When choosing carbon wheelsets for gravel riding, weight, stiffness, and reliability matter. This guide highlights five carbon gravel wheelsets that balance aerodynamics, durability, and price. Each option offers tubeless compatibility, hub options, and different depth profiles to suit varied terrain. Read on to compare performance cues and find a wheelset that fits your bike and riding style.
Summary table of chosen products:
| Product | Brand | Depth (mm) | Weight (g per pair) | Hub/Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Superteam 45TU-28 Wheelset | Superteam | 45 | 1670 ±30 | Center Lock Thru Axle 12×100–12×142; Tubeless; Toray T700c |
| ICAN G40/G50 Gravel Wheelset | ICAN | 40 / 50 | 1320 / 1375 | 36T Ratchet Hub; 25mm inner width; Road HG Freehub on G50 |
| Superteam 38mm Gravel Wheelset | Superteam | 38 | 1640 ±50 | Center Lock Hub; 24/24 steel aero spokes; 31mm external / 24mm internal width |
| ICAN G25 Gravel Wheelset (50mm) | ICAN | 50 | Varies | Center Lock; D21 hub, 6 pawls, 72 engagement; Road HG Freehub |
| ICAN G25 Gravel Wheelset (25mm Inner Width) | ICAN | 50 | Varies | Center Lock; 24/24 holes; XDR Freehub |
Superteam 45mm Gravel Wheelset
The Superteam wheelset uses Toray T700c full carbon fiber and is UCI tested. It weighs about 1670g ±30g per pair, excluding skewers, and features a 45mm rim depth designed to balance aerodynamics and stability on mixed terrain. The tubeless-ready design helps reduce flats and allows lower tire pressures for better traction. Compatibility with Center Lock thru-axle systems (12×100/12×142) makes it suitable for modern gravel builds that prioritize stiffness and braking performance.
With a center-lock hub setup and a robust all-carbon construction, these wheels target riders seeking reliable performance across gravel, dirt, and road sections. The 45mm profile provides a versatile blend of speed and grip, while the tubeless option supports a wider tire footprint. The wheelset is positioned to deliver consistent handling at speed on rough gravel, with a focus on longevity and straightforward maintenance in mixed conditions.
ICAN G40/G50 Gravel Wheelset
The ICAN G40/G50 wheelset offers two depth options, 40mm and 50mm, with a 25mm inner width designed for gravel and bikepacking. Depending on depth, the wheelset weighs 1320g (40mm) or 1375g (50mm) per pair. It uses a Sapim CX-Ray spoke design for aerodynamics and strength, contributing to stiffness and efficient power transfer. The 700C disc-brake setup supports modern gravel bikes, and the wheelset’s hub configuration includes a 36T ratchet hub with compatibility for Road HG Freehub on the G50 variant, expanding drivetrain compatibility across builds.
Designed for gravel riders who want a blend of efficiency and ruggedness, the G40/G50 pair balances weight and durability. The 25mm inner width complements a wide tire range, aiding comfort and traction on loose surfaces. Tubeless compatibility is a key feature here, helping to reduce rolling resistance and maintain grip over rough terrain without frequent inflations or flats.
Superteam 38mm Gravel Wheelset
This entry-level–or budget-conscious–wheelset from Superteam provides a practical option for gravel riders. It features a 38mm depth with a 31mm external and 24mm internal width and comes with tubeless-ready tires and a UD matte finish. The wheelset weighs about 1640g ±50g in total, with front and rear weights around 748g and 892g respectively. It uses 24/24 steel aero spokes, which offer good corrosion resistance and reliable performance in varied weather. The Center Lock hub and compatibility with 8–12 speed setups make it a versatile option for mixed drivetrain configurations.
Designed for riders seeking value without sacrificing carbon performance, these wheels emphasize comfort and durability. The 38mm depth strikes a middle ground between aero benefits and weight, making them suitable for varied gravel routes. The tubeless readiness helps reduce pinch flats on rough terrain, while the steel spokes and robust construction aim to keep maintenance relatively straightforward for enthusiasts who ride in diverse conditions.
ICAN G25 Gravel Wheelset (50mm Depth)
The ICAN G25 wheelset with a 50mm depth is designed for efficiency over longer gravel routes. It features a 25mm inner width and is built for disc brakes, delivering stable handling at higher speeds through tech-rich hubs. The D21 hub design offers 6 pawls with 72 engagement points, providing quick and responsive engagement for rapid acceleration and smooth pedaling on varied terrain. The Road HG Freehub compatibility supports a wide range of modern drivetrains, making it a flexible choice for gravel riders who want reliable engagement and strong braking performance in a lighter carbon package.
These wheels are optimized for gravel and bikepacking, with a focus on endurance riding where long miles require dependable, low-maintenance performance. The 50mm depth helps balance aerodynamics on open sections while still providing confidence on climbs when paired with appropriate tires. Center Lock hardware and a robust hub system contribute to straightforward maintenance and solid compatibility with most modern disc-brake gravel frames.
ICAN G25 Gravel Wheelset (25mm Inner Width) XDR
This ICAN G25 wheelset features a 25mm inner width with 24/24 spoke holes and Center Lock mounting. The wheelset is built with a 50mm depth and uses an XDR freehub, making it compatible with many 12-speed drivetrains. The hub design emphasizes quick engagement, with a modern freehub system that supports rapid power transfer on gravel climbs and rapid accelerations on straightaways. The combination of a robust carbon rim and reliable spoke layout aims to deliver consistent performance across a variety of gravel surfaces.
Designed for riders who want an 12-speed-ready setup with a wide internal width for tire stability, this wheelset pairs well with wider gravel tires to improve off-road grip. The XDR compatibility ensures smooth engagement with 12-speed systems, while Center Lock offers straightforward rotor mounting and maintenance. Overall, it’s a versatile option for riders seeking a mid-to-wide profile with confident braking and durable construction on mixed terrain.
Buying Guide
Key purchase considerations start with the terrain you ride most often. If your routes feature long pavement sections and fast gravel, deeper rims (38–50mm) can improve aerodynamics, but they add weight. For steeper climbs or tight switchbacks, a shallower 38mm rim may feel quicker to accelerate. Inner width matters for tire compatibility and grip; 25mm is common for most gravel tires, while 28–30mm can improve stability on loose surfaces.
Hub design and freehub compatibility influence drivetrain flexibility. Center Lock hubs offer clean rotor mounting and robust braking performance, while 6-bolt hubs can provide compatibility with older or wheelsets that require bolt-on rotors. Freehub compatibility (HG/Road, XDR) determines which groupsets you can pair with the wheelset, especially on 11- and 12-speed builds. Tubeless readiness reduces punctures and allows lower tire pressures for more traction on rough terrain.
Weight is another consideration. Lighter wheelsets accelerate more readily but may sacrifice durability if used aggressively in rough sections. Heavier wheelsets tend to dampen ride feel and improve stability at speed on rough terrain. Spoke count and rim width influence stiffness and load distribution. Finally, ensure wheelset compatibility with your frame’s axle standards (thru-axle or quick-release) and rotor mounting standards (Center Lock vs 6-bolt) to prevent installation issues.
When comparing options, map each wheelset to your bike and riding style. If you value immediate engagement and a wide tire range, the G25 XDR and 50mm-depth ICAN options provide robust performance for long gravel days. For riders prioritizing cost and comfort, the 38mm Superteam wheelset offers a balanced choice with tubeless readiness and reliable durability. For riders seeking two depth choices, the G40/G50 family delivers versatility across mixed terrains.