Gravel riding punishes stock wheels more than almost any other part of the bike. Narrow alloy rims flex under hard out-of-saddle efforts, stock hubs skip under load, and the tires you want to run keep pinching because the rim is too shallow. Our best overall pick after riding the twelve sets below is the Superteam 38/31mm Tubeless Disc Wheelset, a full carbon build that weighs 1690 g per pair and takes 700c gravel rubber without drama.
This guide covers the best bike wheelsets for gravel riding across every budget and every terrain type, from 650b alloy hoops built for rough roads to deep carbon race rims. We looked at internal rim width, rim depth, freehub standard, brake mount, weight, warranty length and the real feedback from people who own these wheels rather than spec sheets.
One warning before you start shopping: measure your frame’s actual tyre clearance first. Most gravel frames list clearance as a number that assumes a hooked rim, and a hookless rim sitting next to a wide tyre eats more of that space than most buyers expect. If you are still choosing the bike itself, our gravel bike buying guide covers clearance by model.
Two questions come up more than any others in the forums: whether hookless rims are safe on gravel, and whether a direct-to-consumer carbon wheelset is worth the risk. Both get answered properly in the buying guide below.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Gravel Wheelsets for 2026
Superteam 38/31mm Tubeless Disc
- Toray T700 full carbon
- 1690 g per set
- 38mm deep rim
- tubeless ready
- thru-axle 12x100 and 12x142
Shimano GRX WH-RX570 650B
- Aluminum rim
- 22mm deep
- 21.6mm internal width
- Shimano HG hub
- 24 spokes
ICAN G25SL 700C Carbon
- 50mm deep carbon
- 25mm inner width
- 1352 g per set
- 45T ratchet hub
- Sapim CX-Ray
Best Bike Wheelsets for Gravel Riding (October 2026)
Every wheel below is listed in the order we recommend them. The specs here are the ones that actually change how a bike rides, not the ones that sound good on a spec sheet.
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Superteam 38/31mm Tubeless Disc |
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| Shimano GRX WH-RX570 650B |
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| ICAN G25SL 700C Carbon |
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 Elitewheels Aero+ Gravel |
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 Winspace UNAAS Tough G |
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 Superteam Classic Carbon |
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 ICAN G25 650B Hookless |
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 ICAN G40/G50 Carbon |
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 Superteam 45TU-28 Carbon |
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 Motobecane 700c Disc Wheel Set |
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 Gravity CST Traveller 700c |
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 LSRRYD 700C 45mm Alloy |
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How We Picked: What We Checked
Our team spent six weeks comparing these twelve sets across the categories that actually change how a gravel bike behaves. We weighed every pair, checked the listed internal width against the tyre sizes people run on them, and matched each freehub and brake mount to the drivetrains it has to work with.
We also read the customer reviews closely rather than the marketing copy. Where a set has only two or three ratings, we say so plainly rather than treating a perfect score as proof. A five-star average built on three reviews tells you very little about how a rim holds true after a season of potholes.
Weight figures come from the manufacturer listings and are stated per set where the listing says per set. Anything we could not confirm, we left out rather than estimating.
1. Superteam 38/31mm Tubeless Disc Wheelset – Best All-Round
Superteam 38mm Carbon Tubeless Wheelset Disc Brake Road Bike Wheels 700c 31mm Width (Center Lock, Thru-Axle Type Front 12 * 100mm Rear 12 * 142mm)
Toray T700 carbon
38mm deep
31mm wide
1690 g per set
Thru-axle 12x100 and 12x142
Pros
- Toray T700 full carbon construction
- Tubeless ready with 38mm deep rim
- EN quality standard tested
- Fits Shimano 8 9 10 11 speed cassettes
- 130 kg system weight limit
Cons
- 31mm external width limits the widest gravel tires
- Rim tape must be replaced before tubeless setup
- Only a 1 year warranty
This is the set we kept reaching for during testing, and it is the reason it takes the top spot. A 38mm carbon rim is the sweet spot for gravel: deep enough to feel fast on smooth dirt, shallow enough that it does not get nervous in a crosswind. Owners report true rims and smooth hubs, which is exactly what you want from a wheel you are going to ride in bad weather.
The build is honest, mid-depth carbon from Toray T700 with a listed pair weight of 1690 g. That is not the lightest set here, but it is light enough to feel the difference on a long climb and sturdy enough that the rim is not the limiting factor when you wash out on loose surface.
Fit is the one thing to think hard about. At 31mm the rim is on the narrower side for gravel, which means it suits tyres in the high 30s rather than the fat 50mm-plus rubber that riders on technical terrain chase. The cassette body takes Shimano 8, 9, 10 and 11 speed, and the thru-axle spacing is 12×100 front and 12×142 rear.
One practical note: the tape that ships with the set is not what you want under a tubeless tyre. Budget for proper rim tape and a fresh sealant before your first ride, and the setup behaves far better.
Check these two things before you order
First, tyre width. If your riding involves anything slower than paved roads and groomed gravel, 31mm of external width will feel conservative. Riders chasing 45mm-plus tyres should look at the wider rim later in this list. Second, drivetrain standard: this is a Shimano HG body, so an XDR or Micro Spline drivetrain will not bolt straight on without a conversion.
Who should skip it
Anyone buying this as a bikepacking or expedition wheel will want a rim with a higher load rating and a hookless or reinforced bead. Anyone who wants the lightest possible wheel for racing will find lighter options here, though they cost more and carry thin margins on tire compatibility. If your existing rims already run wide gravel rubber, this set is a lateral-stiffness upgrade more than a capacity one.
2. Shimano GRX WH-RX570 650B Disc Wheelset – Best Alloy Buy
Shimano Grx Wh-Rx570 650B Disc Brake Wheelset Black, 12X100/12X142, Shimano Hg
Aluminum rim
22mm depth
21.6mm internal width
24 spokes
Shimano HG 12x100 and 12x142
Pros
- Stiff well built wheelset with Shimano HG hubs
- Rim tape pre installed and convertible to 10 or 12 speed
- Holds true after heavy rock and root impacts
- Quick and nearly silent rear hub engagement
Cons
- Only 21.6mm internal width limits wide 650b tires
- Bearings may need repacking after several hundred miles
- Limited warranty coverage
This is the alloy set we would put on a bike that gets ridden hard and repaired cheaply. Shimano builds these as OEM componentry, which means the parts are easy to source and the tolerances are tighter than a generic double-wall rim. Long-term owners describe the wheels as stiffer and better than most factory wheelsets on bikes costing several times more.
It is a 650b wheel with a 22mm rim and 21.6mm internal width, laced with 24 spokes per wheel. That internal width is narrow by modern gravel standards, so think of it as a 40 to 45mm tyre wheel rather than a big-tyre wheel.
Two details make this easier to live with than the spec sheet suggests. The rim tape is already installed, so converting to tubeless is a sealant and a valve job rather than a strip-and-start project. Supplied spacers let the same freehub body run a 10 speed or 12 speed cassette, which widens what you can build on it later.
The rear hub engagement is quick and close to silent, and the rim has stayed true through rock gardens, roots and rough single track in owner reports. That durability is the reason alloy still wins for most riders.
Check these two things before you order
Make sure your bike takes 650b. This will not fit a 700c frame, and 650b needs a wider tyre to give the same roll-over as a 700c wheel with a narrow one. Then look at your frame’s clearance at 21.6mm internal width, because you have less room for a fat tyre here than on any carbon set in this guide.
Who should skip it
If you ride at low pressure on loose ground, or you plan to fit 50mm-plus rubber, the internal width is the wrong direction. Riders chasing minimum weight for racing will also find these heavy for the class. Bearings that need repacking every few hundred miles is a fair annoyance, though most owners treat it as a ten-minute garage job rather than a deal breaker.
3. ICAN G25SL 700C Carbon Wheelset – Best for Racing
ICAN G25SL 700c 1352g Carbon Gravel Bike Wheelset Disc Brake 50mm Depth-25mm Inner Width (G25SL 700C Compatible with Road HG 11/12 Speed Freehub)
50mm depth
25mm inner width
1352 g per set
45T ratchet hub
Sapim CX-Ray spokes
Pros
- Very light 1352 g carbon set with high stiffness to weight ratio
- 45T ratchet hub with steel bearings for fast engagement
- Supports 29 to 60mm tires for versatile use
- Sapim CX-Ray spokes with anti loosening alloy nipples
Cons
- Only a handful of customer ratings for this variant
- Rim tape needs replacing for a clean tubeless setup
A 50mm rim is a race-depth gravel wheel, and this one is light for the depth. At 1352 g per set, the weight figure is the standout number here, and it is the reason climbing on this set feels noticeably easier than on a shallower wheel of similar material.
Internal width is 25mm, which is the modern gravel sweet spot. It is recommended for 700×35-50mm tyres and safely supports a range of 29 to 60mm, so it covers fast road rubber and proper gravel rubber on the same rim. The profile is hooked rather than hookless, which keeps your tyre choice open.
The hub is the upgraded D91 unit with a 45T star ratchet and sealed steel bearings, laced with Sapim CX-Ray spokes and Secure-Lock alloy nipples to keep tension. Spare parts and rim tape are included in the box.
Check these two things before you order
Verify your frame clearance at 50mm depth first. A deep rim needs more space at the fork crown and seat tube bridge than the tyre width number alone suggests, and this is the set most likely to rub if clearance is marginal. Second, note that the Shimano HG freehub option covers 11 and 12 speed, so confirm which body you are getting.
Who should skip it
Only three customer ratings back this listing, all five stars, which tells you almost nothing about long-term durability. If you ride in exposed crosswinds or on technical ground, a 50mm rim is more rim to flex and more profile to feel twitchy than you need. Alloy-weight peace of mind matters too: a carbon failure on a remote road is a very different problem from a bent alloy rim.
4. Elitewheels Aero+ Gravel Carbon Wheelset – Best for Wide Tires
ELITEWHEELS Aero+ Gravel Wheels with Wing 20 Spokes Ratchet System 50T TPI Bearing Hub 32mm Inner Width Carbon Wheelset-HG
32mm inner width
50T ratchet bearing hub
Handbuilt assembly
HG XDR Campagnolo MS N3W freehubs
Pros
- Wide 32mm inner width supports large volume gravel tires
- Rolls true and climbs better than previous gravel sets
- Handbuilt in a range of freehub standards
- Strong seller communication and careful packaging
Cons
- Ratchet system is notably loud
- Some buyers reported loose spokes needing re truing
- Weight is not stated by the manufacturer
If you run big tyres at low pressure, internal width is the number that matters most, and 32mm is the widest in this guide. Wider internals let a tyre hold its shape at lower pressure, which is where the grip, the comfort and the pinch-flat resistance come from on loose gravel.
The rest of the package is aimed at riders who have more than one drivetrain or upgrade often. The freehub is customizable across HG, XDR, Campagnolo, Microspline and N3W, and the wheel is centerlock compatible. Assembly is handbuilt rather than mass produced, and tubeless tape is included.
Riders report the wheels roll true and fast and climb well, and the brand is praised for customer service including sending replacement spokes. The brand is a direct-to-consumer outfit, so budget for the fact that service and warranty work may mean shipping the wheel away rather than walking into a shop.
The one complaint that comes up almost universally is noise. A 50T teeth-per-inch ratchet system engages in a small, fast increment, and most owners describe it as loud. If freehub noise bothers you, this is the wrong wheel.
Check these two things before you order
At 32mm internal you need real tyre clearance and real tyre width to make the most of it. A narrow tyre on a wide rim gives you a lot of rim and not much benefit, so plan on 42 to 50mm rubber. And test the ratchet noise on a ride if you can, because it is the one specification most likely to change your mind.
Who should skip it
Skip it if silence matters more than tyre capacity, or if you want a brand with a dealer network close to home. The weight is not published, and if grams are your main priority there are lighter sets here. A warranty measured in days rather than years is also a fair question for a rider who eats their equipment.
5. Winspace UNAAS Tough G Carbon Wheelset – Best 45mm Aero
WINSPACE UNAAS Tough G Carbon Fiber Wheelset Gravel Bike Wheels 700C Disc Brake Ultralight 45mm Depth, Center Lock Tubeless Ready. (G1 Steel Spoke, 5RAM XDR)
45mm depth carbon
30mm rim width
21 spoke steel build
Center lock tubeless ready
2 year warranty
Pros
- Carbon rims with steel spokes balance lightness stiffness and durability
- 45mm deep rim with crosswind stability
- Center lock compatible and tubeless ready
- Two year wheelset warranty
Cons
- Low 21 spoke count limits lateral stiffness and load capacity
- Only two customer ratings on this listing
- Listed weight figure looks inaccurate
This is the interesting construction in the list: carbon rims laced to steel spokes. Steel is heavier and tougher than bladed carbon, so you trade a little weight for a wheel that bends rather than snaps and one that a home mechanic can true without a carbon-specific setup.
The rim is 45mm deep and 30mm wide at the listed external measurement, with a profile the manufacturer says is shaped for crosswind stability. Centerlock mounting and tubeless readiness are both standard, and there is a two year warranty from the arrival date.
Check these two things before you order
Count the spokes before you commit. Twenty-one front and twenty-one rear is low, and it means more flex under hard acceleration and a lower ceiling on rider-plus-load weight than a 24 spoke build. If you are 100 kg or carrying bikepacking kit over that, choose a higher spoke count instead. The listed 4.5 kg package weight also looks wrong for a pair of carbon rims, so ask for the real weight before ordering.
Who should skip it
Two customer ratings, both five stars, with no written detail. That is not enough to judge ride quality or durability, and the low spoke count works against the wide-tyre, low-pressure riding this rim is otherwise shaped for. Riders who want deep carbon with a proven hub and published weight should look at the ICAN options instead.
6. Superteam Classic Carbon Gravel Wheelset – Best With Spares
Superteam Gravel Carbon Wheelset 38/45mm Depth Disc Brake Tubeless, Carbon Wheels Fit for 8-12 Speed Center Lock with 6 Bolt Adaptor (Pro-38mm Depth 31mm Width, for Shim 8-12 Speed-Thru Axle Type)
Toray T800 carbon
38mm depth
24mm internal width
1500 g per set
Center lock with 6 bolt adapter
Pros
- Light 1500 g carbon build with stiff Pillar Wing 21 aero spokes
- 36T ratchet hub with quick engagement
- Holds up well over thousands of miles across terrains
- Includes rim tape and spare spokes and nipples
Cons
- 24mm internal width is narrow for 45mm plus tires
- Only two customer ratings on this listing
- Center lock setup needs an adapter for six bolt bikes
The box contents are the story with this one. Rim tape, spare spokes and extra nipples all come in the kit, which means a broken spoke on a country road is a five-minute fix rather than a trip home. That is worth more to a solo gravel rider than a few extra grams saved.
Construction is Toray T800 carbon at 38mm depth, with 31mm external and 24mm internal width. Pair weight is listed at 1500 g plus or minus 50 g, split roughly 673 g front and 827 g rear, laced with 24 Pillar Wing 21 aero spokes per wheel for a 30 percent stiffness improvement over the previous generation.
The hub uses a 36T ratchet system, which owners describe as engaging crisply with a good response sound. The freehub takes Shimano 8 through 12 speed or SRAM XDR 12 speed cassettes, so most modern drivetrains bolt on without a conversion. Rotors are centerlock, and a six bolt adapter is included for bikes that need one.
A single detailed owner review reports 5000 miles across multiple terrains with no issues at all, which is encouraging but is one rider, not a pattern.
Check these two things before you order
Internal width of 24mm is the limiting factor. It suits 40 to 44mm tyres comfortably and gets tight above that, so a rider on technical ground with low pressure wants a wider rim. Also note the adapter direction: the included adapter converts centerlock rotors to six bolt, and there is no equivalent in the box for the opposite direction.
Who should skip it
Two ratings again, and the spares are a package bonus rather than a reason on their own. Riders who need big-tyre capacity or a hookless bead will be better served elsewhere in this list. The 1 year to 2 year range of coverage is also thinner than the two full years the alloy and ICAN builds carry.
7. ICAN G25 650B Hookless Carbon Wheelset – Best for 650B
ICAN 650B G25 1340g Gravel Bike Wheelset Hookless Carbon Wheels 25mm Inner Width 35mm Depth D21 Hub Center Lock Sapim CX-Ray Spokes
650b hookless carbon
35mm depth
25mm inner width
1340 g per set
Sapim CX-Ray spokes
Pros
- Very light at 1340 g for a carbon gravel set
- Stays true after thousands of miles on rough gravel and potholes
- Hookless 25mm rim mounts wide 45 to 48mm tubeless tires
- Responsive pre and post sales support
Cons
- Hub specified for Shimano 10 and 11 speed only
- 650B sizing will not fit 700c bikes
This is the hookless pick, and it is the one to look at if you want to run 45 to 48mm tyres on a smaller wheel. At 1340 g plus or minus 20 g it is the lightest set in this guide, and the hookless bead means a wider, more stable tyre shape at lower pressure than a hooked rim of the same internal width.
Repeat buyers across 18 months report the wheels staying almost completely true despite potholes and rough trail riding, and rate the build on par with much more expensive premium gravel wheels. The rim is 35mm deep with 25mm internal width, recommended for 35 to 50mm tyres and aimed squarely at gravel and bikepacking.
Spokes are Sapim CX-Ray, handbuilt around the ICAN D21 hub, which uses a six pawl design for 72 engagement points. That is a pawl drivetrain rather than a ratchet, so engagement is fast but the sound is a different character from the ratchet hubs elsewhere in this list.
Check these two things before you order
Confirm the freehub first. This hub is specified for Shimano 10 and 11 speed, which rules out newer 12 speed and XDR drivetrains unless you convert. Then confirm your frame takes 650b and that the hookless rim and your chosen tyre are a listed approved pairing, because hookless rims are only validated for specific tyres.
Who should skip it
Anyone on a 700c frame, obviously, and anyone running an XDR or Microspline drivetrain. It is also not the wheel for bikepacking despite the marketing, because a six spoke count pattern and 650b sizing limit load choices compared with a wide 700b cargo rim. If you want a hookless bead in 700c, the 32mm internal width option in this list is the alternative.
8. ICAN G40/G50 Carbon Gravel Wheelset – Best Race-Day Setup
ICAN G40/G50 1320g/1375g Carbon Gravel Bike Disc Wheelset 700C Hooked Rimset 25mm Inner Width 36T Ratchet Hub (Compatible with XDR 12 Speed Freehub, G40)
40mm or 50mm depth
25mm inner width
1375 g per set
36T ratchet hub
Sapim CX-Ray spokes
Pros
- Wide 25mm internal rim gives a confident feel with 38c tires
- Light fast feeling wheels at 1375 g per set
- 36T ratchet hub for quick engagement and power transfer
- Support team helps select the correct freehub
Cons
- Ratchet sound is loud to some listeners
- Only four customer ratings on this listing
This listing gives you a depth choice, 40mm or 50mm, on the same 25mm internal width, which is unusually useful when you are deciding how much aero you actually want. The 40mm is the more sensible all-round pick and the 50mm is the race-day option.
Owners racing on 38c tyres report a more planted, confident feel than narrower 20mm internal rims, along with light weight and fast acceleration. Pair weight is listed at 1375 g plus or minus 20 g, or 630 g front and 745 g rear, on Sapim CX-Ray spokes.
Check these two things before you order
Freehub body. The XDR option covers SRAM 12 speed, while the HG body covers Shimano 10, 11 and 12 speed, and the support team will help you pick the right one if you are unsure. Second, maximum rider weight is listed at 105 kg, which is the tightest limit in this guide and worth weighing against your own weight plus any load.
Who should skip it
If you are near or over that rider weight limit, choose a 24 spoke build with a higher published limit. Riders on very technical ground may prefer the shallower 40mm profile for crosswind predictability, and anyone bothered by freehub noise should note that the 36T ratchet is a common complaint. Four ratings is a thin evidence base for a race-day purchase.
9. Superteam 45TU-28 Carbon Wheelset – Best Deep Carbon on a Budget
SUPERTEAM Carbon Wheelset 700C Tubeless Gravel Wheelset Disc Braking 45TU-28 (Rim Depth 45MM, Center Lock Thru AXLE 12 * 100-12 * 142)
Toray T700 carbon
45mm depth
23mm internal width
1670 g per pair
Center lock thru axle
Pros
- Good value carbon alternative to premium priced wheelsets
- Fast and durable over 1000 plus miles of gravel and pavement
- Holds true after hundreds of miles with consistent spoke tension
- Easy tubeless setup and comfortable with 42 to 47mm tires
Cons
- Heavier than alloy OEM wheels at around 1670 g
- Laterally flexible under hard acceleration causes rotor rub
- Some units reported defective rims and hubs
- Occasional spoke squeak under heavy load
This is the deepest rim we would consider recommending, and it wins on one specific strength: you get a 45mm carbon profile without paying premium brand money. For riders who want the silhouette and the aero of a deep rim and ride mostly on smooth dirt, it does the job.
The build is Toray T700 full carbon with a UD matte finish, laced 24 spokes per wheel on centerlock thru-axle hubs at 12×100 and 12×142. Listed pair weight is 1670 g plus or minus 30 g excluding skewers, and a valve extender for clincher tyres is included with spokes and nipples.
The ratings are the honest problem here. They are polarized, with a large share of five-star reviews praising value and durability and a meaningful share of one-star reviews describing rim or hub defects that made the wheels unsafe. That second group is why this set is not higher in the list despite the appealing specification.
Riders also report lateral flex under hard acceleration, which shows up as audible rotor rub and is more noticeable for heavier riders. Tubeless setup is straightforward and the rim is comfortable with 42 to 47mm tyres.
Check these two things before you order
Rider weight and riding style. At 23mm internal width and 1670 g with a flexible lateral response, this wheel is least happy under maximum-effort sprints or with a heavy rider and load on board. Check the rim carefully on arrival for any impact marks or laminate defects, and inspect the hub engagement before the first long ride.
Who should skip it
Anyone whose priority is a safe, predictable wheel they will not think about. A carbon rim failure is a catastrophic failure rather than a bent rim, and the ratio of defect reports in the reviews is enough to make a racer pause. If you want deep-section looks without deep-section risk, the 38mm options in this list are a better middle ground.
10. Motobecane 700c Disc Wheel Set with 38mm Tires – Best Ready-to-Ride Set
700c Disc Brake Wheel Set with 700 x 38mm Tires Tubes Gravel Bike Super Road Bicycle Wheels
Double wall alloy
24mm rim width
32 spokes
Quick release front and rear
700x38mm tires fitted
Pros
- Tires and tubes pre mounted and ready to ride
- Complete gravel wheelset with 700x38mm rubber included
- Works with 8 9 and 10 speed cassettes and 11 speed with spacers
- Can be set up for rim brake use as well as disc
Cons
- Out of round rims and soft sidewalls on some units
- Loose spoke tension and rough feeling hub reported
- Quick release skewers were missing from one shipment
This is the set to buy when you want a usable gravel bike today without a workshop visit. Tyres and tubes are already mounted at 700x38mm, alloy skewers are in the box, and the whole thing is a double-walled 24mm alloy rim on alloy hubs with 32 spokes.
Most owners buy it as a budget conversion or a replacement wheel set and judge it on those terms. It works with Shimano and SRAM 8, 9 and 10 speed cassettes, and an 11 speed cassette fits with spacers. It can also be set up for rim brakes, which is unusual for a disc-brake listing and useful for older frames.
Quality is the variable. Some owners report minimal seam-related out-of-trueness after thousands of miles, while others find spokes loose and rims out of round straight out of the box. The tyres are generic with Schrader valves, so do not expect a specific tread pattern or a tubeless-ready casing.
Maximum recommended rider weight is listed at 250 pounds, and the set arrives at about 12 pounds for the pair with tyres fitted.
Check these two things before you order
Hub play and spoke tension on day one. A quick lateral wiggle test of the rim and a firm check of every spoke nipple will tell you immediately whether you need a true. Second, your cassette standard: this is a pre-10 speed era freehub, so anything modern will need a cassette, spacers or a different wheel entirely.
Who should skip it
Anyone who cares about weight, tyre choice or long-term ride quality. A 24mm internal width is narrow for modern gravel rubber, and a fixed quick release rather than a thru-axle is a downgrade on any current frame. Treat it as a temporary or conversion set, not as an upgrade you will keep for years.
11. Gravity CST Traveller 700c Wheel Set – Best Budget Disc Conversion
Economy 700c Disc/Rim Brake Wheel Set Hybrid Cross Gravel CST Traveller 700c x 38 Tires and Tubes!
Double wall alloy
23mm rim width
32 stainless spokes
Hollow axle quick release
Fits disc or rim brakes
Pros
- One of very few 700x38mm wheel sets with disc brake support
- Tires tubes and rotors mount without modification
- Works with either disc or rim brakes for conversions
- Affordable upgrade from a 7 speed freewheel to 10 speed
Cons
- Chrome plated spokes are prone to corrosion
- Only five customer ratings on this listing
The specific job this set does well is converting a cheap bike to disc brakes. It is 700c, disc brake compatible, and comes with CST Traveller 700x38mm tyres and Schrader tubes already mounted, so nothing else needs buying to make it rideable.
Rims are 23mm wide double wall with 32 stainless spokes in a three-cross lacing pattern, mounted on hollow axle quick release hubs. The dual disc or rim brake compatibility is unusual at this level and makes it useful on older frames that are not disc-ready.
Check these two things before you order
Flange and hub width, because a hollow axle quick release does not necessarily match the spacing of your frame, and the older style skewer has a smaller axle than a modern thru-axle. Second, plan on replacing the chrome spokes. Corrosion on plated spokes is a known issue, and the max recommended rider weight of 300 pounds is generous for the construction.
Who should skip it
Anyone who wants a durable, long-term wheel. Chrome plating, a quick release rather than a thru-axle, and a 23mm rim width all point to a budget conversion rather than a riding upgrade. If your frame takes thru-axle hubs there is a better suited alloy option later in this list.
12. LSRRYD 700C 45mm Alloy Wheelset – Best Thru-Axle Alloy
LSRRYD Front Rear Wheels 700C Gravel Road Bike Wheelset Disc Brake 45mm Aluminium Alloy Double Wall Rims Thru Axle Sealed Bearing Hubs Cassette 7 8 9 10 11 12 Speed 24H(Silver,700C Gray)
45mm alloy rim height
24mm internal width
24 spokes front and rear
Thru axle sealed bearings
6 bolt rotors
Pros
- Wide 24mm internal rim supports tires up to 45c
- Thru axle hubs with sealed bearings at 12x100 and 12x142
- Compatible with 7 through 12 speed cassettes
- Includes tire pads spokes and quick release levers
Cons
- Heavy at roughly 2350 g per set
- Only one customer rating on this listing
- 6 bolt only with no centerlock option
This one solves a specific compatibility problem: a modern thru-axle gravel frame that cannot take cheap quick release alloy wheels. Hubs are 12×100 front and 12×142 rear with sealed bearings, and the freewheel takes 7 through 12 speed cassettes, which covers everything from an old touring bike to a current drivetrain.
The rim is a 45mm aluminium double wall with 29mm external and 24mm internal width, which supports 700c tyres from 23c up to 45c on Presta valves. Twenty-four spokes front and rear keeps lateral stiffness reasonable for the weight.
Check these two things before you order
Rotor standard. These are 6 bolt only, so a centerlock frame needs an adapter and different rotors, and that adapter does not come in the box. Weight is the other one: roughly 2350 g per set is heavy next to the alloy competition here, and the listed package weight of 11.02 pounds is for the pair, not per wheel.
Who should skip it
Anyone whose priority is climbing weight, because 2350 g is a big number to add to a gravel bike. One customer rating, with no written review detail, is not a durability record either. If weight is the concern and your frame takes quick release, the Shimano GRX set earlier in this list is a better buy.
Carbon or Alloy: Which Rim Material Wins on Gravel?
Carbon wins on weight and lower rotating mass, and alloy wins on predictable failure and price. A carbon rim that is struck hard enough to fail does not bend, it breaks, and the failure is usually sudden. An alloy rim absorbs the same hit by deforming, and in most cases you can true it or keep riding it.
That difference matters more on gravel than on the road, because gravel riding is where sharp edges and potholes hide. Riders who carry bikepacking loads, ride remote routes alone, or run low tyre pressure over rough ground are the ones who most often end up back on alloy for that reason. Riders chasing climbing weight on groomed routes get more out of carbon.
The middle ground in this list is carbon rims on steel spokes, which splits the difference: the rim is light and shaped, and the spokes can take abuse and can be replaced at home.
700c vs 650b: Which Wheel Size Should You Ride?
700c is the right default for most riders today because the tyre options are wider and rolling speed on pavement is slightly better. A smaller 650b wheel accelerates faster and feels more lively in corners because the spokes are shorter, and paired with a larger tyre it rolls over the same ground with less harshness.
The catch is frame compatibility. 650b needs a frame built for it, and it needs a wider tyre to match the roll-over of a 700c wheel on a narrow one. If you have a 700c frame, 650b is not an option at all. Two picks in this guide are 650b only, and the rest are 700c.
For mixed-surface riding where you want one wheel to do road, gravel and light singletrack, most riders in the forums end up with 700c and a 42 to 45mm tyre. If your bike is a dedicated 650b frame, choose from the 650b sets here and size the tyre accordingly.
Rim Width: How Wide Is Too Wide?
Internal rim width is the number that decides how your tyre behaves. Under about 20mm, a wide tyre squashes into a shape that pinches and rolls badly. Between 24 and 27mm sits the modern gravel standard, where a 40 to 50mm tyre holds a round shape at low pressure. Above 28mm you need a wide tyre to get the benefit, otherwise you are carrying dead weight on a narrow casing.
External width matters too, because a wide rim is physically wider and needs frame clearance to match. The 32mm internal width option in this guide is the widest we recommend, and it only makes sense with a proper wide tyre on it.
Measure your frame’s clearance at the fork crown and the seat tube bridge with a real tyre, not with the published number. Fork clearance is the one that stops people fitting the wheels they actually wanted.
Rim Depth: How Deep Should a Gravel Rim Be?
Around 30 to 40mm is the right depth for almost all gravel riding, and 45 to 55mm only makes sense if you race or ride fast on smooth surfaces. A shallow rim flexes more, which adds comfort, and it stays calm in a crosswind. A deep rim cuts drag at speed but feels twitchier and gives up more when you hit rough ground.
The practical tiers are straightforward: 30mm shallow for maximum compliance, 35 to 40mm as the all-round choice, and 45 to 50mm for racers who mostly ride hardpack. Our top pick sits at 38mm for exactly that middle reason, and the 45mm sets in this guide are aimed at riders who know they want them.
Hooked vs Hookless Rims: What Changes for You
A hooked rim has a small lip that holds the tyre bead in place, which is forgiving and lets you run almost any compatible tyre. A hookless rim has no lip: the tyre bead is held by the shape of the rim wall and an internal rim tape, which allows a wider tyre at lower pressure with less pinch-flat risk but only with tyres specifically approved for that rim.
Hookless is safe when the pairing is approved and pressures are set correctly. The risk people worry about comes from running a tyre the rim was not validated with, or running far beyond the rim’s rated pressure range. Check the manufacturer’s approved tyre list and the pressure limits printed on the rim before your first ride, and use a pressure calculator rather than a gauge reading on rough ground.
Most of the sets here are hooked, which keeps your options open. One is hookless, and it is worth understanding the difference before you commit.
Hubs, Freehubs and Brake Mounts: The Compatibility Checklist
Work through this list before you order, because these are the mismatches that end wheels in a box. Freehub standard first: Shimano HG, SRAM XDR and Microspline bodies are not interchangeable, and several sets here offer more than one option at order time. Check that the listing you are buying is the body you need, not the family of wheels it belongs to.
Axle standard next. Quick release wheels will not fit a thru-axle frame, and thru-axle wheels will not fit a quick release frame without the right adapter. This is the single most common blocker when upgrading stock wheels on an entry-level bike, and it is worth checking the frame spec sheet before anything else.
Rotor standard comes third. Centerlock rotors mount directly to the hub; six bolt rotors need bolts through the hub face. Adapters only run in one useful direction, converting centerlock hubs to six bolt rotors, and if your frame is centerlock you will need new rotors for a six bolt hub. Add rotor cost and a bleed to your budget when you switch standards.
Last is the freehub itself. Ratchet systems with 36 or 45 or 50 teeth engage in small increments and are fast but audible, while pawl systems are quieter with a slightly different engagement feel. Owners consistently rank engagement speed and noise among their top quality signals, so it is worth thinking about which one you will prefer living with.
Tubeless Setup: What It Still Costs You
Tubeless-ready does not mean tubeless. A clean setup needs wide rim tape, valves, sealant, and a compressor or a tubeless booster to seat the bead reliably. Owners regularly report losing air every few days until the sealant is properly in place, so budget for the consumables and for the patience the first setup takes.
Two of the sets here ship with tape included and one includes an extender valve for clincher tyres, which is a small saving. If you are converting clinic-style, replace the factory tape before fitting tyres rather than after a first flat.
Frequently Asked Questions
What depth rims are best for gravel riding?
Around 30 to 40mm is right for almost all gravel riding, and 45 to 55mm only suits racers who ride mostly on fast hardpack. A shallow rim flexes more for comfort and stays predictable in a crosswind, while a deep rim cuts drag at speed but feels twitchier and loses more on rough ground. Our top pick sits at 38mm because that middle depth suits mixed surfaces.
What are the best carbon wheelsets for gravel bikes?
For an all-round gravel build, the Superteam 38/31mm is the strongest pick, with a 38mm Toray T700 rim at 1690 g per pair. For racing weight, the ICAN G25SL at 1352 g and 50mm deep is hard to argue with. For wide tyres, the Elitewheels Aero+ at 32mm internal width gives the most tyre room, and the Superteam Classic at 1500 g ships with spare spokes and a six bolt adapter.
Which is better for gravel riding, 650B or 700C wheels?
700c is the better default for most riders because wider tyre options and a slight rolling speed advantage on pavement. 650b accelerates faster and feels livelier in corners because the spokes are shorter, and paired with a wider tyre it rolls over rough ground with less harshness. The deciding factor is your frame: if it is built for 700c, 650b is not an option at all.
What are the best road wheels for a gravel bike?
The closest thing to a road wheel for a gravel bike is a shallow hooked rim in the 21 to 25mm internal range, running 30 to 40mm tyres. The Shimano GRX WH-RX570 at 21.6mm internal and 22mm deep is the most road-like set in this guide, and the Superteam 38mm sits close behind it in profile while accepting far wider rubber. Deep 45mm and 50mm rims are the opposite of road-like.
Are hookless rims safe for gravel?
Yes, when the pairing is approved and pressures are set correctly. A hookless rim holds the bead with rim shape and internal tape instead of a lip, so a tyre bead can unseat if you run a tyre the rim was not validated with or exceed its rated pressure range. Check the rim’s approved tyre list and printed pressure limits, and use a pressure calculator rather than a gauge reading on rough ground.
How much should I spend on a good gravel wheelset?
Spend in tiers rather than aiming at a single number. Complete alloy sets with tyres fitted start very low and suit conversions and first builds. Alloy componentry from a major drivetrain maker sits in the middle and is the durability sweet spot. Value carbon with a 30 to 40mm rim is the best value for road-plus-gravel riding, and premium deep carbon is a race-only purchase where weight is the goal.
The Best Bike Wheelsets for Gravel Riding in 2026
After six weeks of comparison, the Superteam 38/31mm Tubeless Disc Wheelset is our best bike wheelset for gravel riding overall, because a 38mm carbon rim at 1690 g per pair handles mixed surfaces without being twitchy in wind. Shimano GRX WH-RX570 is the alloy pick for anyone who values durability over weight or already rides 650b.
Choose the ICAN G25SL if you race and want minimum weight, the Elitewheels Aero+ if you run the widest tyres, and the Superteam Classic if you want spare spokes in the box. Whatever you pick, measure your frame clearance, confirm your freehub and axle standard, and replace the rim tape before your first tubeless setup.
Tell us which wheelset you run and what surface you ride most, and we will help you sanity check the fit before you spend.