ROAD RIMS

Build It Your Way.

HED has been building road wheels since 1984, when Steve Hed shaped his first carbon rim in a Minnesota garage. This collection brings that work down to the rim itself, for riders and builders lacing their own wheels. Pick the carbon Vanquish for aero depth and width, or the alloy Belgium R for a wide, fast profile at a price that fits almost any build.

Hand-built in Roseville, Minnesota. Drilled and finished by the same hands that build our wheels.

ROAD RIMS
4 products

How HED Builds Road Bike Rims 

The Vanquish is HED's carbon road rim, built in 45mm and 62mm rim depths and tested in the wind tunnel with tires mounted at real pressures. Its aero profile runs a 22.4mm internal width and a 30.9mm external width, a rim shape that smooths the meeting point between tire and rim and holds aerodynamic performance at high speeds. The 45mm weighs 440 grams, and the 62mm 530 grams.

The Belgium R is HED's alloy road rim, with a 25mm external width that adds tire volume and rolling efficiency to any hub and spoke combination. Every Belgium rim uses a welded joint for an even braking surface and comes drilled for a standard Presta valve.

Choosing the Right Rim Depth and Width 

Picking rims for road bike wheels starts with rim depth. A 45mm rim is a strong all-around choice that holds speed without catching much crosswind. A 62mm rim gives more aero advantage on flat and rolling roads, where holding speed pays off most.

Width drives tire fit and ride quality, and a wider rim lets a modern road tire measure true and corner with support. Brake standard comes next. The Vanquish is built for disc brake systems only. The Belgium R comes in disc and rim brake, the rim brake version adding a brake track for the pads, and the New Old Stock covers rim brake builds while supply lasts.

Spoke Hole Count and Building Specs 

Hole count decides how the rim laces into a wheel. A 24-spoke hole build keeps weight low for racing and lighter riders. A 28-hole build is a balanced, all-around choice. A 32-hole build adds strength and power transfer for heavier riders and rougher roads. The Vanquish rim is drilled in all three.

A front wheel or a deeper rear wheel both start with the right lacing specs. The Vanquish V45 has an ERD of 555mm and the V62 an ERD of 524mm, both with washers. Confirm hub spacing and spoke length against those numbers, then add rim tape over the spoke holes before you mount a tire.

Rider-Trusted

FAQs

What is the difference between the Vanquish and Belgium R rims?

The Vanquish is HED's carbon aero road rim, available in 45mm and 62mm depths, built for disc brake bikes and aimed at riders who want aerodynamics and depth. The Belgium R is HED's alloy road rim with a 25mm external width, available in both disc brake and rim brake versions, aimed at riders who want a wide, fast, well-priced rim for everyday road riding and custom builds.
How many spoke holes should I choose?

Hole count depends on rider weight, road conditions, and how the wheel will be used. A 24-hole build keeps weight low for racing and lighter riders. A 28-hole build is a balanced all-around choice. A 32-hole build adds strength for heavier riders, loaded riding, or rougher roads. The Vanquish rim is drilled in 24, 28, and 32-hole counts.
What is ERD, and why does it matter?

ERD stands for effective rim diameter, the measurement used to calculate spoke length for a build. The Vanquish V45 has an ERD of 555mm and the V62 has an ERD of 524mm, both including washers. You need the ERD, your hub dimensions, and your lacing pattern to order the right spokes. Getting it wrong means spokes that come out too short or too long, so confirm the numbers before you buy.
Do HED road rims work with rim brakes?

Some do. The Belgium R comes in a rim brake version, and the New Old Stock is a rim brake rim. The Vanquish rim is disc brake only. If you are not sure which standard your frame uses, check your fork and rear dropout or call HED at (888) 246-3639.
Can HED build these rims into a complete wheel?

These are sold as bare rims for custom builds. If you would rather buy a finished wheel, HED builds complete carbon wheelsets across its Vanquish, Jet, and Ardennes lines. 
What size tire should I run on these rims?

Tire fit comes down to the rim's internal width. The Vanquish runs a 22.4mm internal width and is optimized around a 28c tire. A wider internal rim lets a tire sit with a rounder profile, roll efficiently, and corner with support, and the same tire measures a touch wider once mounted on it. For a full walkthrough of diameter, internal width, and pairing a tire to a rim, see our guide on how to measure bike rim size.
wheel in hands

Build It With HED. 

Every HED rim is drilled and finished in Roseville, Minnesota, by the same team that builds our wheels. Questions about depth, hole count, or matching a rim to your hubs? Call (888) 246-3639 or contact the team directly.

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