Every Vanquish rim profile was developed in the wind tunnel with tires mounted and inflated to real-world pressures. The 22.4mm internal width smooths the transition between tire and rim, cutting the turbulence that builds drag at high speed. The hooked carbon rims are optimized for 28mm tires and tubeless tires out of the box, and the Vanquish retains stable handling at yaw angles covering more than 70% of typical cycling conditions, so deeper rims stay predictable in crosswinds.
Vanquish Series
HED's Fastest Wheels. Built by Hand.
The Vanquish Series is HED's flagship line of carbon road bike wheels, a full carbon, disc brake platform built on patented rim profiles. Every rim is molded, laced, and trued by hand in Roseville, Minnesota. Pick your depth, pick your build level, and ride faster with less effort.
How HED Builds the Vanquish
Vanquish vs. Vanquish Pro
Both lines share the same rim profile and the same aerodynamic performance. The Vanquish Pro uses lighter carbon construction and upgraded hubs, and it adds the V84 and full V Disc depths for time trial and triathlon. The standard Vanquish runs the V45 and V62 with Sapim steel spokes and sealed EZO bearings, bringing the same speed to a lower price.
Choosing Your Rim Depth
The V45 is the all-around choice for road racing, criteriums, and fast group rides. The V62 adds speed on flat and rolling courses. The V84 and V Disc, available in the Pro line, are built for time trial and triathlon. Front and rear wheels sell separately, so a deeper rear wheel paired with a shallower front is an easy setup to build.
FAQs
Are carbon road bike wheels worth the upgrade?
For most riders, yes. The main advantage is aerodynamic efficiency, which saves real time at race speeds, and carbon rims also cut rotating weight for quicker acceleration. Riders upgrading from stock alloy wheels to HED carbon wheels consistently notice the difference in how the bike rolls and holds speed, not just how it looks. For a serious road bike, high-performance wheels are the upgrade that unlocks its full potential.
What is the difference between the Vanquish and Vanquish Pro?
Both share the same rim profile and the same aerodynamic performance, validated in the same wind tunnel testing. The Pro uses lighter carbon construction and upgraded hubs, and it is the only line offering the V84 and full V Disc depths. The standard Vanquish runs the V45 and V62 at a lower price with the same speed. Weight-focused racers go Pro. Everyone else gets nearly identical performance for less.
Are HED Vanquish wheels tubeless compatible?
Yes. Every Vanquish wheelset is tubeless-ready, and rim tape is included with each wheel. Tubeless tires let you run lower pressure for more grip with fewer flats. Apply two layers if you received ivory rim tape, one layer if you received black rim tape. Deeper section wheels ship with tubeless valves or valve extenders of the appropriate length. You can also run a standard tire with an inner tube any time.
Can I buy a front or rear wheel separately?
Yes. Vanquish wheels are sold individually, so you can configure a front wheel only, a rear wheel only, or a complete wheelset. Mixed depths are common: a deeper rear wheel paired with a shallower front balances aerodynamics with confident handling in wind.
Which HED Vanquish wheelset is right for me?
Start with your brake type. The Vanquish series is disc brake only, so riders on rim brake bikes should look at HED's Jet or Ardennes series instead. From there, the best wheelset comes down to your course: a moderate depth wheelset like the V45 for all-around road riding, the V62 for flatter and faster courses, and the Pro line's V84 or V Disc for time trial and triathlon. Still deciding? Call HED at (888) 246-3639 and talk it through with the team that builds them.
Do Vanquish wheels come with a warranty?
Yes. Every HED wheel comes with a 5-year warranty covering manufacturing defects, and HED offers a crash replacement program if you damage your wheel in an accident. Questions about your specific situation can be directed to HED's team at (888) 246-3639 or through the contact page on the site.



