Gravel on Road Wheels
 

I'm running about 208 as we enter "gravel season" in Northeast Oklahoma, and I've done a pretty complete rebuild of my 2018 Specialized Diverge with an aluminum frame. I used to use this bike as both road and gravel with two separate wheelsets, but I've since gone back to real road bike, so I found myself considering two wheelsets to use for gravel this year.

1. The stock "Axis Elite Disc" wheels have always felt sluggish to me.
2. The road wheels that came with the bike aren't exactly delicate, they're DT Swiss R24s.

Here is the bike as built last weekend, taken on a shakedown ride on Sunday:
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...cee0024a81.jpg
So, I have two questions about using these wheels for gravel:
1. Are they strong enough to manage pretty diverse gravel rides? They have 24 bladed spokes.
2. Are they wide enough for these tires? The internal width of the rims is 18mm, and the tires pictured are 37mm WTB Riddlers that measure about 37 on the rims.

And, yes, that is a Sensah SRX groupset on there. I couldn't help but try it at the price. I quickly realized I don't like 1x11 on the road (running 42 x 11-42) because the jumps are just too big. On gravel, though (running 42 x 11-46), I was really pleased. We'll see how it holds up, though.

At 208 lbs., the answer to question #1 should be yes, unless you are attempting to land jumps best left to MTBs.

As for question #2, also yes. See Tire & Rim Fit Chart – WTB.

Those are some long valve stems; do they double as Bluetooth antennas? :rolleyes:

Thanks for the feedback. They have felt great so far with this setup.
And, yeah, the stems are so long it's awkward to use them. But they were what was in stock at the nearest LBS the day I needed them.

1. I wouldn't go with 24 spoke on a gravel bike though I'm sure there's plenty who do. A 28 or 32 spoke will offer more strength and compliance over the same terrain.
2. Sure, its less than the modern view of ideal and your tire will take on a slight lightbulb shape but it will work fine. Considering old mtb rims were 18mm internal with 50mm equivalent tires (1.95), there shouldn't be a problem with 37mm.

I've been considering a sensah group to toss on a frameset just to have a spare bike to ride. Nothing wrong if it works.

[QUOTE=Russ Roth;23028895. I've been considering a sensah group to toss on a frameset just to have a spare bike to ride. Nothing wrong if it works.[/QUOTE]

I've got a couple good gravel events in the coming weeks and will report back on the wheels and the Sensah.

I have a set similar on a Trek 920 that has seen thousands of off road miles although I use a different tire (that is slightly too wide). As far as your title of gravel on road wheels I don't shy away even on my pure road bikes. Being said the one in the picture only will see well traveled gravel roads and nothing harsher. I am around 230-235# these days.
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...9505fb41dc.jpg