A rim is defined by two numbers: its bead seat diameter and its internal rim width. Diameter tells you what tire size will fit, while internal width tells you how that tire will ride. Get both right, and the tire performs the way it was designed to.
Endurance sports publication Slowtwitch recently took an in-depth look at the complete HED gravel wheel lineup.
Writer Eric Wynn explored HED’s history of wheel innovation, the development of wider rims for off-road riding, and the evolution of today’s gravel collection—from the proven alloy Emporia Series to the carbon Stillwater G50 and Lancaster G25.
After putting approximately 400 miles on the Stillwater G50 across pavement, open gravel roads, and singletrack, the review arrived at a conclusion that reflects what HED has always worked to deliver: thoughtful engineering, dependable performance, and wheels built to handle real-world riding.
A Gravel Wheel Line Built for Real-World Performance
Gravel riding demands more than a low number on a scale. A strong gravel wheelset must balance speed, stability, tire support, serviceability, and durability across constantly changing terrain.
Slowtwitch highlighted how HED’s gravel wheels occupy that practical performance sweet spot. Rather than chasing one extreme specification, each wheel is designed around the terrain and riding experience it is intended to serve.
Stillwater G50: Built for Speed Across Open Gravel
The HED Stillwater G50 is the deepest wheel in HED’s current gravel lineup.
Its 50mm carbon rim is designed for riders looking for aerodynamic performance across fast, exposed gravel courses. A 28.5mm hooked internal rim width provides a stable platform for modern high-volume gravel tires, while the 36mm external width creates a broad, confidence-inspiring profile.
During the Slowtwitch test, the Stillwater G50 was ridden across a mix of road, open gravel, and technical singletrack. The review emphasized the wheelset’s solid construction, stable tire platform, and dependable performance across different surfaces.
Lancaster G25: Responsive Performance for Rolling Terrain
The HED Lancaster G25 shares the Stillwater’s wide 28.5mm hooked internal rim profile but uses a shallower 25mm carbon rim.
Named for Lancaster County, Nebraska—home of Gravel Worlds—the Lancaster G25 is designed for riders navigating repeated climbs, rolling roads, and terrain where responsiveness matters. Its shallower profile offers a different ride character while retaining the tire support and stability found throughout HED’s modern carbon gravel platform.
Emporia Series: The Foundation of HED Gravel
Long before gravel became one of cycling’s fastest-growing categories, HED was developing wider rims to improve tire shape, ride quality, and control.
The HED Emporia Series carries that development forward in a durable alloy gravel wheelset. Its 25mm internal rim width supports modern gravel tires, while 700c and 650b options make the Emporia a versatile choice for racing, adventure riding, and demanding everyday use.
More Than a Product Review
The Slowtwitch feature goes beyond wheel specifications. It also tells the story of HED, Anne and Steve Hed, and the people who have helped the company continue pushing wheel design forward.
Since 1984, HED has approached product development with a clear purpose: build wheels that make riders faster while delivering the reliability needed to keep riding. That same philosophy now extends across the HED gravel lineup.
We appreciate Slowtwitch taking the time to test the Stillwater G50, examine the complete collection, and share the larger story behind HED gravel wheels.
Read the complete Slowtwitch review →
Explore HED Gravel Wheels
- Shop the Stillwater G50 — 50mm carbon performance for fast, open gravel
- Shop the Lancaster G25 — 25mm carbon performance for rolling and climbing terrain
- Explore the Emporia Series — dependable alloy gravel performance
The original review was published by Slowtwitch on July 16, 2026, and written by Eric Wynn.
