Best wheel rim shape/profile and tires for gravel races in north-easten America

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LouisN
Posts: 3510
Joined: Mon Feb 19, 2007 3:44 am
Location: Canada

by LouisN

My older daughter started cycling 2 years ago. She now has adhered to the "gravel vibe" and joined a gravel race team.
Their calendar includes events in south eastern Quebec, and also NE USA.
She has an okay-ish bike, but with crappy wheels.
I want to build a good proper "performance" gravel wheelset, with performance tires.
What are your suggestions on rim profile, tire size/threads, brands ?
Thanks :beerchug: .
Louis :)

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apr46
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by apr46

If she is planning to go down to 32-33mm cross tires for some events, I think something like the Light Bicycle Wr50 or Wr38 are a good option depending on preffered depth. They also look great.

If these are solely for bigger (say 42mm+) tires i would get a shallow light rim. Something like the Light bicycle AR25 / XC924 (I think those are actually the same rim).

While you certainly could go fancy and have them built with Berd spokes or something, I think CX Rays with DT350 or 240exp would be better as a low maintenance high performance build.

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ultimobici
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by ultimobici

LouisN wrote:
Mon Mar 13, 2023 4:05 pm
My older daughter started cycling 2 years ago. She now has adhered to the "gravel vibe" and joined a gravel race team.
Their calendar includes events in south eastern Quebec, and also NE USA.
She has an okay-ish bike, but with crappy wheels.
I want to build a good proper "performance" gravel wheelset, with performance tires.
What are your suggestions on rim profile, tire size/threads, brands ?
Thanks :beerchug: .
Louis :)
How much does she weigh? What type of events will she be riding? Does she want to try cross?

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LouisN
Posts: 3510
Joined: Mon Feb 19, 2007 3:44 am
Location: Canada

by LouisN

She's 5'7'' 140 lbs. She got a pair of Bontrager (something) 37....
She will get a Trek Checkpoint ALR pig soon :?
Now looking for light gravel race tires mainly for "all terrain" hard packed.

Louis :)

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