A wheel is only as good as the rim it starts with. Every rim in this collection comes from the same tooling and quality checks as the rims laced into HED's complete wheelsets. Belgium alloy rims feature a welded rim joint, centerline spoke drilling, and hooked sidewalls that hold a tubeless tire securely at pressure. Carbon rims like the Stillwater G50 and Big Deal bring lower rotating weight to gravel and fat bike builds.
Bike Rims & Replacement Rims
For Wheel Builders. By Wheel Builders.
Dedication to craft runs through everything we build. Since 1984, we have hand-built every wheel that leaves our Minnesota headquarters, and these are the same bike rims we lace into our own wheelsets. Carbon and alloy options cover road, gravel, and fat bike builds, with full specifications on every product page.
How HED Builds Rims for Custom Wheels
Why Internal Width Matters
A wider rim spreads the tire casing, creating a rounder tire profile with a larger contact patch. That means better traction, lower rolling resistance, and a more stable tubeless system at lower pressures. The Belgium R runs a 21mm internal width for modern road tires. The Stillwater G50 stretches to 28.5mm for gravel tires from 40mm up to 2.25 inches. Big Deal fat bike rims go to 81mm internal, supporting 4-inch and 4.5-inch tires at single-digit pressures in snow and sand.
Alloy and Carbon Options for Road, Gravel, and Fat Bike
The Belgium series is the wheel builder's standard: an alloy rim in rim brake and disc brake versions, with a machined brake track on the rim brake model. At 425g for the Belgium R disc, it builds into a stronger wheel than its weight suggests. On the carbon side, the Stillwater G50 brings a 50mm aero profile to gravel and the Lancaster G25 covers riders who want a shallower rim. Big Deal and Big Aluminum Deal rims handle fat bike builds in 26" and 27.5" sizes.
FAQs
How do I choose the right bike rim for my build?
Start with three numbers: internal width, ERD, and spoke hole count. Internal width determines which tire sizes seat properly and how the tire profile takes shape once inflated. A wider rim gives a high-volume tubeless tire more support, which means better traction and ride quality at lower pressures. ERD sets your spoke length, so confirm it before cutting spokes or ordering a kit. Spoke hole count has to match your hub. Belgium rims come in 28- or 32-hole drilling, and the Stillwater G50 adds a 24-spoke option. For a full walkthrough of rim measurements, read our guide on how to measure bike rim size.
Are HED rims tubeless compatible?
Yes, with one exception. Every current-production rim in this collection is tubeless compatible. Belgium rims are drilled for a standard presta valve and use rim tape as part of the tubeless setup. Big Deal carbon fat bike rims require no rim tape at all. Their twin channel design, part of HED's patented Inflatobam technology, traps each tire bead against the rim for a better pre-inflation seal, so the beads snap into place with far less air. The New Old Stock rims are the one exception and are not tubeless compatible.
What is the difference between carbon and alloy rims?
Carbon fiber rims cut weight where it matters most, at the outside of the wheel. The 26" Big Deal carbon fat bike rim runs 85mm wide at 565g, and riders switching from aluminum fat bike wheel and tire combinations can drop 1.5 to 2 pounds per wheel. The Stillwater G50 brings a 50mm deep carbon rim to gravel builds at 550g. Alloy rims like the Belgium series trade some weight for a lower price and easy serviceability, which is why they remain a favorite among wheel builders for daily road and gravel wheels. Both materials are built to the same standard: a rim that stays true and holds tension.
Do HED rims work with rim brakes and disc brakes?
Both, depending on the model. The Belgium R is available in a rim brake version with a machined brake track and a disc brake version without one. Belgium G, Stillwater G50, and Lancaster G25 rims are disc brake only. Big Deal fat bike rims are built for disc brake bikes. Check the product title and specifications before ordering, and match the rim to the brake standard on your frame and fork. If you are weighing the two standards for your next build, read our breakdown of disc brakes vs. rim brakes.
Can I use a HED rim to replace a damaged rim on my current wheelset?
Yes, and that is one of the main reasons we sell rims on their own. If your hub is in good shape, a rebuild with a genuine replacement rim brings the wheel back to spec without the cost of a new wheel. Match the spoke hole count to your hub, check the ERD against your spoke lengths, and confirm brake type. A front or rear wheel rebuilt on the original hub rides as the wheel did on day one. For a refresher on how these components fit together, read our guide on the parts of a bike wheel. If you are unsure whether your current spokes will work with the new rim, HED's team can help you confirm before you order.
Do HED rims come with a warranty?
Yes. Every HED rim is covered by a 5-year warranty against manufacturing defects, and HED offers a crash replacement program if you damage a rim in an accident. Questions about a specific situation can be directed to (888) 246-3639 or through the contact page on the site.


