Looking for gravel wheels for your bike? Gravel wheels are designed to perform optimally on both paved and unpaved roads, making them ideal for gravel bikes . They differ in several aspects from road bike wheels and MTB wheels . In this article, we explain what makes gravel wheels unique, which components are essential for good performance, and what you need to know when choosing the right wheels for your gravel bike.
What Makes Gravel Wheels Different from Road Bike Wheels and MTB Wheels?
Gravel wheels vs. Road bike wheels
Gravel wheels are more robust than road bike wheels because they are designed to perform on various surfaces, including gravel, sand, and mud. Unlike lighter, aerodynamically optimized road bike wheels , gravel wheels offer a wider rim and are better able to withstand the stresses of off-road riding. This means gravel wheels are often slightly heavier and better able to support wider gravel tires , providing greater grip and comfort on rough terrain.
Gravel wheels vs. MTB wheels
MTB wheels are designed for the rigors of off-road riding, with strong, wide rims and robust hubs. They are usually suitable for fatMTB tires that provide plenty of grip in technical terrain. Gravel wheels, however, are lighter than MTB wheels and offer a better balance of speed and durability, making them ideal for gravel paths and light off-road riding. They are designed to be versatile, with the ability to fit wider tires, though not as wide as those on a mountain bike.
Gravel Wheel Parts
Just like road bike wheels and MTB wheels , gravel wheels consist of several key components that work together to deliver optimal performance. Here are the key components you should know:
1. Rims
Gravel wheel rims are wider than those of road bikes, but often narrower than MTB rims. This makes them perfect for gravel tires , which have more volume than traditional road bike tires but aren't as thick as MTB tires. The rim width affects the bike's stability and grip on unpaved surfaces.
2. Hubs
Hubs are the heart of every wheel, as they form the connection between the wheel and the bike's frame. Gravel wheels often have hubs designed to handle the forces exerted during off-road riding. They are often stronger and more durable than road bike hubs, but not as robust as MTB hubs.
3. Cassette
Just like road bikes and mountain bikes , a gravel wheel uses a cassette , which provides the bike's gear range. Gravel wheels are often compatible with a wide variety of cassette options , allowing you to choose a wider gear range for off-road adventures. Many gravel bikes use an 11-32 or 11-36 cassette , providing the versatility needed for both climbing and speed on flat trails.
4. Disks
Gravel wheels often use disc brakes because they offer reliable stopping power, even in muddy or wet conditions. Hydraulic disc brakes are a popular choice for gravel wheels, although mechanical disc brakes are also frequently used, especially on more affordable gravel bikes. Disc brakes offer better performance than traditional rim brakes, especially on the unpaved and rugged terrain often encountered in gravel riding.
5. Tires
The choice of gravel tires is crucial for a good ride. Gravel wheels are designed to accommodate wider tires (usually between 35mm and 45mm wide ), which offers more comfort and grip on rough terrain. Many gravel tires are available specifically designed to optimize grip and rolling resistance for different types of gravel and terrain.
Choose the Right Gravel Wheels for Your Bike
When buying gravel wheels, it's important to consider your riding style and the type of terrain you'll be riding on. If you frequently ride on gravel paths or light off-road routes, it's best to choose wheels that are lightweight yet strong enough to handle rougher terrain . If you plan to explore more technical terrain, you might want to opt for wheels that are slightly more robust and can handle larger gravel tires .
Popular brands like Shimano , DT Swiss , Mavic, Quasar , and Zipp offer a wide range of gravel wheels to suit different riding styles and budgets. Whether you're looking for lightweight, aero wheels or more robust options for adventure, there's a choice to suit your needs.
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