Gravel Bike Wheels

Wheels Built for the Surface That Changes.

The surface under a gravel tire is never the same twice. Loose limestone one mile, hardpack the next, washouts and chunder around the corner. HED has been building some of the best gravel bike wheels for that reality, drawing on the wide rim philosophy we pioneered in 2007 with the Ardennes.

Every gravel wheelset here runs a wide internal rim width, a hooked rim design, and tubeless-ready construction. Hand-built in Roseville, Minnesota.

Gravel - HED Cycling Products
6 products
Gravel road leading into a field with 'HED.' text overlay

How HED Builds Gravel Bike Wheels 

Gravel makes demands that road bike wheels never face. Sharp rocks, hidden potholes, sudden surface changes, and long stretches of vibration all work against a wheel's structure. HED's gravel rims use a wide internal rim width from 25mm on the Emporia GA series up to 28.5mm on the carbon fiber Lancaster G25 and Stillwater G50, giving modern gravel tires more volume, a wider stance for cornering grip, and lower rolling resistance.

Spokes are straight pull bladed on the Lancaster G25 and Stillwater G50 for cleaner aerodynamics, and Sapim Race J-bend on the Emporia GA series for proven durability. Both setups are laced for the lateral stiffness needed to sprint out of the saddle and the radial compliance that smooths out chatter from rough terrain. Hubs are offered with Shimano HG, Microspline, SRAM XDR, and Campagnolo Ekar freehub bodies to match whatever drivetrain your gravel bike runs.

Bicycle wheel with 'HED' branding on a dirt road with grass and sunset sky

Wide Rims, Wide Tires, and Why It Matters 

HED pushed wider rim profiles into the cycling mainstream in 2007 with the Ardennes, when most carbon wheel brands were still running internal widths of 15 to 17mm. A wider internal width changes how the tire sits on the rim, which changes how the tire rolls, grips, and absorbs feedback from the surface.

That principle carries directly into gravel. With 40 to 45mm gravel tires, an internal width in the 25 to 28.5mm range gives you sidewalls that sit more vertically, tread that spreads across the surface, and the lower pressures most gravel riders run translate into better ride quality without the squirmy feeling narrow rims give wide tires.

Lancaster G25 - HED Cycling Products

The HED Gravel Lineup: Stillwater, Lancaster, and Emporia 

The Stillwater G50 is the deep-section carbon option, with a 50mm deep rim and 28.5mm internal width built for gravel racers chasing speed across fast, flat, and rolling courses. The Lancaster G25 takes the same hooked carbon rim platform down to 25mm depth, giving climbers a lighter, more compliant carbon wheel built for relentless rolling terrain and long days in the saddle.

For riders who want HED's wide rim philosophy at a more accessible price point, the Emporia GA Pro and GA Performance offer alloy wheels with a 25mm internal width, available in 700c and 650b, with tubeless tape applied from the factory and proven durability for everything from gravel race day to bikepacking weekends.

Rider-Trusted

FAQs

What internal rim width is best for gravel bike wheels?

For most gravel cyclists running 40 to 45mm tires, an internal rim width of 25 to 28.5mm is the sweet spot. That range gives the tire enough volume to roll comfortably at lower pressures, spreads the tread for better grip on loose surfaces, and supports the sidewall well enough for confident cornering. HED's gravel wheelsets run 25mm internal on the Emporia GA series and 28.5mm internal on the Lancaster G25 and Stillwater G50.
Are HED gravel wheels tubeless-ready?

Yes. Every gravel wheelset HED builds is tubeless-ready. Tubeless tape comes pre-applied at the factory on the Emporia line, and rim tape is included with the carbon Lancaster G25 and Stillwater G50 to make the tubeless setup straightforward. Running a tubeless tire on gravel lets you run lower pressures for a smoother ride and better grip, with sealant inside the tire to handle small punctures from thorns or sharp rocks without stopping. Clincher tires with tubes will also work on every wheel in the line.
Carbon wheels or alloy wheels for gravel?

Carbon wheels like the Stillwater G50 and Lancaster G25 give you a lighter wheelset with a stiffer ride and, for the Stillwater, a deep-section carbon rim that adds an aerodynamic edge on faster terrain. Alloy wheels like the Emporia GA Pro give you the same wide internal width and tubeless tire compatibility at a lower price point, with proven durability for gravel races and adventure riding alike. The handling difference between the two is real but not dramatic. For a closer look by use case, read our guide on the best gravel wheelsets for racing vs. adventure vs. bikepacking.
What tire clearance and sizes do HED gravel wheels support?

HED's gravel wheelsets are built around 700c and 650b sizes, with the Emporia GA available in both. Minimum tire size across the line is 32mm. The Lancaster and Stillwater are optimized for the 40 to 45mm tire range that has become standard for gravel race and adventure use. Tire clearance on your bike depends on your frame, so check your fork and chainstay specs before pairing a wider tire.
Do HED gravel wheels work with rim brakes?

The current HED gravel lineup is disc brake only. The Stillwater G50, Lancaster G25, and Emporia GA series all use disc brake hubs with centerlock rotor mounts. If you're on an older gravel bike or a road bike conversion that still uses rim brakes, call (888) 246-3639 or contact the HED team to walk you through compatible options elsewhere in the catalog.
What's the difference between a gravel bike and a road bike?

Gravel bikes share a lot of road bike DNA, but they're built around wider tire clearance, more relaxed geometry, and components tuned for mixed surfaces instead of pure pavement. The wheels reflect that, with wider internal rim widths, tubeless-ready construction, and disc brake hubs as standard. For a full breakdown of how the two compare and how to choose between them, read our blog on gravel bikes vs. road bikes.
wheel in hands

Built for Gravel. Backed by 40 Years. 

Every gravel wheelset here is hand-built in Minnesota, tubeless-ready, and covered by a 5-year warranty. Not sure which wheel fits your bike, your terrain, or your goals? Call (888) 246-3639 or contact the team directly.

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