DT Swiss G 1800 Spline 25
DT Swiss G 1800 Spline 25 is positioned as the workhorse choice for gravel riders who prioritize durability and serviceability; its robust alloy construction and proven spline-hub ecosystem make it a market leader for long-term reliability. Compared with lighter, tubeless-focused rims like Stan's Grail MK3 or more performance-oriented HED Emporia, the G 1800 trades a few grams for greater impact resistance and easier maintenance, offering a competitive financial advantage through longevity and a global service network.
High stiffness
Tubeless-ready
High stiffness
Tubeless-ready
Review Summary
"Users praise the G 1800 Spline 25 for its durable, tubeless-ready aluminum construction, predictable handling and excellent value; many note it's heavier than high-end carbon but very reliable for long-term gravel use."
Spline swagger
25mm internal width optimized for wider gravel tyres and mixed terrain stability
Spline swagger
25mm internal width optimized for wider gravel tyres and mixed terrain stability
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Recreational Enjoyment
DT Swiss G 1800 Spline 25 is positioned as the workhorse choice for gravel riders who prioritize durability and serviceability; its robust alloy construction and proven spline-hub ecosystem make it a market leader for long-term reliability. Compared with lighter, tubeless-focused rims like Stan's Grail MK3 or more performance-oriented HED Emporia, the G 1800 trades a few grams for greater impact resistance and easier maintenance, offering a competitive financial advantage through longevity and a global service network.
High stiffness
Tubeless-ready
Spline swagger
25mm internal width optimized for wider gravel tyres and mixed terrain stability
Durable 6061 aluminium construction with reinforced spoke bed for heavy loads
High stiffness
Tubeless-ready
Spline swagger
25mm internal width optimized for wider gravel tyres and mixed terrain stability
Durable 6061 aluminium construction with reinforced spoke bed for heavy loads
$220-320 CAD
Stan's NoTubes Grail MK3
Stan's NoTubes Grail MK3 stands out for tubeless performance and weight savings thanks to Stan's bead/socket expertise and refined rim profiles, making it a top choice for riders who want easy tubeless setup and low rolling resistance. While not as rugged as the DT Swiss G 1800 or as budget-oriented as Velocity, the Grail MK3 occupies a strong mid-range position by reducing sealant needs and delivering race-ready feel for the price.
Easy tubeless
Vibration damping
Easy tubeless
Vibration damping
Review Summary
"Riders consistently praise the Grail MK3 for its reliable tubeless performance, light weight and long-term durability on rough gravel; some say it's pricier than basic rims but worth it for the beadseal and ride quality."
Grail grin
Engineered by Stan's for exceptional tubeless bead seating and reliable seal with sealant
Grail grin
Engineered by Stan's for exceptional tubeless bead seating and reliable seal with sealant
Recreational Enjoyment
Time-Saving Convenience
Stan's NoTubes Grail MK3 stands out for tubeless performance and weight savings thanks to Stan's bead/socket expertise and refined rim profiles, making it a top choice for riders who want easy tubeless setup and low rolling resistance. While not as rugged as the DT Swiss G 1800 or as budget-oriented as Velocity, the Grail MK3 occupies a strong mid-range position by reducing sealant needs and delivering race-ready feel for the price.
Easy tubeless
Vibration damping
Grail grin
Engineered by Stan's for exceptional tubeless bead seating and reliable seal with sealant
Modern rim profile suited to wider gravel tyres for improved comfort and traction
Easy tubeless
Vibration damping
Grail grin
Engineered by Stan's for exceptional tubeless bead seating and reliable seal with sealant
Modern rim profile suited to wider gravel tyres for improved comfort and traction
$250-350 CAD
HED Emporia GA Performance
HED Emporia GA Performance targets riders seeking high-end stiffness and precisely tuned ride characteristics from an aluminum gravel rim, leveraging HED's aero and manufacturing know-how in a gravel-focused design. It is typically pricier than DT Swiss or Hunt but justifies the premium with tighter tolerances and a performance-first feel that outclasses budget options like Velocity when fast accelerations and precise handling matter.
Aero boost
All-road durability
Aero boost
All-road durability
Review Summary
"Reviewers appreciate HED Emporia GA for its stiff, stable ride and quality build that handles gravel loads well, though a few report it's not the lightest option and comes at a premium."
Speed smile
Shallow aerodynamic aluminium profile tuned to maintain speed on mixed surfaces
Speed smile
Shallow aerodynamic aluminium profile tuned to maintain speed on mixed surfaces
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Recreational Enjoyment
Skill Development & Mastery
HED Emporia GA Performance targets riders seeking high-end stiffness and precisely tuned ride characteristics from an aluminum gravel rim, leveraging HED's aero and manufacturing know-how in a gravel-focused design. It is typically pricier than DT Swiss or Hunt but justifies the premium with tighter tolerances and a performance-first feel that outclasses budget options like Velocity when fast accelerations and precise handling matter.
Aero boost
All-road durability
Speed smile
Shallow aerodynamic aluminium profile tuned to maintain speed on mixed surfaces
Stiff spoke bed and precise tolerances for responsive power transfer and stable loads
Aero boost
All-road durability
Speed smile
Shallow aerodynamic aluminium profile tuned to maintain speed on mixed surfaces
Stiff spoke bed and precise tolerances for responsive power transfer and stable loads
$320-450 CAD
Velocity Aileron
Velocity Aileron remains a stalwart for riders wanting proven, affordable aluminum clincher rims; its simple, durable box-section design is easy to true and inexpensive to replace, making it the practical budget pick on this list. Compared with modern tubeless-optimized rims such as Stan's and Hunt, the Aileron may lack the latest bead tech but delivers excellent value for hobbyists and for builds where cost and serviceability are the priority.
Low weight
Responsive handling
Low weight
Responsive handling
Review Summary
"The Velocity Aileron is praised for robust construction and affordable, hand-build-friendly design, but users mention it's heavier and less refined than some modern tubeless-specific rims."
Classic flair
Cost-effective aluminium clincher rim offering solid performance for gravel conversions
Classic flair
Cost-effective aluminium clincher rim offering solid performance for gravel conversions
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Recreational Enjoyment
Velocity Aileron remains a stalwart for riders wanting proven, affordable aluminum clincher rims; its simple, durable box-section design is easy to true and inexpensive to replace, making it the practical budget pick on this list. Compared with modern tubeless-optimized rims such as Stan's and Hunt, the Aileron may lack the latest bead tech but delivers excellent value for hobbyists and for builds where cost and serviceability are the priority.
Low weight
Responsive handling
Classic flair
Cost-effective aluminium clincher rim offering solid performance for gravel conversions
Dual-wall construction increases impact resistance for rougher trails
Low weight
Responsive handling
Classic flair
Cost-effective aluminium clincher rim offering solid performance for gravel conversions
Dual-wall construction increases impact resistance for rougher trails
$160-260 CAD
Hunt 4 Season Gravel Disc
Hunt 4 Season Gravel Disc offers a contemporary tubeless-ready profile with a wide internal width engineered for variable weather and mixed-surface riding, delivering strong all-season value. It often undercuts premium HED and DT Swiss pricing while matching or exceeding the practical specifications of Stan's and Velocity, making it a smart financial compromise for riders who want modern features without paying top-tier prices.
All-season tough
Tubeless-ready
All-season tough
Tubeless-ready
Review Summary
"Owners like the Hunt 4 Season Gravel Disc wheels for offering a balanced mix of durability, tubeless reliability and value across seasons; long-term users note solid performance though they're not the lightest."
Weather wizard
Designed for year-round gravel use with reinforced edges to resist chips and impacts
Weather wizard
Designed for year-round gravel use with reinforced edges to resist chips and impacts
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Time-Saving Convenience
Recreational Enjoyment
Hunt 4 Season Gravel Disc offers a contemporary tubeless-ready profile with a wide internal width engineered for variable weather and mixed-surface riding, delivering strong all-season value. It often undercuts premium HED and DT Swiss pricing while matching or exceeding the practical specifications of Stan's and Velocity, making it a smart financial compromise for riders who want modern features without paying top-tier prices.
All-season tough
Tubeless-ready
Weather wizard
Designed for year-round gravel use with reinforced edges to resist chips and impacts
Optimized internal width for 38–47mm gravel tyres to balance traction and comfort
All-season tough
Tubeless-ready
Weather wizard
Designed for year-round gravel use with reinforced edges to resist chips and impacts
Optimized internal width for 38–47mm gravel tyres to balance traction and comfort
$210-320 CAD