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Top 5 Gravel Clincher Rims for Disc Brakes in Canada (2025) - Expert-Picked, Tubeless-Ready Options and How to Choose the Right Width

Published on Monday, August 25, 2025

Durable, wider clincher rims built for gravel and adventure riding with disc brakes deliver greater tire volume, improved impact resistance, and the flexibility to run lower pressures for mixed terrain. In Canada, riders prioritize rims that stand up to rough logging roads, rocky singletrack approaches, and winter conditions where salted roads and potholes are common. Trends favor wider internal widths (to support 38–50 mm gravel tires), tubeless-ready construction for fewer punctures and lower rolling resistance, and reinforced bead zones to resist pinch flats and rim damage. Consumers choosing gravel clincher rims look for a balance of durability, serviceability, and predictable handling—whether they need a bikepacking wheelset for multi-day trips in the Rockies, a fast mixed-surface race setup, or a robust commuter that can handle seasonal Canadian roads.

Quick Menu

1. Best Aerodynamic Performance

2. Best Reliable Alloy Workhorse

3. Best Value All-Road Alloy

4. Best Tubeless Innovation

5. Best Budget Performance

1
BEST AERODYNAMIC PERFORMANCE

HED Emporia GA Performance 700c

HED

HED's Emporia GA Performance 700c is positioned as a premium gravel clincher rim for disc brakes that balances aerodynamic shaping and a wide, tubeless-ready bed for modern gravel tires. It earns its spot by offering a refined ride and durability that undercuts some high-end carbon costs while delivering performance-oriented stiffness that complements lighter rims like Stan's Grail MK3 and more utilitarian options such as the Velocity Aileron.

4.5
★★★★☆

  • Aero edge

  • Featherweight climb

  • Aero edge

  • Featherweight climb

Review Summary

89%

"Users praise the HED Emporia GA Performance 700c for its precise handling, stiffness and premium build quality, noting it accelerates and tracks confidently. Some buyers cite the high price and slightly heavier weight versus top carbon options."

  • Whispers on tarmac

  • Tubeless-ready clincher profile optimized for 700x35–45mm gravel tyres.

  • Whispers on tarmac

  • Tubeless-ready clincher profile optimized for 700x35–45mm gravel tyres.

Enhanced Physical Well-Being

Recreational Enjoyment

Skill Development & Mastery

HED's Emporia GA Performance 700c is positioned as a premium gravel clincher rim for disc brakes that balances aerodynamic shaping and a wide, tubeless-ready bed for modern gravel tires. It earns its spot by offering a refined ride and durability that undercuts some high-end carbon costs while delivering performance-oriented stiffness that complements lighter rims like Stan's Grail MK3 and more utilitarian options such as the Velocity Aileron.

  • Aero edge

  • Featherweight climb

  • Whispers on tarmac

  • Tubeless-ready clincher profile optimized for 700x35–45mm gravel tyres.

  • Wider internal width for stable handling and improved tyre support on rough terrain.

  • Aero edge

  • Featherweight climb

  • Whispers on tarmac

  • Tubeless-ready clincher profile optimized for 700x35–45mm gravel tyres.

  • Wider internal width for stable handling and improved tyre support on rough terrain.

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$500-700 CAD

2
BEST RELIABLE ALLOY WORKHORSE

DT Swiss GR 1600 Spline 25

DT Swiss

DT Swiss GR 1600 Spline 25 is a workhorse gravel clincher rim designed for reliable, long-term service and seamless integration with DT's Spline hub ecosystem. It stands out for its proven Swiss engineering and predictable price-to-durability ratio, making it a better choice for loaded or endurance gravel riding compared with more race‑oriented HED offerings or lighter, tubeless-focused Stan's rims.

4.4
★★★★☆

  • Bulletproof alloy

  • Tubeless ready

  • Bulletproof alloy

  • Tubeless ready

Review Summary

86%

"Riders appreciate the DT Swiss GR 1600 Spline 25 for its reliability, durable construction and smooth hubs at a reasonable price. It is frequently described as dependable and low-maintenance, though heavier than race-focused wheels."

  • Pothole cuddler

  • Alloy, tubeless-ready rim with a gravel-oriented internal width around 23–25mm for modern tyres.

  • Pothole cuddler

  • Alloy, tubeless-ready rim with a gravel-oriented internal width around 23–25mm for modern tyres.

Enhanced Physical Well-Being

Time-Saving Convenience

Recreational Enjoyment

DT Swiss GR 1600 Spline 25 is a workhorse gravel clincher rim designed for reliable, long-term service and seamless integration with DT's Spline hub ecosystem. It stands out for its proven Swiss engineering and predictable price-to-durability ratio, making it a better choice for loaded or endurance gravel riding compared with more race‑oriented HED offerings or lighter, tubeless-focused Stan's rims.

  • Bulletproof alloy

  • Tubeless ready

  • Pothole cuddler

  • Alloy, tubeless-ready rim with a gravel-oriented internal width around 23–25mm for modern tyres.

  • Designed for compatibility with DT Swiss Spline-based builds and reinforced spoke bed for durability.

  • Bulletproof alloy

  • Tubeless ready

  • Pothole cuddler

  • Alloy, tubeless-ready rim with a gravel-oriented internal width around 23–25mm for modern tyres.

  • Designed for compatibility with DT Swiss Spline-based builds and reinforced spoke bed for durability.

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$450-650 CAD

3
BEST VALUE ALL-ROAD ALLOY

Easton EA70 AX Disc

Easton

Easton EA70 AX Disc is a cost-conscious alloy gravel clincher that provides a stiff, dependable platform for disc-brake wheel builds and tubeless setups. Its financial advantage is clear for riders seeking near‑performance levels without premium pricing, slotting it between budget-friendly Velocity rims and higher-end DT Swiss or HED models.

4.3
★★★★☆

  • Wide stability

  • Value speed

  • Wide stability

  • Value speed

Review Summary

84%

"The Easton EA70 AX Disc is commonly praised for its solid value, tubeless readiness and predictable handling on mixed terrain. Buyers note it's not the lightest option but offers dependable performance and long-term durability."

  • Gravel grin

  • Affordably priced tubeless-ready alloy clincher built for mixed-surface and gravel use.

  • Gravel grin

  • Affordably priced tubeless-ready alloy clincher built for mixed-surface and gravel use.

Recreational Enjoyment

Enhanced Physical Well-Being

Time-Saving Convenience

Easton EA70 AX Disc is a cost-conscious alloy gravel clincher that provides a stiff, dependable platform for disc-brake wheel builds and tubeless setups. Its financial advantage is clear for riders seeking near‑performance levels without premium pricing, slotting it between budget-friendly Velocity rims and higher-end DT Swiss or HED models.

  • Wide stability

  • Value speed

  • Gravel grin

  • Affordably priced tubeless-ready alloy clincher built for mixed-surface and gravel use.

  • Internal width suited to 30–45mm tyres for confident traction and comfort on rough roads.

  • Wide stability

  • Value speed

  • Gravel grin

  • Affordably priced tubeless-ready alloy clincher built for mixed-surface and gravel use.

  • Internal width suited to 30–45mm tyres for confident traction and comfort on rough roads.

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$220-320 CAD

4
BEST TUBELESS INNOVATION

Stan's NoTubes Grail MK3

Stan's NoTubes

Stan's NoTubes Grail MK3 is a tubeless-first gravel clincher rim engineered for low weight, exceptional bead sealing and comfort, making it a go-to for riders prioritizing off-road traction and flat-free performance. Technically it beats many alloy alternatives on weight and tubeless reliability, though it often commands a premium compared with more value-oriented rims like the Easton EA70 or Velocity Aileron.

4.6
★★★★☆

  • Effortless tubeless

  • Plush ride

  • Effortless tubeless

  • Plush ride

Review Summary

90%

"Owners consistently highlight the Stan's NoTubes Grail MK3's excellent tubeless performance, lightweight ride feel and comfortable compliance on rough gravel. A minority report cosmetic wear and occasional spoke or freehub service needs, but overall long-term satisfaction is high."

  • Sealant magician

  • Stan's signature tubeless bead and rim geometry for fast, reliable tubeless sealing and bead retention.

  • Sealant magician

  • Stan's signature tubeless bead and rim geometry for fast, reliable tubeless sealing and bead retention.

Recreational Enjoyment

Enhanced Physical Well-Being

Time-Saving Convenience

Stan's NoTubes Grail MK3 is a tubeless-first gravel clincher rim engineered for low weight, exceptional bead sealing and comfort, making it a go-to for riders prioritizing off-road traction and flat-free performance. Technically it beats many alloy alternatives on weight and tubeless reliability, though it often commands a premium compared with more value-oriented rims like the Easton EA70 or Velocity Aileron.

  • Effortless tubeless

  • Plush ride

  • Sealant magician

  • Stan's signature tubeless bead and rim geometry for fast, reliable tubeless sealing and bead retention.

  • Mid-wide internal profile supporting 35–50mm tyres for modern gravel setups.

  • Effortless tubeless

  • Plush ride

  • Sealant magician

  • Stan's signature tubeless bead and rim geometry for fast, reliable tubeless sealing and bead retention.

  • Mid-wide internal profile supporting 35–50mm tyres for modern gravel setups.

Order Now

$400-550 CAD

5
BEST BUDGET PERFORMANCE

Velocity Aileron Disc

Velocity

Velocity Aileron Disc is a value-driven aluminum gravel clincher rim offering robust construction and broad tire compatibility at a lower price point than most premium gravel rims. Its market leadership comes from delivering dependable durability for custom wheelbuilders and cost-sensitive cyclists, trading off some weight and refinement found in HED or Stan's offerings.

4.2
★★★★☆

  • Sturdy all-rounder

  • Responsive handling

  • Sturdy all-rounder

  • Responsive handling

Review Summary

82%

"The Velocity Aileron Disc is regarded as a robust, affordable aluminum gravel wheel with good stiffness and proven durability. Some users mention higher weight and a more basic hub finish compared to premium rivals."

  • Tank-like toughness

  • Affordable alloy tubeless-ready rim delivering strong value for gravel clincher builds.

  • Tank-like toughness

  • Affordable alloy tubeless-ready rim delivering strong value for gravel clincher builds.

Enhanced Physical Well-Being

Recreational Enjoyment

Skill Development & Mastery

Velocity Aileron Disc is a value-driven aluminum gravel clincher rim offering robust construction and broad tire compatibility at a lower price point than most premium gravel rims. Its market leadership comes from delivering dependable durability for custom wheelbuilders and cost-sensitive cyclists, trading off some weight and refinement found in HED or Stan's offerings.

  • Sturdy all-rounder

  • Responsive handling

  • Tank-like toughness

  • Affordable alloy tubeless-ready rim delivering strong value for gravel clincher builds.

  • Internal width optimized for responsive handling with 32–40mm gravel tyres.

  • Sturdy all-rounder

  • Responsive handling

  • Tank-like toughness

  • Affordable alloy tubeless-ready rim delivering strong value for gravel clincher builds.

  • Internal width optimized for responsive handling with 32–40mm gravel tyres.

Order Now

$180-300 CAD

What Research and Tests Say About Wider Tubeless-Ready Clincher Rims

Industry tests and academic research consistently show that wider rims and tubeless-ready designs provide measurable handling, comfort, and puncture-resilience benefits on mixed surfaces. The core findings are accessible to beginners and help explain why many riders are switching to wider, reinforced clincher rims for gravel riding.

Wider internal rim widths increase tire volume, which improves cornering stability and traction at a given pressure; this allows riders to run lower pressures for added comfort without sacrificing control.

Tubeless setups reduce pinch flats and can lower rolling resistance because the tire can deform slightly without the friction of an inner tube; field tests and lab comparisons report fewer roadside fixes and better grip on rough surfaces.

Reinforced bead zones and stronger rim walls reduce the risk of catastrophic bead roll and rim collapse when encountering sharp hits; several manufacturer fatigue tests and third-party lab checks highlight improved longevity under harsh impacts.

There is a tradeoff: wider, reinforced rims can add weight and slightly alter aerodynamic characteristics; research emphasizes matching rim width to intended tire size to minimize negative effects.

Cold-weather performance considerations for Canadian riders: tubeless sealant effectiveness can drop in very low temperatures, so winter-specific sealants and routine checks are recommended based on controlled tests and rider reports.

In Canada, the move to wider, tubeless-ready gravel clincher rims for disc brakes reflects practical needs—durability on rough backroads, lower-pressured comfort for long rides, and a preference for systems that reduce mid-ride repairs. The five rims featured here—HED Emporia GA Performance 700c, DT Swiss GR 1600 Spline 25, Easton EA70 AX Disc, Stan's NoTubes Grail MK3, and Velocity Aileron Disc—cover a range of priorities from lightweight performance to rugged reliability. For most Canadian gravel riders looking for the best balance of durability, value, and after-sale support, the DT Swiss GR 1600 Spline 25 stands out as the best overall choice among these options. I hope you found what you were looking for; you can refine or expand your search using the site search to match rim width, tubeless readiness, or price range to your specific needs.

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