Gravel Wheelset

[BrianO]

HI all,
I'm thinking of building a Gravel bike next, with 140 disc brakes, probably 700c, for a 38mm to 42mm tyre and 12mm thru axles.
Can anyone recommend some options? Maybe a 1) Carbon and/or 2) Alloy?

[carbonazza]

Here's an option:
You can build a gravel wheelset with light(~300g) carbon XC 29er rims.
Better hookless if you plan to stay below 4bar/60psi.
As long as you use any 700c tires compatible with hookless rims( mainly not Continental that for obscure reasons say no ).

My 3y old wheelset has the Novatec 411/412 hubs, and SAPIM CX-ray.
For a very reasonable price you get a ~1100g wheelset.

Maxxis Rambler and Ravager tires are great on them.

[svanimpe]

I'm using the Light Carbon gravel wheels (with DT Swiss 350 hubs) and am very happy with them.

[bxcc]

Are you willing to build your own or buy some of the components and have someone else build them? Nextie has some "last stock" rims for good prices right now on eBay. I just got a pair of 22mm inner width 28 hole 29er / 700c rims for $209 shipped.

If you don't need pre-built wheels and are okay with 24 hole, this is a nice set for $249 that should fit your desired tire size nicely.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/SALE-Gravel-30mm-width-30mm-Depth-700C-Carbon-Fiber-Bicycle-Rim-CLINCHER-1PAIR/273244542884?hash=item3f9ea4d7a4:g:SSEAAOSwfR5gBqL3

[noodleshop]

Here's an option:
You can build a gravel wheelset with light(~300g) carbon XC 29er rims.
Better hookless if you plan to stay below 4bar/60psi.
As long as you use any 700c tires compatible with hookless rims( mainly not Continental that for obscure reasons say no ).

My 3y old wheelset has the Novatec 411/412 hubs, and SAPIM CX-ray.
For a very reasonable price you get a ~1100g wheelset.

Maxxis Rambler and Ravager tires are great on them.

Hey Carbonazza, could you elaborate on this? I'm looking to build up an 29er XC wheelset, this sounds like an exciting proposition. Where can I order such a wheelset? Thanks!

[Liter]

Interested too, how narrow does the rims have to be to work with gravel tires?

Here's an option:
You can build a gravel wheelset with light(~300g) carbon XC 29er rims.
Better hookless if you plan to stay below 4bar/60psi.
As long as you use any 700c tires compatible with hookless rims( mainly not Continental that for obscure reasons say no ).

My 3y old wheelset has the Novatec 411/412 hubs, and SAPIM CX-ray.
For a very reasonable price you get a ~1100g wheelset.

Maxxis Rambler and Ravager tires are great on them.

[adriaanm]

I run 22.7mm inner width rims with 40mm tires. Wheel build details: https://chinertown.com/index.php/topic,3163.0.html

[sophi4]

Check out November Bicycles. You could go with the All Road 50 for a wider and deeper rim that is also gravel safe but solid on the road. You could also go with the Cafe Racer 46 for a more road dedicated wheel. Both setups are tubeless ready, but accommodate tubes. Both are very reasonably priced for carbon rims.
November can also hook you up with any customization that you may need and you have a decently broad choice of hubs to choose from. I believe that these rims are manufactured in Asia, but then assembled by November Bicycles in Rhode Island. They have a solid blog and they are very responsive to emails and inquiries.