The gravel biking category is quite diverse, with different interpretations. Some riders prefer to ride on rural roads and lanes that are filled with mud and potholes, while others participate in races that span across continents, carrying all their necessary equipment on their bikes for multiple days. These varying styles of riding demand different bikes and components, which is why it's crucial to find the right wheels that match your budget and gravel riding preferences. If you're planning to compete in events and races on your gravel bike, you may want to consider upgrading to a stiffer and more aerodynamic wheelset that can offer you some performance advantages in competition.
What size gravel wheelset do I need?
This decision should be based on the specifications of your frame. If your frame can only accommodate either 700c or 650b wheels, then you have to stick with the one that works for your frame. However, many frames now offer the option to run either size, so which one would be the right choice for you?
In general, 650b wheels can handle wider tires than the larger 700c size, with a slight compromise in rollover (how easily the wheel rolls over bumps).
If you prefer fast riding on narrower tires, especially with tarmac sections, then a 700c wheel would be the right choice. However, for rougher adventures, we would recommend you opt for 650b. Smaller wheels are also stronger, so if you are worried about strength for a loaded tour, then perhaps opt for the smaller size, too.
It's worth noting that in recent years, there have been fewer 650b tires available in the market, which may indicate that 700c is becoming the standard. Therefore, if you want to be future-proof, we suggest going with 700c.
For assistance in selecting the right bike size, please refer to The Bike Size Guide.
How important is rim width for gravel wheels?
When you're looking to buy wheels, it's important to pay attention to the internal rim width. This factor affects the overall profile of your tire. Wider rims can provide more support in the corners by straightening the sidewalls, but they may also cause a slight increase in drag. Traditional road rims usually have an internal diameter of 16 to 19mm, while gravel or wide road rims can be as wide as 25mm. You should avoid stretching a tire too far, as it can affect the profile and shape, which may impact more than just the tread pattern.
Centre-lock or six-bolt rotors?
When choosing the right wheels for your gravel bike, it's important to consider the disc brake rotors that are already installed on your bike. Most gravel bike groupsets come with centre-lock rotors, which are commonly found in wheels too. However, it's worth knowing the difference between centre-lock and six-bolt systems.
A centre-lock system uses a single lockring to attach the disc to the hub of the wheel. This is the same type of lockring that holds your cassette to the freehub in most cases. It's a simpler system and allows for a lighter hub, but the rotors themselves are generally heavier. If you need to remove the cassette or rotors, you can use the same lockring tool.
The six-bolt mounting system, on the other hand, uses six T25 Torx bolts to mount the rotor to the hub shell. This system has been around for a few decades.
However, neither system is significantly better than the other. Therefore, it's best to stick with the type of rotors that you already have on your bike. This way, you don't have to purchase a new pair of compatible rotors. You can also buy adaptors to work around any potential compatibility issues.
Is carbon better than alloy for gravel wheels?
Gravel bike wheels can be made of either carbon or aluminum. While many riders aim to ride with carbon wheels, it's worth noting that aluminum wheels provide more value for your money, which can be the deciding factor for some. The advantages of carbon wheels are that they usually have the best strength-to-weight ratio, and if you're willing to pay a premium price, they can offer better aerodynamic performance.
ICAN is now providing carbon fiber wheelsets that are not only cost-effective but also of superior quality. Additionally, they offer exceptional after-sales service to ensure customer satisfaction.
Should I go tubeless?
The latest advancements in tubeless tire technology have been warmly welcomed by gravel riders. Most modern wheelsets are tubeless compatible and sometimes come with pre-installed valves and tape, making it easier to save weight and run lower tire pressures for a more comfortable ride without the risk of pinch flats.
However, setting up the wheel and tire can be a bit more complicated initially. But, once set up, it's almost a fit-and-forget system. Just don't forget to check the level and condition of your sealant every six months as per the instructions.