Every HED carbon rim starts in the wind tunnel, where rim depth, external width, and spoke count get tested with tubeless tires mounted and inflated to real-world pressures. That testing methodology matters because a rim's aerodynamic performance changes once a tire is seated. HED established this approach as an industry standard and still uses it on every new carbon wheelset that leaves the shop.
Inside the rim, wide internal rim widths across the Vanquish and Emporia lines improve tire fit and lower rolling resistance compared to narrower carbon rims running the same tubeless tires. Spokes are Sapim bladed for cleaner aerodynamics, hand-laced with even spoke tension for the lateral stiffness that holds up at high speeds. Hubs are paired with stainless steel bearings and fast-engaging internals for responsive pickup out of corners.
