HED Emporia GA Performance
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
DT Swiss GR 1600 Spline
The DT Swiss GR 1600 Spline is a market-leader for reliable, no-nonsense aluminum gravel rims that emphasize proven hub tech and longevity for endurance adventures. It generally represents a more budget-friendly, durable alternative to premium carbon rims such as the ENVE G23, while offering a more predictable service network and parts ecosystem than smaller boutique brands like Hunt or Stan's. For riders focused on low total cost of ownership and field-serviceability on long rides, the GR 1600 is hard to beat.
Bulletproof durability
Swiss-hub smoothness
Bulletproof durability
Swiss-hub smoothness
Review Summary
"Riders appreciate the DT Swiss GR 1600 Spline for offering reliable, bomb-proof performance and excellent hub quality at a competitive price, with the tradeoff being a slightly heavier wheelset. Over time reviewers report low maintenance and consistent durability on rough gravel loops."
Everyday-workhorse charm
Proven alloy wheelset built around durable DT Swiss hubs for dependable performance.
Everyday-workhorse charm
Proven alloy wheelset built around durable DT Swiss hubs for dependable performance.
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Time-Saving Convenience
Recreational Enjoyment
The DT Swiss GR 1600 Spline is a market-leader for reliable, no-nonsense aluminum gravel rims that emphasize proven hub tech and longevity for endurance adventures. It generally represents a more budget-friendly, durable alternative to premium carbon rims such as the ENVE G23, while offering a more predictable service network and parts ecosystem than smaller boutique brands like Hunt or Stan's. For riders focused on low total cost of ownership and field-serviceability on long rides, the GR 1600 is hard to beat.
Bulletproof durability
Swiss-hub smoothness
Everyday-workhorse charm
Proven alloy wheelset built around durable DT Swiss hubs for dependable performance.
Tubeless-ready rim bed and moderate internal width suitable for a range of gravel tyres.
Bulletproof durability
Swiss-hub smoothness
Everyday-workhorse charm
Proven alloy wheelset built around durable DT Swiss hubs for dependable performance.
Tubeless-ready rim bed and moderate internal width suitable for a range of gravel tyres.
$750-1,050 CAD
Hunt 4 Season Gravel Disc
The Hunt 4 Season Gravel Disc stands out as a value-packed, wide-profile aluminum rim engineered for year-round endurance gravel use, offering broad tire support and strong tubeless performance at a competitive price. It competes directly with the DT Swiss GR 1600 on affordability but typically provides a slightly more modern internal width for big-tire confidence, while falling well short of the weight savings and stiffness of carbon leaders like the ENVE G23. For riders seeking modern rim geometry and excellent value for long, varied gravel expeditions, Hunt delivers an appealing balance.
All-season grip
Lightweight endurance
All-season grip
Lightweight endurance
Review Summary
"The Hunt 4 Season Gravel Disc is commonly praised for outstanding tubeless reliability, stiffness, and value for money; many users report few issues after heavy use in varied conditions. Long-term feedback highlights strong durability and predictable handling in wet and cold seasons."
Wind-cheating speed
Robust alloy construction designed to handle year-round gravel, muck and loaded touring.
Wind-cheating speed
Robust alloy construction designed to handle year-round gravel, muck and loaded touring.
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Recreational Enjoyment
Skill Development & Mastery
The Hunt 4 Season Gravel Disc stands out as a value-packed, wide-profile aluminum rim engineered for year-round endurance gravel use, offering broad tire support and strong tubeless performance at a competitive price. It competes directly with the DT Swiss GR 1600 on affordability but typically provides a slightly more modern internal width for big-tire confidence, while falling well short of the weight savings and stiffness of carbon leaders like the ENVE G23. For riders seeking modern rim geometry and excellent value for long, varied gravel expeditions, Hunt delivers an appealing balance.
All-season grip
Lightweight endurance
Wind-cheating speed
Robust alloy construction designed to handle year-round gravel, muck and loaded touring.
Generous rim profile supports larger tyres for extra traction and comfort on varied terrain.
All-season grip
Lightweight endurance
Wind-cheating speed
Robust alloy construction designed to handle year-round gravel, muck and loaded touring.
Generous rim profile supports larger tyres for extra traction and comfort on varied terrain.
$650-900 CAD
Stan's NoTubes Grail CB7
The Stan's NoTubes Grail CB7 is best-in-class for tubeless reliability and thoughtful bead-seat design, making it a top choice for endurance gravel riders who prioritize flat resistance and easy field repair. Compared with carbon options such as the ENVE G23 it is generally more affordable and less fragile, and versus broader-value aluminum rims like the Hunt or DT Swiss it brings Stan's decades of tubeless expertise and proven sealing performance. For long-distance adventurers who want minimal sealant fuss and dependable tubeless setups, the Grail CB7 is a standout.
No-pinch flats
Cushy ride magic
No-pinch flats
Cushy ride magic
Review Summary
"Stan’s NoTubes Grail CB7 earns praise for its comfortable ride and strong tubeless setup, though some testers find it slightly heavy for a carbon option and note occasional availability issues. Overall reviewers find it a dependable carbon gravel rim with good real-world resilience."
Quick tubeless wins
Stan's proven tubeless-ready rim bead and secure fit reduce pinch flats and sealant loss.
Quick tubeless wins
Stan's proven tubeless-ready rim bead and secure fit reduce pinch flats and sealant loss.
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Time-Saving Convenience
Recreational Enjoyment
The Stan's NoTubes Grail CB7 is best-in-class for tubeless reliability and thoughtful bead-seat design, making it a top choice for endurance gravel riders who prioritize flat resistance and easy field repair. Compared with carbon options such as the ENVE G23 it is generally more affordable and less fragile, and versus broader-value aluminum rims like the Hunt or DT Swiss it brings Stan's decades of tubeless expertise and proven sealing performance. For long-distance adventurers who want minimal sealant fuss and dependable tubeless setups, the Grail CB7 is a standout.
No-pinch flats
Cushy ride magic
Quick tubeless wins
Stan's proven tubeless-ready rim bead and secure fit reduce pinch flats and sealant loss.
Lightweight alloy design offering predictable, comfortable handling on long gravel routes.
No-pinch flats
Cushy ride magic
Quick tubeless wins
Stan's proven tubeless-ready rim bead and secure fit reduce pinch flats and sealant loss.
Lightweight alloy design offering predictable, comfortable handling on long gravel routes.
$300-450 CAD
ENVE G23
The ENVE G23 is the premium option for adventure endurance gravel riders seeking lightweight carbon stiffness and precise handling for aggressive, mixed-surface racing or loaded bikepacking. It outperforms the aluminum rims listed here in weight and ride responsiveness, though at a noticeably higher price and with greater care requirements than economic choices like the DT Swiss GR 1600 Spline or Hunt 4 Season; compared to Stan's it delivers a markedly more performance-focused carbon feel. For riders willing to invest for the highest power-to-weight and refined ride quality on long gravel stages, the G23 leads the pack.
Featherweight ascent
Pinpoint handling
Featherweight ascent
Pinpoint handling
Review Summary
"The ENVE G23 is widely loved by experienced riders for its superb balance of lightness, stiffness, and controllable geometry — delivering high-performance handling and longevity, but at a premium price. Long-term users consistently report excellent durability and ride quality with minimal compromises."
Composed carbon feel
High-end carbon construction tuned for a high stiffness-to-weight ratio and responsive handling.
Composed carbon feel
High-end carbon construction tuned for a high stiffness-to-weight ratio and responsive handling.
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Recreational Enjoyment
Skill Development & Mastery
The ENVE G23 is the premium option for adventure endurance gravel riders seeking lightweight carbon stiffness and precise handling for aggressive, mixed-surface racing or loaded bikepacking. It outperforms the aluminum rims listed here in weight and ride responsiveness, though at a noticeably higher price and with greater care requirements than economic choices like the DT Swiss GR 1600 Spline or Hunt 4 Season; compared to Stan's it delivers a markedly more performance-focused carbon feel. For riders willing to invest for the highest power-to-weight and refined ride quality on long gravel stages, the G23 leads the pack.
Featherweight ascent
Pinpoint handling
Composed carbon feel
High-end carbon construction tuned for a high stiffness-to-weight ratio and responsive handling.
Optimized for tubeless use and wide tyres to deliver speed, comfort and confidence on long rides.
Featherweight ascent
Pinpoint handling
Composed carbon feel
High-end carbon construction tuned for a high stiffness-to-weight ratio and responsive handling.
Optimized for tubeless use and wide tyres to deliver speed, comfort and confidence on long rides.
$1,800-2,600 CAD