HED Aero Bike Wheels

Built for Speed, Proven by Racers

HED has been building aerodynamic wheels since 1984, when founder Steve Hed first brought carbon disc wheel technology to American cycling. Every wheelset in this collection is the product of decades of wind tunnel work, hands-on engineering, and feedback from riders who use them to race, train, and push personal limits.

Wide rim profiles, deep-section carbon construction, and patented aerodynamic optimization work together to reduce drag and deliver real aerodynamic efficiency on the road. Pick your rim depth, pick your brake standard, and ride faster with less effort.

Hand-built in Roseville, Minnesota. Race-tested everywhere else.

HED Aero Bike Wheels
5 products

How HED Designs for Aerodynamic Efficiency 

Aerodynamic drag is the single biggest force working against a rider at race speeds. HED's engineering team has been measuring and cutting that drag since before most wheel brands existed. The process starts in the wind tunnel, where every rim depth, external width, and spoke count gets tested with tires mounted and inflated to real-world pressures.

HED established wind tunnel testing with mounted tires as an industry standard, and that methodology still drives every aero wheel in this collection. The 22.4mm internal width across the Vanquish series smooths the transition between tire sidewall and rim bed, reducing the turbulence that builds drag at high speed.

Deep Rim Wheels for Speed and Aero Gains 

Deeper rim depth delivers more aerodynamic advantage at maximum speed, but only if the wheel handles wind conditions predictably. HED designs for both. The Vanquish series retains stable crosswind handling at yaw angles covering more than 70% of typical cycling conditions, so you get the aerodynamic efficiency of a deep section without the edginess riders often associate with aero wheels.

Shallow Rim Wheels for Control and Mixed Conditions 

A shallower rim is the right call for technical courses, hillier terrain, or unpredictable wind conditions. HED's Jet series covers that range, with carbon aero profiles and rim depths built around climbing efficiency and all-day ride quality. For maximum speed on flat or rolling courses, the Vanquish Pro runs from 45mm to a full aero disc, each depth tested to be the best performer for its use case.

Rider-Trusted

FAQs

What makes a wheel aerodynamic?

A wheel's aerodynamic efficiency comes down to how well its shape manages airflow at high speed. Deeper rims hold onto faster-moving air longer, cutting aerodynamic drag behind the wheel. Wider external widths smooth the transition between tire and rim, reducing turbulence. HED's engineering team builds both into every aero wheel design, then validates each one in the wind tunnel with tires mounted and inflated to race pressures.
How do I choose between rim depths?

It depends on your course, your weight, and the wind conditions you typically ride in. A 45mm deep section is a strong all-around choice for road racing and triathlon, balancing aerodynamic efficiency with crosswind stability. Deeper profiles at 62mm and 82mm suit flat time trial and triathlon courses where speed is the primary goal. If you climb regularly or ride in variable conditions, a shallower rim gives you more control without giving up as much speed as most riders expect.
Are HED aero wheels tubeless compatible?

Yes. Every wheel in HED's current aero lineup is tubeless compatible. Each box includes rim tape. Apply two layers if you received the ivory tape, one layer if you received the black tape. Deeper section carbon wheels also ship with HED valve extenders or tubeless valves of the appropriate length. For questions about older models or specific compatibility, contact HED's support team directly.
What tire width works best with HED aero wheels?

Vanquish series wheels are wind tunnel optimized for 28mm tires (actual width). The Jet series is optimized for 25mm tires, though 28mm is also a solid option. HED's own testing puts the speed difference between 25mm and 28mm on a Jet at roughly 0.05 kph, or about 3 to 4 seconds over 40km. HED's wheel design keeps drag differences between tire widths minimal across the Vanquish line, so you have real flexibility without meaningfully affecting aerodynamic performance. For more on sizing, read our guide on how to measure bike wheel size.
Do HED aero wheels hold up in crosswinds?

Yes, and crosswind stability is something HED specifically tests for. The Vanquish series retains stable handling at yaw angles covering more than 70% of typical cycling conditions. That's a result of wheel design built to reduce lateral push from wind, not just minimize straight-line drag. Riders on iron-distance triathlon courses consistently point to crosswind confidence as a standout characteristic.
wheel in hands

Built for Speed. Backed by 40 Years. 

Every aero bike wheelset here is hand-built in Minnesota, wind tunnel tested, and covered by a 5-year warranty. Questions about fit or compatibility? Call (888) 246-3639 or contact the team directly.

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