Choosing carbon wheels for a gravel bike balances weight, stability, and tire compatibility. The following wheelsets are designed to perform across mixed terrains, from fast open-gravel roads to demanding forest trails. Each option emphasizes tubeless readiness, Center Lock or thru-axle compatibility, and rim depths that suit different riding styles. The selections below reflect reliable builds used by gravel riders across the United States, offering solid performance, durability, and compatibility with common 700C setups.
| Product | Brand | Rim Depth | Inner Width | Hub Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Superteam 45TU-28 | Superteam | 45mm | Unknown | Center Lock Thru-Axle 12×100 / 12×142 |
| Superteam 38mm Gravel Wheelset | Superteam | 38mm | 31mm external / 24mm internal | Center Lock Thru-Axle 12×100 / 12×142 |
| ICAN G25 Carbon Gravel Wheelset | ICAN | 50mm | 25mm | Center Lock |
| ICAN G40/G50 Carbon Gravel Wheelset | ICAN | 40mm / 50mm | 25mm | Center Lock |
| Elitewheels SLT Gravel Wheelset | ELITEWHEELS | 35mm | 22mm | Center Lock |
Superteam 45mm Gravel Carbon Wheelset
Constructed from Toray T700c full carbon fiber, this wheelset is UCI-tested and weighs about 1670g±30g per pair (excluding skewers). The 45mm rim depth delivers balanced aerodynamics and stability on varied gravel surfaces, while tubeless compatibility supports modern tire setups. Center Lock hubs with 12x100mm front and 12x142mm rear thru-axles provide rigid braking performance and lateral stiffness. Suitable for 8/9/10/11-speed cassettes, it targets reliable, all-around gravel performance with a focus on durability and consistency.
Superteam 38mm Gravel Wheelset
This 38mm depth wheelset features a UD matte tubeless-ready rim built from carbon fiber (Toray T700). It uses a 31mm external width and 24mm interior width to support stable tire profiles, with a weight of 748g (front) and 892g (rear), totaling approximately 1640±50g. The 24/24 steel aero spokes offer corrosion resistance and consistent performance, with spokes calibrated to prevent yaw issues. Center Lock hubs paired with thru-axles 12x100mm front and 12x142mm rear provide a strong interface for a wide range of drivetrains, suitable for 8/9/10/11-speed setups.
ICAN G25 Carbon Gravel Wheelset
ICAN G25 offers a 50mm depth and a 25mm inner width for enhanced aerodynamics and tire stability on gravel and bikepacking routes. The wheelset pairs a Center Lock hub with 24/24 spoke holes and a D21 hub design featuring six pawls and 72 engagement points for responsive pickup. It uses a road HG freehub, supporting versatile drivetrain configurations. This combination aims to balance stiffness and weight for smooth performance across mixed-terrain adventures.
ICAN G40/G50 Carbon Gravel Wheelset
Available in 40mm or 50mm rim-depth options, this wheelset features a 25mm inner width designed for gravel and bikepacking. Weighing about 1320g (G40) or 1375g (G50), it uses Sapim CX-Ray spokes for aero efficiency and strength. The wheelset employs a 36T Ratchet Hub and Center Lock hubs, with compatibility for Road HG freehub configurations. The setup offers a strong balance of weight, stiffness, and braking performance suitable for varied gravel surfaces and long rides.
Elitewheels SLT Gravel Wheelset
ELITEWHEELS SLT Gravel Wheelset uses a 35mm depth with a 22mm inner width, designed to handle tires from 700x28C up to 700x50C. It is tubeless-ready, with CNC-drilled rim holes for consistent seating and tubeless setup. The 2:1 spoke weave enhances stiffness and stability, while the six-pawl hub ensures reliable engagement for quick acceleration and confident braking. The wheelset targets gravel riders seeking a robust, budget-conscious option without sacrificing core performance.
Buying Guide
Key Factors To Consider
- Rim depth: deeper rims lean aero and stability on open gravel, while shallower rims reduce weight and improve climbing feel.
- Inner and external width: wider rims support modern plus-size tires and improved profile shaping for grip and comfort.
- Tubeless readiness: tubeless setups reduce pinch flats and allow lower tire pressures for traction.
- Hub compatibility: Center Lock vs traditional 6-bolt; check your rotor and freehub compatibility with your drivetrain.
- Spoke count and material: more spokes add stiffness and durability; alloy spokes vs steel may affect weight and corrosion resistance.
- Weight vs durability: lighter wheels are faster but can be less forgiving on rough terrain; prioritize build quality and serviceability.
- Freehub type: Road HG vs other interfaces; confirm compatibility with your cassette and shifting setup.
- Maintenance and warranty: coil of service intervals, spoke tension checks, and brand support.
Practical Comparisons
- Superteam 45TU-28 emphasizes deeper aero performance and solid braking with Center Lock thru-axles; ideal for faster gravel rides.
- Superteam 38mm Gravel offers balanced depth, good all-around versatility, and strong value with a robust spoke configuration.
- ICAN G25 provides higher depth for aero gains and a broad freehub compatibility profile, suitable for bikepackers seeking stability.
- ICAN G40/G50 presents flexible depth options with aero spokes, blending weight efficiency and stiffness for varied terrain.
- Elitewheels SLT focuses on tubeless readiness, practical width, and reliable engagement on a budget-friendly platform.