gravel bike classes now, however no matter kind of driving you’re doing a wheelset improve is likely one of the greatest upgrades you can also make.

During the gravel class ascendancy, earlier than the gear was as particular and effectively developed as it’s now, even the most effective gravel bikes got here with both street wheelsets that had been too slender for wider tyres or cyclocross wheelsets which can be constructed for barely completely different use instances and kind of driving. Now we have now gravel-specific every little thing, from the most effective gravel bike footwear to the most effective gravel race bikes.

Fast ahead just a few years and there’s a broad spectrum of gravel bike-specific wheelsets to select from in each 650b and 700c sizes. Current gravel wheelsets are light-weight however robust and large sufficient to deal with off-road abuse. They present a much better match for the most effective gravel tyres (significantly tubeless ones) than in years passed by. 

If you’re nonetheless uncertain the place to start out when selecting a brand new wheelset, we have now a helpful information on the backside of the web page that will help you make the suitable choice on your kind of driving.  

Quick record

The greatest gravel wheelsets you should purchase as we speak

Best gravel wheels

Zipp’s 303 Firecrest wheelset has been round for nearly half a decade but its goldilocks design means it is nonetheless among the finest gravel wheelsets you should purchase. When our product tester Guy Kesteven first reviewed these, he mentioned they had been probably the most quietly speedy, snug, versatile, responsive and pleasurable drop bar wheels he is ever ridden. Despite a good bit of innovation within the gravel area over the previous few years, we nonetheless suppose this rings true. 

The 40mm deep rim profile feels quick and environment friendly with out turning into worrisome in windy climate, plus the 25mm inner rim width provides all however the fattest gravel tyres an excellent form. Ride high quality is excellent, particularly when you think about it is a deep-section rim, they usually have confirmed to be sturdy and sturdy sufficient to deal with tough tracks and poor climate. 

Even in comparison with the broader rims and decrease pressures flooding the most effective gravel wheels market, the Zipp 303 Firecrests are, based on our assessment, a “mic-drop second”. Pair that with a user-friendly setup, the high quality guarantee and a extra inexpensive value and the Zipp 303 Firecrest is de facto among the finest gravel wheels round for almost all of gravel riders.

To see why we cherished them a lot learn our Zipp 303 Firecrest assessment.

Best finances gravel wheels

Most inexpensive and even some mid-range gravel bikes will come geared up with alloy wheels. While there’s nothing improper with alloy wheels, the fashions you get inventory on bikes are often not the most effective, so upgrading to a carbon set brings a number of benefits. Parcours Alta is a wonderful possibility for these in search of a lift in efficiency at an impressive value.

Rim dimensions are all within the ballpark for contemporary gravel driving measuring 36mm deep, 24mm large internally and 33mm large externally. Although the 1500g weight cannot compete with lighter and dearer wheelsets, it ought to save a very good chunk of weight over a primary alloy wheelset. 

Most importantly they journey effectively too, when Will Jones examined these wheels he discovered the Parcours Alta to be a step up in velocity and aerodynamics in comparison with the inventory wheels they changed. The rims use a extra versatile resin for the facet partitions which helps with vibration absorption with out sacrificing stiffness. 

There are in fact some concessions to be made for the low value level. There are not any aero claims so though the U-shaped rim would not really feel draggy in any means, if you would like aero efficiency it’s possible you’ll be higher off stumping up just a little extra for Parcours 47mm deep FKT wheelset. The 26t ratchet ring means hub engagement is a bit gradual however for normal driving, it is not a problem.

Check out our Parcours Alta gravel wheelset assessment to seek out out what makes them an excellent improve.

Best for gravel racing

SRAM launched 303 XPLR SW wheelset claiming it to be the quickest gravel wheelset ever. Chasing elevated gravel racing speeds, aerodynamic concerns, assist for low-pressure cornering, and pinch flat safety, the ensuing spec numbers are extra radical than anything in the marketplace.

The 54mm deep rim profile isn’t surprising, everyone knows a deep rim will supply higher aero efficiency at race speeds. The rims additionally get Zipp’s dimpled tech which can be discovered on the 303 Firecrest. To assist bigger gravel tyres gravel rims have been getting wider however none come near the large 32mm inside diameter of the 303 XPLR SW. Despite being wider than most MTB rims, the 303 XPLR SW are designed particularly to present tyres between 40mm and 60mm a greater aero profile.

Tom Wieckowski reviewed these wheels and out on the path the large profile helped generate a ton of grip from the Goodyear XPLR Inter 45mm tyres that had been equipped with the wheels. They aren’t a gravel wheelset for smashing by means of technical sections, however on the high-speed race-style segments they’re designed and for arrange with Zipp’s really useful pressures they’re very quick and surprisingly clean.

The pursuit of velocity does lead to some limitations. Inserts do not work, as a result of the rim mattress is simply too large, and SRAM is fairly particular concerning the tyres which can be suitable with these wheels. They are designed together with Goodyear XPLR Slick and Inter tyres, however if you wish to run a unique model, Zipp has an authorised tyre record for these wheels on its web site.

Check out our Zipp 303 XPLR SW assessment to seek out out extra about what makes these so quick.

Best for low weight

The Cadex 35 AR Disc wheelset sits by itself in Cadex’s gravel/all-road and hits the candy spot between light-weight and robust reliability. The 1,270g wheelset weight is impressively mild and enhances climbing with out the sensation like they have to be dealt with with care in relation to descending down the opposite facet. A 60-tooth ratchet driver provides the wheels a responsive kick when placing the ability down too.

The 35 AR Disc has wonderful, fuss-free Cadex hubs that in our testing, have managed to shrug off the worst that winter driving may throw at them regardless of being subjected to round 1500 miles / 2400km in January and February. The hubs are additionally geared up with ceramic bearings giving the wheels a long-lasting clean journey.  

The hookless design shapes the tyres into the absolute best form for optimum traction, producing a rounder tyre form for higher grip and sidewall assist. The solely actual draw back for followers of all-out efficiency is that the wheels make no particular claims round aerodynamic effectivity, which will probably be a markdown for anybody with designs on being on the pointy finish of a race these days.

To see how they held up over a nasty winter of testing, learn our Cadex AR35 Disc assessment.

Best all-road wheels

These putting wheels from Fulcrum aren’t technically gravel wheels, as an alternative, the Sharq’s sit within the ambiguous all-road center floor. Ignoring the labels, when Will Jones examined the Sharq’s, their constant efficiency on quick terrain was apparent.

Part of this efficiency may be attributed to Fulcrum’s 2-Wave profile, which varies between 47mm and 42mm in depth. Not solely does this assist the wheels effectively reduce by means of the air but it surely provides the Sharqs a noticeably secure character when coping with crosswinds. 

Will Jones remarked that they are not as whippy and responsive as a shallower depth rim, however the low 1,440g weight means they by no means felt sluggish at gradual speeds. The deep profile and clean spinning ceramic bearings undoubtedly come into their very own on quicker rides which is why they’re so suited to riders trying to combine up gravel and street sections.

The rims characteristic a 25mm, with a ‘mini hook’ design to make sure tyre safety and compatibility. The width helps tyres from 30mm and above, overlaying most massive street tyres and fast-rolling gravel tyres. Fulcrum has simplified the tubeless setup by not drilling the rim mattress, foregoing the necessity for rim tape. 

Want to know extra? Then head to our Fulcrum Sharq assessment.

Best for sturdiness

Compared to a few of the different gravel wheels on this record, the DT Swiss GR1600 Spline 25s are fairly inexpensive, however that does not imply they compromise on high quality. Of course, you get what you pay for, and this wheelset does really feel chunky in comparison with lighter carbon fashions and the hub engagement could be very gradual, however you achieve bombproof reliability that you simply’d count on from DT Swiss. The large rims can take gravel tyres as fats as your body can deal with, and an excellent journey really feel, all for a value that is straightforward to swallow.

Durability may be onerous to quantify because it’s onerous to copy and repeat impacts. That mentioned, contemplating the GR1600 Spline 25 fortunately shrugged off the enthusiastic driving nature of Guy Kesteven’s testing and my very own experiences battering a set of those wheels down rugged gravel tracks and MTB trails, these are a correctly powerful set of gravel wheels. 

In phrases of journey really feel, they hit a candy spot between harsh and delicate, powerful sufficient to deal with low-pressure bumping, and a pleasure to journey on even probably the most punishing terrain. If you are not eager on the slow-engaging ratchet drive, you’ll be able to simply improve the ratchet drive. Bearing life is nice too and in the event that they do want serviced, it is also straightforward to pop off and repair at dwelling. 

Our DT Swiss GR1600 Spline 25 assessment will clear up any questions you might have.

Also take into account

Out of all of the gravel wheels we have now reviewed on Cyclingnews the above choices are those that we predict are the most effective choices, nevertheless, there are a number of different choices that we predict are effectively value contemplating in case you are available in the market for brand spanking new gravel wheels.

Hunt is thought for producing some high-performance but competitively priced wheels. While we have not had hands-on expertise with the most recent Hunt 40 Limitless, we actually rated the earlier technology Hunt 42 Limitless gravel race and journey wheels and would count on the newer technology wheelset to supply equally spectacular efficiency. Both 42 Limitless wheels featured a deep aero rim profile that provides a noticeable aero benefit over a typical rim on quick rides. Handling traits are spectacular and sturdiness has been faultless over the 4000km I’ve personally ridden utilizing these wheels. 

If you are fascinated with growing the gear vary of your gravel bike, Hunt has a Classified geared up wheelset. The Classified x Hunt 40 Carbon Gravel Race Wheelset pairs Classified’s two-gear planetary hub system with its 40mm deep carbon gravel rim. The wheelset would not embody the Classified internals, they have to be bought individually which will increase the general value plus the system provides just a little extra complexity when organising.

Zipp’s 303 S sits beneath our best-in-test gravel wheelset though regardless of sharing the identical 303 namesake it is not only a finances Firecrest. The 303 S rim is just a little deeper at 45mm and narrower with a 23mm inner, it’s going to deal with as much as 50mm tyres however Zipp says they’re optimised for 28mm tyres. The result’s a quick, budget-friendly wheelset that’s extra road-leaning than the overachieving Firecrest.

If you’re in search of a clean spinning gravel wheelset with an distinctive aesthetic the Campagnolo Levante is a good possibility. The Levante’s spin effortlessly and when freewheeling the feeling is extra akin to gliding than rolling. Racers will wish to look elsewhere because the 30mm deep rim would not make any aero claims nevertheless the edges C-LUX end provides them an ultra-premium really feel.

Forge+Bond is a little bit of a left-field possibility however the F+B 25 GR wheelset has a singular promoting level. The rims do not use carbon fibre, relatively a fabric F+B calls FusionFibre. This is a proprietary thermoplastic composite materials that makes use of nylon, relatively than epoxy. Without going deep into the manufacturing course of FusionFibre is claimed to scale back the variety of chemical compounds and waste throughout manufacturing, plus it is attainable to downcycle FusionFibre when it reaches the top of its life. Potential eco-claims apart the F+B 25 GR provides a quick, responsive, journey really feel though the 25mm top would not supply any aero benefits and is dear in comparison with equally performing wheelsets.  

How to decide on

Look carefully and it is possible for you to to inform a distinction between a gravel wheelset and a road-specific one, particularly the most effective street bike wheels which can tip the scales at beneath 1400grams per pair. Gravel wheels will characteristic wider rims to accommodate wider, gravel-specific tyres in addition to make them burlier to resist the rigours of off-road abuse and driving. 

There are completely different classes of driving that fall beneath the gravel umbrella now and it will affect your shopping for alternative. If you’re planning on competing in occasions and races in your gravel bike it’s possible you’ll wish to take into account a stiffer, extra aerodynamic wheelset that may supply some efficiency benefits in competitors. If you need a wheelset improve that may address every little thing then maybe take into account an aluminium wheelset with the next spoke depend and look into spare half availability and ease of hub servicing. Gravel driving usually entails much more mud and water and simply serviceable parts will assist defend your funding long-term.