johngwheeler

I currently use the original Giant PX2 wheels that came with my Giant TCX, now fitted with 40mm Clement X’Plor MSO tires.

These are very noticeably heavy when compared to my road wheel-set (Fulcrum Racing 5 with Conti GP4000SII) - the bike feels totally different (and quite sluggish) with the PX2s.

I’m not entirely sure how much of the effect is due to the larger tires, and how much might be caused by the weight of the PX2s (not published), and I’ve not weighed them without tubes,tires & brake rotors fitted, but I think they are fairly “chunky”.

I’m wondering if a lighter wheel set would make the bike feel a bit more sprightly with the fatter tires.

Can anyone recommend a reasonably light-weight wheelset (<1800g) for gravel riding that doesn’t break the bank? Preferably something that can be ordered world-wide without excessive shipping costs. I’m in Australia and often use the UK-based online stores which have free shipping.

The Fulcrums 5s are quite nice, but the rims only measure 17mm (inside) so may be a bit small for 40mm+ tires.

Thanks!

Metieval

the MSO on pavement will always feel sluggish, on dirt and gravel they don't feel sluggish.


as for the stock Px2, somewhere north of 2300 gram!! so <1800 will be a considerable weight drop for you!
No idea on recommendations, are places like wiggle/chainreaction decent for you guys or do they kill you on shipping?

johngwheeler

Wiggle, Chainreaction & ProbikeKit all have free shipping to Australia for above about $100 orders, so these are good options.

However, they don’t have a great variety of wide rim disk brake wheels - hence my question!

John

cobra_kai

I would recommend considering a set of hand built wheels from a good local builder if you know one. A wheelset consisting of bitex or novatec hubs, a rim in the $75-100 dollar range like Kinlin xr31, stans grail, pacenti forza, wtb kom, etc, and sapim laser spokes or equivalent should have parts cost around $400 and probably weigh around 1800 grams depending on spoke count. Depending on what the builder charges I wouldn't think your cost would be much over $600.

mstateglfr 

What is 'low-mid price' in actual dollars? It appears many here ride wheels that cost $800-1200, so $600-900 may be what they think you mean. Or is $250-400 more what you mean?
...all that is in USD.

fietsbob

Bike Shops get built wheels from their distributors, at good prices,, used on repairs.. for quick turnaround.

remember: lighter is more expensive..







....

chris406

I went with Mill City Cycle, he is a frequent helper on ridinggravelforum. You can look up Mill City Cycle on Facebook to contact.

I had him build me a set with Pacenti Forza, Bitex centerlock hubs, and CX ray spokes. Was about $700 with shipping, transaction was incredibly easy and he was very responsive and helpful. He can build a huge variety to fit your specific gravel needs.

Mine have been great, about half the total weight of my stock Alex rims and formula hubs and much, much better hubs. Put about 5,000 miles on them since I got them including DK200 and similar races, they are still in perfect shape.

TimothyH

What is your budget?

People can suggest wheels all day long but they will only be guessing until you put some numbers on what "break the bank" means to you.


-Tim-

Metieval

FWIW I've ridden my 60 TPI 40c MSO tires on Mavic Aksium one Disc with a 17 internal with no issue.

So If you are just rolling straight down gravel roads 17 internal is fine. I carved some 20 mph pavement intersections in town on the MSO's on the 17 internal wheels.

sure wider is better, but not necessary.

Aksiums, decent wheel but I can't recommend them, not at the MSRPing. Maybe as another persons new bike take off for $200, It's my go between bike, Usually has 30mm slicks on it. and I didn't want to invest very much into it.

point is you can roll 17 mm internal and road disc options brings MANY wheel choices to the market.