HED Road and Triathlon Bike Wheels

Proven Speed. Built In.

HED has been building road bike wheels and triathlon bike wheels since 1984, with every wheel wind tunnel tested and hand-built at our Roseville, Minnesota facility. Pick your series, pick your depth, and ride faster with less effort.

Road + Tri - HED Cycling Products
11 products

How HED Builds Road and Triathlon Bike Wheels 

Aerodynamic drag is the biggest force working against a rider at race speeds, and reducing it starts with the rim profile. HED's carbon road bike wheels use deep-section rim shapes developed in the wind tunnel with tires mounted and inflated to real-world pressures, since a rim’s aerodynamic profile changes once a tire is seated.

Wide internal rim width is the other side of the equation. HED's Vanquish and Ardennes series use wider internal widths to improve tire fit and smooth the transition between tire and rim. This cuts turbulence and lowers rolling resistance compared to narrower carbon rims using the same tire, and riders upgrading from alloy wheels notice the difference.

The Fastest Wheels for Flat Courses 

For triathlon athletes and time trial riders, aerodynamics on flat courses is where race day time is made or lost. The Vanquish series and Aero Disc wheels are HED's fastest wheels, with rim depths from 45mm to a full disc that minimize aerodynamic drag. A deeper rear wheel paired with a shallower front wheel is a proven setup for iron-distance triathlon, balancing aerodynamics with stable handling in windy conditions.

The Vanquish Pro features lighter carbon fiber construction and a refined rim profile, built for disc brake bikes and validated across iron-distance and time trial courses. The Vanquish delivers the same aerodynamic rim profile at a more accessible price.

Carbon Road Bike Wheels for Every Ride 

Not every ride is a flat time trial. For road racing, gran fondos, group rides, and long rides in windy conditions, shallower wheels from the Jet and Ardennes series give riders a better balance of aerodynamics and handling. The Jet RC Performance Series pairs a carbon aero fairing with an alloy rim base in a rim brake configuration, available in 40mm, 60mm, 90mm, and full aero disc depths to suit criteriums, road racing, and triathlon.

The Ardennes series is HED's lightweight aluminum road wheel and a strong wheel upgrade for riders on rim brake bikes who want to move to carbon without changing their entire braking setup. It is also available with a disc brake. All HED road and triathlon wheels are tubeless compatible, and every wheel ships with rim tape included.

Rider-Trusted

FAQs

What is the difference between the Vanquish, Jet, and Ardennes series?

The Vanquish series is HED's deepest, most aerodynamic road and triathlon wheel line, available in 45mm, 62mm, 82mm, and full aero disc configurations. It is designed for disc brake bikes only and suits time trial, triathlon, and fast road racing on flat or rolling courses. The Jet series uses an alloy rim base with a carbon aero fairing and is available in both rim brake and disc brake versions, making it a versatile option for road racing, long rides, and riders on older rim brake bikes. The Ardennes series is HED's lightweight aluminum road wheel, built for riders who prioritize low weight and durability, available in both rim brake and disc brake.
Are HED road and triathlon wheels tubeless compatible? 

Yes. Every wheel in HED's current road and triathlon lineup is tubeless compatible. Rim tape is included with each wheel. Apply two layers if you received ivory rim tape, one layer if you received black rim tape. Tubeless valves or valve extenders are included with deeper-section carbon wheels.
What rim depth should I choose for a triathlon? 

For triathlon, rim depth selection comes down to course profile and wind conditions. On flat courses with predictable conditions, deeper wheels like the Vanquish 62mm or 82mm deliver more aerodynamic advantage. Many triathletes run a deeper rear wheel paired with a shallower front wheel for a balance of speed and handling. For iron-distance racing with mixed terrain or gusty conditions, the Vanquish 45mm is a strong all-around choice. If your course has significant climbing, a lighter wheel like the Ardennes will cost less time on the hills than a deep carbon wheel saves on the flats. If you are still deciding between a triathlon bike and a road bike setup, check out our guide on triathlon bikes vs. road bikes for a full breakdown.
Do HED road wheels work with rim brakes? 

Several wheels in this collection are available for rim brake bikes. The Jet RC Performance Series, Jet RC Black Series, Ardennes RA Pro, and Ardennes RA Black are all available in rim brake versions. The Vanquish and Vanquish Pro series are disc brake only. If you are unsure which brake standard your bike uses, check your fork and rear dropout, or contact HED at (888) 246-3639.
What tire width works best with HED road and triathlon wheels? 

Vanquish and Ardennes series wheels are wind tunnel optimized for 28mm tires (actual width). Jet series wheels are optimized for 25mm tires, though 28mm is also a solid option. HED's own testing puts the speed difference between 25mm and 28mm on a Jet at roughly 0.05 kph, or about 3 to 4 seconds over 40km. Across the Vanquish line, drag differences between tire widths are minimal, so you have real flexibility without meaningfully affecting aerodynamic performance.
Do HED road and triathlon wheels come with a warranty? 

Yes. Every HED wheel comes with a 5-year warranty covering manufacturing defects. HED also offers a crash replacement program with significant discounts if you damage your wheel in an accident, even if the original purchase was not made directly through HED's website. 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 road and triathlon wheel here is hand-built in Minnesota, wind tunnel tested, and covered by a 5-year warranty. Not sure which wheel fits your setup? Browse the full HED lineup to compare options across every category.

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