Back to Buyer’s Guide2026 gravel wheels bg (Image Credit: Farrelly Atkinson)Thu, May 14, 2026 13:130This article contains links to retailers. Purchases made after clicking on those links may help support road.cc by earning us a commission but all of our reviews are fully independent. Find out more about road.cc buyer’s guides.For many, a fresh set of gravel wheels can revolutionise your gravel bike’s handling. With gravel going bigger and wider, while throwing aero features into the mix, there’s an awful lot to consider before dropping the cash on fresh hoops. Here are the very best we’ve tested to make buying your next set simple.Why upgrade your gravel wheels?On any type of bike, a wheel upgrade can bring some real performance gains. If you’ve bought a more affordable bike, posher wheels will, at the very least, shed some weight compared to your existing hoops, which will help make your bike more efficient to pedal, while bringing livelier handling into the mix.However, as gravel is still growing at an incredible pace, the technology is advancing just as quickly. Now, aero dynamic features are becoming mighty common with flat-bladed spokes and deep rim sections claiming to slice through the air like a hot knife through butter. If you’re looking to reduce your watts while pedalling at speed, picking a pair of aero rims will do exactly that.On top of that, gravel tyres are benefiting from a bit of mountain bike inspiration by getting fatter. While you can throw on a set of 50mm tyres onto a narrow rim, you won’t be making the most of the performance on offer, so upgrading to rims with a wider internal width will deliver better support for those wider tyres, as well as better pinch flat resistance.Aero or regular?With the UCI recognising gravel and encouraging some pretty strong racing, there are loads of wheels popping up on the market filled with claims of improved aerodynamic efficiency. As mentioned before, these types of deep-section wheels help reduce the physical power needed to hold higher speeds by slipping through the air, rather than pushing against it as you pedal, creating drag.If that sounds like a benefit to you, it’s well worth investigating. However, as aerodynamic rims are deeper, they’re often stiffer, so if you’re up for adventuring over all kinds of terrain, they may not offer the heights of comfort that’ll definitely be useful during several days out in the wilderness.Wheels shaped with a more regular design can offer more in the compliance department. This will boost a rim’s ability to deflect and conform while rattling over choppy terrain, and reduce the amount of feedback and vibration that’ll be transmitted to your body. With that in mind, you’ll be able to ride for longer without becoming uncomfortable.What you need to know before buying new gravel wheelsAlthough wheel standards are becoming pretty… standard, there are a few things to consider before spending loads of money on a new wheelset. First off, you’ll need to make sure that your wheels fit your gravel bike. First up, check the types of axles you’re using and their dimensions and make sure that those measurements match those of your potential wheelset. Of course, there’s also the wheel’s size. Although 700c wheels are common, some gravel bikes roll on 650b wheels, and of course, there’s the burgeoning crop of 32″ bikes around, but let’s not open that can of worms.The second most important factor to check when buying new wheels is the freehub body you’re currently using. If you’re using a v SRAM drivetrain, you’ll likely be sorted with an XD, HD or XDR freehub body, whereas Shimano drivetrains usually run HD and Microspline bodies, depending on the level of drivetrain you’re equipped with. Campagnolo drivetrains then use ED or N3W freehub bodies, the latter of which is found on its 13-speed offerings.If you’re looking to widen your tyre size, you’ll be best served by a pair of wheels that are designed to support such tyres. Going too narrow will result in a very round tyre profile that won’t provide predictable support as you corner. Going too wide for your tyre choice can then boost the risk of pinch flats.Hunt 25 Carbon Gravel X-Wide (Image Credit: Farrelly Atkinson)Hunt 25 Carbon Gravel X-WideComfortableSharp and responsiveSpoke type and number of lengths usedSome riders might want a faster ratchet speedScoring an impressive four and a half stars, Hunt’s 25 Carbon Gravel X-Wide wheels made it into Matt’s Gear of the Year for 2025, which means they’re definitely not to be sniffed at. This wheelset is nothing short of modern with its 27mm internal width and build that’s primed for wider gravel rubber. With the H_Core reinforcement, these may well be some of the strongest gravel rims on the market, says Hunt.But Matt loved these for their weight, or lackthereof, strength, and response. He found them to be comfortable and appreciated the limited number of different spoke lengths, which makes replacing them simple. Though there’s just one downside – the freehub. It’s not as fast engaging is others, so if speedy engagement is something you’re after, these may not be your cup of tea.Read our review of Hunt 25 Carbon Gravel X-Wide WheelsetEre Research Tenaci GT25 wheelset (Image Credit: Farrelly Atkinson)Ere Research Tenaci GT25 wheelsetReliable and strong buildCompetitively pricedSlick, glossy looks36-tooth ratchet could be fasterNo tubeless valves includedComing in at £900 a set, Ere Research’s Tenaci GT 25 wheelset looks to be an affordable entry into the world of carbon gravel wheels. These benefit from a 26mm internal width, so they’re primed for wide gravel tyres up to 54mm in width. They then don 24 spokes each along with a 36t ratchet freehub.For the money, we reckon that this wheelset provides top-notch performance, balancing stiffness and compliance to deliver a responsive but comfortable ride. Although there are just 24 spokes on each wheel, they retained their tension throughout the test, and we’re fans of the high gloss finish. These wheels aren’t the lightest around, however, and we thought that the freehub engagement could be a little quicker.Read our review of Ere Research Tenaci GT25 wheelsetDT Swiss GRC 1100 Dicut wheelset (Image Credit: Farrelly Atkinson)DT Swiss GRC 1100 Dicut wheelsetImpressive stiffnessSolid and reliable wheel build qualityExpensiveInternal spoke nipplesNot the most comfortableDT Swiss’s GRC 1100 Dicut wheelset is all about speed. It achieves that through employing the brand’s fancy Aero+ design, which includes the interestingly shaped rim that bulges outwards to improve the flow of air around it. Upping the marginal aero gains is a set of flat-bladed spokes and a 36t ratchet freehub keeps the power flowing. These are then available in 700c and 650b sizes with the 50mm deep rimmed version in the 700c size, weighing 1,600g, on our scales.If it’s speed you’re after, this wheelset delivers. It’s fast, stiff, and reliable, but it prioritises speed over comfort, and the price may not be to the tastes of the average Joe.Read our review of DT Swiss GRC 1100 Dicut wheelsetParcours FKT gravel wheelset review (Image Credit: Farrelly Atkinson)Parcours FKT gravel wheelset reviewGood pricing27mm internal rim widthFast and compliantLacks brand cachet of rivalsThe Parcours FKT gravel wheelset is yet another to find its way into this round-up that leans towards aerodynamic gains. Behind these wheels is a whole load of sciency research that promises to help guide air in the best way possible, but as with many wheels like these, they get a 27mm internal rim width to support big tyres. There’s then a 47mm rim depth, and the wheelset weighs 1,500g. As for the freehub, that’s sorted with 44t and uses a ratchet configuration.Our tester found that there was a lot to like about the FKT wheels. They’re well priced, wide enough for modern tyres while blending speed with compliance. Downsides? Well, the Parcour brand may not be as alluring as those of bigger reputations.Read our review of Parcours FKT gravel wheelsetDT Swiss GR 1600 Spline wheelset (Image Credit: Farrelly Atkinson)DT Swiss GR 1600 Spline wheelsetStar ratchet freehubTyre installationStiffness and build qualityHeavier than some aluminium wheelsThere are cheaper wheelsOne of the most affordable wheelsets in this guide is DT Swiss’s GR 1600 Spline wheelset. Coming in at £539, it boasts an aluminium construction, but don’t let that fool you into thinking that they don’t pack performance. With 25mm rim profiles and a 24mm internal width, they’re still capable of seating good tyres, up to 55mm, in fact, when set up as tubeless, and even 69mm if you’re still loyal to tubes.During testing, we found these wheels to be plenty durable enough for all kinds of gravel, and they’re just about as stiff as any other aluminium wheel. Our tester found very little at fault here, but they’re not the lightest, and alloy wheels can be cheaper still.Read our review of DT Swiss GR 1600 Spline wheelsetEnve AG25 Gravel wheelset (Image Credit: Farrelly Atkinson)Enve AG25 Gravel wheelsetStrong, comfortable and lightEasy to set up tubeless with wide hookless rimEnve’s Incedential Damage Protection PolicyErm, just the pricedouble erm, freehub noiseSaid to be ‘one of the best gravel wheelsets currently available’ by our tester, the AG25 Gravel may be one of ENVE’s most ‘affordable’. These wheels benefit from a hookless rim architecture that allows for closer tolerance when built, which results in a more dependable tubeless interface. There are also wide lips to help reduce the chances of pinch flats. There’s then a rather low 21mm rim depth which has been designed to boost compliance and comfort, rather than go for all-out stiffness.During the test, we found these wheels to be strong and comfortable while being lightweight. Tubeless setup was straightforward, and the wheelset is covered by ENVE’s damage protection policy, which is always a plus in our books. But, while these wheels are cheap for ENVE, the price is still pretty high, and the freehub noise won’t suit everyone’s tastes.Read our review of Enve AG25 Gravel wheelsetSeido Acceleron gravel wheelset (Image Credit: Farrelly Atkinson)Seido Acceleron gravel wheelsetGood valueQuick, near-instant pickupA tangible difference in ride feelClincher rimsNarrow internal widthDifferences between the 700c and 650b options might be confusing to customersAlthough priced at £950, the Acceleron wheelset is Seido’s top-of-the-range offering, and it’s equipped with a fast-engaging 102t freehub. Available in 650b and 700c sizes, there are some differences in their measurements, but the 700c wheelset tested came with a 21mm internal width, and it uses the clincher interface.Our tester was a big fan of the freehub’s speedy engagement and its confidence-inspiring ride feel. However, we would prefer a wider internal width to play ball with wider tyresRead our review of Seido Acceleron gravel wheelsetReynolds Blacklabel G700 Pro wheelset (Image Credit: Farrelly Atkinson)Reynolds Blacklabel G700 Pro wheelsetIncredible low weightBrilliant Industry Nine hubsEasy tyre installationQuite expensiveReynolds is a big player in the carbon wheel game, and the Blacklabel G700 Pro sits atop its carbon wheel range. These hoops are kitted to the nines with fancy tech, including Industry Nine’s Torch hubs, asymmetric 26mm deep rims, and the tubeless straight side profile, finished with a 25mm internal width.The best bits are that these weigh a very respectable 1,340g, and the hubs are nothing short of excellent, thanks to their smooth bearings and distinctive buzz. These aren’t cheap wheels, but in this case, you’re paying for performance.Read our review of Reynolds Blacklabel G700 Pro wheelsetHalo Carbaura XCD 35mm Carbon (Image Credit: Farrelly Atkinson)Halo Carbaura XCD 35mm CarbonSolid reliabilityQuick engagement from the freehubEasy tubeless set upNot the lightest buildAt 35mm deep, the Halo Carbaura XCD Carbon Gravel wheels have an external width of 30mm, but more importantly, an internal width of 26mm, which makes them compatible with tyres from 28mm width up to 50mm. This allows you to run them as road wheels, too.We fitted some 32mm slick tyres for road use, and the shape of the tyre worked well with no stretching that kept the sidewalls where they should be. Their sweet spot, though, is for wider gravel tyres, of which Stu tried both 40mm and 45mm during his test.Read our review of Halo Carbaura XCD 35mm Carbon Gravel wheelSeido Geon gravel wheelset (Image Credit: Farrelly Atkinson)Seido Geon gravel wheelsetGood valueEasy to set up and comes with spare spokesStar ratchet hub24 spokes both front and rear might be not enough for some ridersThe Geon is Seido’s aluminium wheelset aimed at the racy end of the gravel spectrum, without costing the earth. Like the Acceleron wheels, these use a hooked cluncher rim design, but these are a little narrower, with a 23mm internal width. With 24 straight pull spokes at each wheel, joining the rims to the Seido hubs, there’s a 36t ratchet freehub. This wheelset is then available in 650b and 700c wheel sizes. But despite those narrower rims, they should support tyres of 30mm to 60mm in width.On the bike, we were impressed with the stiffness that the Geon set provides. Because of that, they’re rigid enough to remain responsive under pedalling loads while being reasonably comfortable. But with 24 spokes on each wheel, there’s something of a compromise to strength as the Geon wheels focus more towards weight savings. Saying that, we had no issues with durability during the test.Read our review of Seido Geon gravel wheelsetHelp us to bring you the best cycling contentIf you’ve enjoyed this article, then please consider subscribing to road.cc from as little as £1.99. Our mission is to bring you all the news that’s relevant to you as a cyclist, independent reviews, impartial buying advice and more. Your subscription will help us to do more.SubscribeLiam Merceroff.road.cc’s Managing Editor, Liam, is all about everything off-road cycling. Whether it’s riding enduro e-mountain bikes as quickly as his skills would allow, or more chilled gravel expeditions, if it’s on two wheels and on dirt, he’s happy. While he loves an aggressive trail mountain bike, he has a penchant for anything steel or with exotic frame materials. When not riding bikes, he’s tinkering with them to learn the ins and outs of what makes everything tick. He’s been contributing to the site for over six years now, and has worked his way up from freelancer to Staff Writer and Tech Editor to where he finds himself today, with hundreds of reviews of mountain and gravel bikes, and all kinds of parts and accessories under his belt.No Comments