The ENVE G23 holds a top-tier position as a purpose-built carbon gravel rim with robust construction, tuned compliance, and a wide internal profile optimized for modern tubeless gravel tires. It is aimed at riders prioritizing durability and ride quality on rough terrain, offering a more gravel-specialized feel than the Zipp 303 S and a higher price point than alloy alternatives, while justifying that cost with refined layups and long-term durability.
Bombproof carbon
Versatile width
Bombproof carbon
Versatile width
Review Summary
"High-end carbon gravel wheels celebrated for excellent compliance, cornering stability and long-term durability; most buyers accept the steep price for top-tier ride quality."
Race-ready grin
23mm internal carbon rim width (G23) purpose-built for modern gravel tire profiles and tubeless setups.
Race-ready grin
23mm internal carbon rim width (G23) purpose-built for modern gravel tire profiles and tubeless setups.
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Skill Development & Mastery
Recreational Enjoyment
The ENVE G23 holds a top-tier position as a purpose-built carbon gravel rim with robust construction, tuned compliance, and a wide internal profile optimized for modern tubeless gravel tires. It is aimed at riders prioritizing durability and ride quality on rough terrain, offering a more gravel-specialized feel than the Zipp 303 S and a higher price point than alloy alternatives, while justifying that cost with refined layups and long-term durability.
Bombproof carbon
Versatile width
Race-ready grin
23mm internal carbon rim width (G23) purpose-built for modern gravel tire profiles and tubeless setups.
High-stiffness, lightweight layup delivering precise handling and long-term durability for aggressive gravel use.
Bombproof carbon
Versatile width
Race-ready grin
23mm internal carbon rim width (G23) purpose-built for modern gravel tire profiles and tubeless setups.
High-stiffness, lightweight layup delivering precise handling and long-term durability for aggressive gravel use.
$2300-3200 CAD
Market-leader reliability for bikepacking reinforced gravel rims, the DT Swiss GR 1600 Spline 25 is prized for proven durability, broad hub compatibility and an extensive global service/parts network that helps on long tours. It is typically pricier than alternatives here but delivers long-term value through low maintenance and industry-leading build standards compared with more value-oriented or heavier designs from competitors.
Endurance-grade strength
Snappy acceleration
Endurance-grade strength
Snappy acceleration
Review Summary
"Users praise the DT Swiss GR 1600 Spline 25 for its rock-solid reliability, smooth hubs and long-term durability under heavy gravel and bikepacking use, though it is noted to be heavier than high-end race rims. Overall owners say it feels dependable and serviceable for many seasons."
Swiss-precision grin
Robust alloy construction with reinforced spoke bed for long-term bikepacking reliability.
Swiss-precision grin
Robust alloy construction with reinforced spoke bed for long-term bikepacking reliability.
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Recreational Enjoyment
Time-Saving Convenience
Market-leader reliability for bikepacking reinforced gravel rims, the DT Swiss GR 1600 Spline 25 is prized for proven durability, broad hub compatibility and an extensive global service/parts network that helps on long tours. It is typically pricier than alternatives here but delivers long-term value through low maintenance and industry-leading build standards compared with more value-oriented or heavier designs from competitors.
Endurance-grade strength
Snappy acceleration
Swiss-precision grin
Robust alloy construction with reinforced spoke bed for long-term bikepacking reliability.
Approximately 25mm internal width suited for 35–50mm gravel tyres and stable load carrying.
Endurance-grade strength
Snappy acceleration
Swiss-precision grin
Robust alloy construction with reinforced spoke bed for long-term bikepacking reliability.
Approximately 25mm internal width suited for 35–50mm gravel tyres and stable load carrying.
$500-700 CAD
The Zipp 303 Firecrest is a race-focused lightweight gravel rimset that blends Zipp’s road-derived aerodynamic shaping with a tubeless-ready carbon layup for confident high-speed handling on mixed terrain. It earns a top position for its proven speed and predictable steering compared with more compliance-oriented rivals, while commanding a premium price that often translates to strong resale value and broad aftermarket service support.
Aero edge
Featherweight climb
Aero edge
Featherweight climb
Review Summary
"Widely praised for its fast, confident handling and versatile aero profile in gravel racing, the 303 Firecrest is notable for excellent acceleration and comfort; reviewers note its premium price and occasional fiddliness setting up tubeless tires."
Crosswind wizardry
Mid-depth carbon rim shaped for aerodynamic efficiency in fast gravel racing.
Crosswind wizardry
Mid-depth carbon rim shaped for aerodynamic efficiency in fast gravel racing.
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Recreational Enjoyment
Skill Development & Mastery
The Zipp 303 Firecrest is a race-focused lightweight gravel rimset that blends Zipp’s road-derived aerodynamic shaping with a tubeless-ready carbon layup for confident high-speed handling on mixed terrain. It earns a top position for its proven speed and predictable steering compared with more compliance-oriented rivals, while commanding a premium price that often translates to strong resale value and broad aftermarket service support.
Aero edge
Featherweight climb
Crosswind wizardry
Mid-depth carbon rim shaped for aerodynamic efficiency in fast gravel racing.
Tubeless-ready, disc-brake specific construction for modern gravel setups.
Aero edge
Featherweight climb
Crosswind wizardry
Mid-depth carbon rim shaped for aerodynamic efficiency in fast gravel racing.
Tubeless-ready, disc-brake specific construction for modern gravel setups.
The HED Emporia GA Performance earns its spot for combining aerodynamic rim shaping with a durable, adventure-ready build that suits long gravel endurance rides. Compared with the lighter carbon ENVE G23 it trades weight for resilience, and it undercuts boutique carbon options on price while offering a stiffer, more aero edge than many all-purpose aluminum rims like the DT Swiss GR 1600 Spline. For riders prioritizing mixed-terrain speed and longevity on extended trips, it strikes a practical balance of performance and cost.
Stable wide profile
Tubeless-ready grin
Stable wide profile
Tubeless-ready grin
Review Summary
"Long-term users praise the HED Emporia GA Performance for its durable construction and confidence-inspiring ride on mixed surfaces, though some note it’s not the lightest option for aggressive climbing. Overall it’s seen as a dependable, well-built gravel rim that balances strength and compliance."
Climbs like mountain goat
Wide internal profile optimized for modern gravel tire widths and comfort on long rides.
Climbs like mountain goat
Wide internal profile optimized for modern gravel tire widths and comfort on long rides.
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Recreational Enjoyment
Skill Development & Mastery
The HED Emporia GA Performance earns its spot for combining aerodynamic rim shaping with a durable, adventure-ready build that suits long gravel endurance rides. Compared with the lighter carbon ENVE G23 it trades weight for resilience, and it undercuts boutique carbon options on price while offering a stiffer, more aero edge than many all-purpose aluminum rims like the DT Swiss GR 1600 Spline. For riders prioritizing mixed-terrain speed and longevity on extended trips, it strikes a practical balance of performance and cost.
Stable wide profile
Tubeless-ready grin
Climbs like mountain goat
Wide internal profile optimized for modern gravel tire widths and comfort on long rides.
Tubeless-ready bead design for easy setup and reliable seal on rough terrain.
Stable wide profile
Tubeless-ready grin
Climbs like mountain goat
Wide internal profile optimized for modern gravel tire widths and comfort on long rides.
Tubeless-ready bead design for easy setup and reliable seal on rough terrain.
$350-500 CAD
The Hunt 35 Carbon Gravel Disc is a value-focused wide-profile gravel rim that delivers competitive stiffness and a modern rim width at a significantly more accessible price than the boutique leaders. For buyers building wide-profile gravel wheels it represents one of the best price-to-performance propositions, undercutting premium offerings like Enve and Zipp while retaining a level of carbon performance that outclasses many entry alloy options.
Value carbon stiffness
True-to-line handling
Value carbon stiffness
True-to-line handling
Review Summary
"Owners consistently praise the Hunt 35 Carbon Gravel Disc for exceptional value — a wide, confidence-inspiring rim, reliable tubeless seal and strong hubs — though some report cosmetic finish issues or occasional creaks over long use."
Rolls like butter
Shallow-to-mid depth carbon rim that prioritizes real-world gravel durability and comfort.
Rolls like butter
Shallow-to-mid depth carbon rim that prioritizes real-world gravel durability and comfort.
Time-Saving Convenience
Recreational Enjoyment
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
The Hunt 35 Carbon Gravel Disc is a value-focused wide-profile gravel rim that delivers competitive stiffness and a modern rim width at a significantly more accessible price than the boutique leaders. For buyers building wide-profile gravel wheels it represents one of the best price-to-performance propositions, undercutting premium offerings like Enve and Zipp while retaining a level of carbon performance that outclasses many entry alloy options.
Value carbon stiffness
True-to-line handling
Rolls like butter
Shallow-to-mid depth carbon rim that prioritizes real-world gravel durability and comfort.
Wide profile engineered to support larger tyre volumes for traction and stability.
Value carbon stiffness
True-to-line handling
Rolls like butter
Shallow-to-mid depth carbon rim that prioritizes real-world gravel durability and comfort.
Wide profile engineered to support larger tyre volumes for traction and stability.
$1,000-1,600 CAD