FlashBazbo

I've been considering a set of carbon clinchers for my gravel bike but, first, I'm curious about experiences others might have. I spend a lot of time climbing sketchy paved and gravel roads up the sides of Tennessee mountains (hence, the desire for carbon), but I'm concerned that they won't hold up to higher speed creek bottom descents that have a lot of big rock to deal with (like you see in Dirty Kanza).

Is anyone using carbon clinchers on your gravel bike? Do you have any experience with them on DK-style, bone-rattling rocky descents? Is there anything to worry about here?

shoota 

You could skip carbon altogether. I love these wheels.

https://amclassic.com/index.php/wheels/29-race.html

FlashBazbo

I rode Dirty Kanza on a set of American Classics a couple years ago. They were sturdy. They were round. They were BOMB proof. They were slightly lighter than a set of cast iron wheels. (Their weight claims are more than slightly optimistic.) The amclassics are part of my inspiration for going to carbon.

But thanks for the recommendation. The spec sheet makes them look very good. (A 32-spoke wheelset weighing in at 1459g? What's not to like? Except that mine weren't within shouting distance on the high side of 1600g.)

shoota 

Well mine are right on so dunno.

ksryder

I mean, I know some of my buddies have ridden DK on all carbon everything but I couldn't tell you any specifics. Other than they didn't asplode.

TimothyH

I own American Classic 29" MTB Race wheels. They are now sold under the name 29"/700c Race, probably a reflection of the fact that so many are riding these with road components on gravel bikes.

They are high end wheels, within 40 grams of ENVE AR 4.5 Disk which I considered for my gravel build. There are many riding the ENVE carbon wheels including some who post here regularly but I could not justify paying $2000 more for the ENVE carbon.

Werkin

My experience is with Derby Rims; nothing to worry about here.