Rim Brake Wheelsets

Proven Speed. Trusted Braking.

Not every rider is ready to switch to disc brakes, and HED has spent four decades building wheels for the ones who want to keep what works. Every rim brake wheelset in this collection is hand-built at HED's Roseville, Minnesota facility, with the same wide rim profiles, aerodynamic engineering, and tubeless-ready rims that HED applies across the rest of the road bike wheel lineup.

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

Rim Brake Wheelsets
4 products

How HED Builds Rim Brake Wheels for Real Performance 

Rim brake design at HED starts with the same wide rim profile and aerodynamic engineering that defines the disc brake lineup. The Jet RC Series pairs a bonded carbon aero fairing with an aluminum rim base, blending the speed of a carbon wheelset with the brake track of an alloy rim. The Ardennes RA wheels run full aluminum construction, built for low weight and ride quality.

Internal rim width across the lineup sits at 21mm, a standard HED set in 2014 to accommodate a wide tire without giving up rim profile or rim weight. Every wheel set ships on tubeless-ready rims with rim tape applied from the factory.

Turbine Braking Technology for Better Stopping Power 

The Jet RC Black and Ardennes RA Black use HED's patented Turbine Braking Technology, a textured all-black brake track that keeps water away from the braking surface and improves brake power in wet and dry conditions. Riders get more stopping power with less force at the brake lever.

The Jet RC Performance Series and Ardennes RA Pro run a machined alloy brake track, the same proven braking that has defined HED's rim brake wheels for decades. Both surfaces are built for standard alloy-compatible brake pads, not carbon-specific compounds, and both deliver the unmatched stability HED's rim profiles are known for at speed.

Choosing Between Jet and Ardennes 

The Jet RC Series is HED's aero rim brake option, with rim depths from 38mm (RC4) to 90mm (RC9) plus an aero disc rear wheel. The carbon aero fairing cuts drag at higher speeds, giving criterium racers and time trial riders a measurable bump in speed over standard alloy quality wheels.

The Ardennes RA Series is the lightweight choice. At 1,555g for the RA Pro wheelset, it is one of HED's lightest road wheels, built for climbers and gran fondo riders chasing a better cycling experience. The 21mm internal width handles tires from 25mm up past 40mm, with Sapim spokes and forged aluminum hubs built for stronger forces.

Rider-Trusted

FAQs

What is the difference between the Jet RC Series and the Ardennes RA Series?

The Jet RC Series is HED's aerodynamic rim brake wheelset, built on an aluminum rim with a bonded carbon aero fairing. It is not a fully carbon clincher; the carbon shapes the aero profile while the alloy bed handles the brake track. Available in 38mm, 60mm, 90mm, and aero disc rear wheel configurations, it suits flat road racing, criteriums, time trial efforts, and triathlon. The Ardennes RA Series is HED's lightweight aluminum road wheel, built for climbing and everyday riding. The Ardennes is the lighter wheel set; the Jet is the faster wheel set on flat or rolling courses.
Are HED rim brake wheels tubeless compatible?

Yes. Every rim brake wheelset and carbon wheelset in HED's current lineup is built on tubeless-ready rims, with rim tape applied at the factory. Apply two layers of rim tape if you received ivory tape, one layer if you received black tape. Valve extenders are included with the deeper-section carbon wheels in the Jet RC Series.
What tire width works best with HED rim brake wheels?

The Jet RC Series is wind tunnel optimized for 25mm tires (actual width), though 28mm tires also work well. The Ardennes RA Series runs a 21mm internal width and a 25mm external width, accepting road tires from 25mm up past 40mm, which makes it a strong fit for both road bikes and all-road setups. HED's own testing puts the speed difference between 25mm and 28mm tires on a Jet at roughly 0.05 kph, around 3 to 4 seconds over 40km.
Do HED rim brake wheels come with ceramic bearings or White Industries hubs?

No. HED builds its rim brake wheels with HED's own hubs, not third-party hubs like White Industries. The Jet RC Series rolls on HED Sonic 515 (front) and Sonic 545 (rear) hubs, and the Ardennes RA Pro uses forged aluminum hubs with a 5-pawl rear hub engagement. Stock bearings are sealed 6900 (front) and 6902 (rear) steel, not ceramic. Ceramic bearings are an aftermarket upgrade some riders choose, but HED's stock bearings are built for low rolling resistance and easy long-term service.
What is HED's Turbine Braking Technology?

Turbine Braking Technology is HED's patented braking surface, a textured all-black brake track that improves brake power in both wet and dry conditions. The texture keeps water away from the rim, so riders get more stopping power with less force at the brake lever, especially on wet descents. The technology is featured on the Jet RC Black and Ardennes RA Black wheelsets.
What brake pads should I use on HED rim brake wheels?

HED's rim brake wheels feature an aluminum brake track, so standard alloy-compatible brake pads are the right choice. Do not use carbon-specific brake pads on these wheels. If you are unsure which pad compound works with your setup, contact HED's team at (888) 246-3639.
Do HED rim brake wheelsets come with a warranty?

Yes. Every HED wheel comes with a 5-year warranty covering manufacturing defects. Questions about your specific situation can be directed to HED's team at (888) 246-3639 or through the contact page on the site.
wheel in hands

Built for the Road. Backed by 40 Years. 

Every rim brake wheelset here is hand-built in Minnesota, covered by a 5-year warranty, and backed by a team that picks up the phone. Questions about fit, compatibility, or which series and depth is right for your bike? Call (888) 246-3639 or contact the team directly.

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