The ENVE SES 5.6 Disc is a high-end, disc-specific design optimized for aero performance in crosswinds, pairing SES-optimized rim shaping with a stiff carbon layup to maximize power transfer and handling precision. Technically superior in disc braking modulation and tuned stiffness, it commands a premium price compared with more value-oriented sets here, but its advanced manufacturing and aerodynamic refinement make it the choice for riders who prioritize maximum aero gains and long-term durability.
Balanced aero
Disc brake calm
Balanced aero
Disc brake calm
Review Summary
"The ENVE SES 5.6 Disc is frequently lauded for delivering top-tier aerodynamic gains, crisp handling and premium build quality; criticisms focus on the very high cost and limited availability. Owners consistently report it as a race-ready, confidence-boosting wheelset for aggressive riding and long-term use."
Featherlight sprint
SES-engineered rim shapes optimized for high-speed aero performance.
Featherlight sprint
SES-engineered rim shapes optimized for high-speed aero performance.
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Recreational Enjoyment
Skill Development & Mastery
The ENVE SES 5.6 Disc is a high-end, disc-specific design optimized for aero performance in crosswinds, pairing SES-optimized rim shaping with a stiff carbon layup to maximize power transfer and handling precision. Technically superior in disc braking modulation and tuned stiffness, it commands a premium price compared with more value-oriented sets here, but its advanced manufacturing and aerodynamic refinement make it the choice for riders who prioritize maximum aero gains and long-term durability.
Balanced aero
Disc brake calm
Featherlight sprint
SES-engineered rim shapes optimized for high-speed aero performance.
Full-carbon disc-specific construction for stiffness and directional stability.
Balanced aero
Disc brake calm
Featherlight sprint
SES-engineered rim shapes optimized for high-speed aero performance.
Full-carbon disc-specific construction for stiffness and directional stability.
$3,200-3,900 CAD
The Campagnolo Zonda C17 is a performance-oriented alloy wheelset known for its race-ready stiffness and refined ride quality, appealing to riders wanting a high-performance alloy alternative to carbon. Compared with the other wheelsets it leans more toward racers and enthusiasts willing to pay a premium for distinctive Campagnolo hubfeel, rim finish and tuned ride characteristics, offering a more aggressive handling profile at a higher price point.
Proven race pedigree
Responsive handling
Proven race pedigree
Responsive handling
Review Summary
"Popular performance alloy wheelset known for lively handling, stiffness, and Campagnolo’s characteristic hub feel; users praise its balance of performance and durability. Some mention braking pad/finish nuances but overall sentiment is very positive."
Campy victory chime
C17 internal rim width optimized for modern tyre profiles and improved stability.
Campy victory chime
C17 internal rim width optimized for modern tyre profiles and improved stability.
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Recreational Enjoyment
Skill Development & Mastery
The Campagnolo Zonda C17 is a performance-oriented alloy wheelset known for its race-ready stiffness and refined ride quality, appealing to riders wanting a high-performance alloy alternative to carbon. Compared with the other wheelsets it leans more toward racers and enthusiasts willing to pay a premium for distinctive Campagnolo hubfeel, rim finish and tuned ride characteristics, offering a more aggressive handling profile at a higher price point.
Proven race pedigree
Responsive handling
Campy victory chime
C17 internal rim width optimized for modern tyre profiles and improved stability.
Proven Campagnolo hub platform delivering precise engagement and long service life.
Proven race pedigree
Responsive handling
Campy victory chime
C17 internal rim width optimized for modern tyre profiles and improved stability.
Proven Campagnolo hub platform delivering precise engagement and long service life.
$500-700 CAD
The DT Swiss ARC 1100 DICUT 80 is a top-tier aerodynamic tubular wheelset engineered for minimal drag, featuring precision hub internals and a rim profile optimized through CFD and wind-tunnel testing. It ranks among the most technically optimized choices on the list, delivering outstanding aerodynamic efficiency and high-quality hubs (with serviceable internals) that justify its premium positioning versus more value-driven options like Mavic or Reynolds. For racers seeking the lowest aerodynamic penalty and crisp hub performance in sustained high-speed events, the ARC 1100 represents a technical advantage worth the investment.
Ultra-low drag
Featherweight rim
Ultra-low drag
Featherweight rim
Review Summary
"Users praise the DT Swiss ARC 1100 DICUT 80 for its refined aero profile, light feel and dependable Ratchet EXP hub performance, delivering confident high-speed handling; the premium cost is the main drawback."
Swiss-precision bite
80mm-class carbon rim profile engineered for very low drag while maintaining predictable handling.
Swiss-precision bite
80mm-class carbon rim profile engineered for very low drag while maintaining predictable handling.
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Skill Development & Mastery
The DT Swiss ARC 1100 DICUT 80 is a top-tier aerodynamic tubular wheelset engineered for minimal drag, featuring precision hub internals and a rim profile optimized through CFD and wind-tunnel testing. It ranks among the most technically optimized choices on the list, delivering outstanding aerodynamic efficiency and high-quality hubs (with serviceable internals) that justify its premium positioning versus more value-driven options like Mavic or Reynolds. For racers seeking the lowest aerodynamic penalty and crisp hub performance in sustained high-speed events, the ARC 1100 represents a technical advantage worth the investment.
Ultra-low drag
Featherweight rim
Swiss-precision bite
80mm-class carbon rim profile engineered for very low drag while maintaining predictable handling.
DICUT hub technology delivering precise engagement, low friction bearings, and robust power transfer.
Ultra-low drag
Featherweight rim
Swiss-precision bite
80mm-class carbon rim profile engineered for very low drag while maintaining predictable handling.
DICUT hub technology delivering precise engagement, low friction bearings, and robust power transfer.
$2700-3400 CAD
Reserve 32|37 Carbon Gravel Wheelset
Reserve's 32|37 carbon gravel wheelset emphasizes modern rim shaping and a race-weight focus to deliver an excellent stiffness-to-weight ratio and predictable tubeless performance across variable gravel conditions. It positions itself between legacy premium brands and budget-focused makers by offering contemporary rim profiles and competitive pricing, often providing more aggressive handling and lighter rims than ENVE at a similar or lower price point. Riders who want race-ready responsiveness and modern engineering without the highest premium will find Reserve a compelling, performance-driven option on this list.
Cornering precision wink
Energy-return snap
Cornering precision wink
Energy-return snap
Review Summary
"Owners highlight Reserve's exceptional hub engagement, comfortable compliance and durable carbon layup, calling it a premium, confidence-inspiring gravel wheelset; a few mention the high cost but say performance justifies it."
Bombproof carbon vibes
Available in 32mm and 37mm rim profiles to tailor stability and responsiveness to terrain.
Bombproof carbon vibes
Available in 32mm and 37mm rim profiles to tailor stability and responsiveness to terrain.
Skill Development & Mastery
Recreational Enjoyment
Time-Saving Convenience
Reserve's 32|37 carbon gravel wheelset emphasizes modern rim shaping and a race-weight focus to deliver an excellent stiffness-to-weight ratio and predictable tubeless performance across variable gravel conditions. It positions itself between legacy premium brands and budget-focused makers by offering contemporary rim profiles and competitive pricing, often providing more aggressive handling and lighter rims than ENVE at a similar or lower price point. Riders who want race-ready responsiveness and modern engineering without the highest premium will find Reserve a compelling, performance-driven option on this list.
Cornering precision wink
Energy-return snap
Bombproof carbon vibes
Available in 32mm and 37mm rim profiles to tailor stability and responsiveness to terrain.
Hookless tubeless rims with a wide internal channel for low-pressure traction and tire support.
Cornering precision wink
Energy-return snap
Bombproof carbon vibes
Available in 32mm and 37mm rim profiles to tailor stability and responsiveness to terrain.
Hookless tubeless rims with a wide internal channel for low-pressure traction and tire support.
$2,000-2,800 CAD
DT Swiss G 1800 Spline 25 pairs the brand's proven spline hub platform with a stout 25 mm alloy rim designed for long-lasting gravel use, striking a balance between durability and ride performance. It earns a best-in-class spot thanks to reliable hub engagement, widespread spare-part availability and a build that favors low maintenance over time compared with cheaper alloy sets. Versus the other wheelsets here it typically trades a bit more weight for exceptional serviceability and long-term value for riders who prioritize durability.
Alloy toughness
Ratchet precision (click!)
Alloy toughness
Ratchet precision (click!)
Review Summary
"Long-term users praise the G 1800 Spline 25 for its robust alloy rims, durable DT Swiss hubs and dependable engagement—it's built to take abuse though not the lightest option."
Gravel-hungry rims
Robust 25mm internal alloy rim engineered to withstand gravel loads and rough roads
Gravel-hungry rims
Robust 25mm internal alloy rim engineered to withstand gravel loads and rough roads
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Recreational Enjoyment
Skill Development & Mastery
DT Swiss G 1800 Spline 25 pairs the brand's proven spline hub platform with a stout 25 mm alloy rim designed for long-lasting gravel use, striking a balance between durability and ride performance. It earns a best-in-class spot thanks to reliable hub engagement, widespread spare-part availability and a build that favors low maintenance over time compared with cheaper alloy sets. Versus the other wheelsets here it typically trades a bit more weight for exceptional serviceability and long-term value for riders who prioritize durability.
Alloy toughness
Ratchet precision (click!)
Gravel-hungry rims
Robust 25mm internal alloy rim engineered to withstand gravel loads and rough roads
DT Swiss straight-pull hub platform with reliable Spline freehub engagement for consistent performance
Alloy toughness
Ratchet precision (click!)
Gravel-hungry rims
Robust 25mm internal alloy rim engineered to withstand gravel loads and rough roads
DT Swiss straight-pull hub platform with reliable Spline freehub engagement for consistent performance
$900-1,200 CAD
Race Face Next R31 is the value-oriented carbon option for aggressive XC riders looking for a tougher, wider rim profile that tolerates rough trails without sacrificing too much weight. It doesn’t chase the absolute lightest numbers of the XRC 1200 or the boutique finish of ENVE, but its robust layup and lower street price make it a practical choice for riders wanting carbon performance and impact resistance at a more accessible cost.
Bombproof durability
Wide-stability platform
Bombproof durability
Wide-stability platform
Review Summary
"The Race Face Next R31 is commended for impressive torsional stiffness, robust construction and a reliable tubeless bead, making it a go-to for riders who want durability in XC trim; reviewers accept a bit more weight in exchange for toughness."
Impact-tough swagger
Carbon layup engineered for increased durability while keeping weight competitive for XC.
Impact-tough swagger
Carbon layup engineered for increased durability while keeping weight competitive for XC.
Recreational Enjoyment
Skill Development & Mastery
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Race Face Next R31 is the value-oriented carbon option for aggressive XC riders looking for a tougher, wider rim profile that tolerates rough trails without sacrificing too much weight. It doesn’t chase the absolute lightest numbers of the XRC 1200 or the boutique finish of ENVE, but its robust layup and lower street price make it a practical choice for riders wanting carbon performance and impact resistance at a more accessible cost.
Bombproof durability
Wide-stability platform
Impact-tough swagger
Carbon layup engineered for increased durability while keeping weight competitive for XC.
Wider modern rim profile to support larger XC tires and improve stability on rough trails.
Bombproof durability
Wide-stability platform
Impact-tough swagger
Carbon layup engineered for increased durability while keeping weight competitive for XC.
Wider modern rim profile to support larger XC tires and improve stability on rough trails.
$1,500-2,200 CAD
The Race Face AR30 is a tubeless-ready alloy trail wheelset aimed at riders who want a wide, stiff rim platform for modern tires at a reasonable price point. It sits between budget-focused options like the DT Swiss M1900 and the higher-spec Stan's Flow MK4, offering a competitive street price while delivering strong lateral stiffness and a wide internal width for traction-focused setups. Financially it appeals to riders who want modern geometry and durability without the premium cost of top-tier alloy or carbon systems.
Stiff yet lively
Tubeless ready
Stiff yet lively
Tubeless ready
Review Summary
"Riders like the AR30 for its stiff, well-built rims and tubeless reliability that deliver confidence on trails, while some mention it's heavier than comparable options and paint/chipping can be an issue."
Rowdy grin
30mm internal-width tubeless-ready alloy rims tuned for responsive trail handling.
Rowdy grin
30mm internal-width tubeless-ready alloy rims tuned for responsive trail handling.
Recreational Enjoyment
Skill Development & Mastery
The Race Face AR30 is a tubeless-ready alloy trail wheelset aimed at riders who want a wide, stiff rim platform for modern tires at a reasonable price point. It sits between budget-focused options like the DT Swiss M1900 and the higher-spec Stan's Flow MK4, offering a competitive street price while delivering strong lateral stiffness and a wide internal width for traction-focused setups. Financially it appeals to riders who want modern geometry and durability without the premium cost of top-tier alloy or carbon systems.
Stiff yet lively
Tubeless ready
Rowdy grin
30mm internal-width tubeless-ready alloy rims tuned for responsive trail handling.
Reinforced bead and sidewall construction for improved dent and impact protection.
Stiff yet lively
Tubeless ready
Rowdy grin
30mm internal-width tubeless-ready alloy rims tuned for responsive trail handling.
Reinforced bead and sidewall construction for improved dent and impact protection.
$500-700 CAD
Race Face Vault Wheelset is the carbon market leader for reinforced enduro use, engineered for a high stiffness-to-weight ratio and a tuned layup that sharpens handling on technical descents. More costly than the aluminum entries here, Vault rewards riders seeking reduced rotating mass and heightened lateral stiffness, though that performance comes with higher repair or replacement costs after severe impacts.
Anvil-strong rims — smash trails
Stiff construction — sprint snap
Anvil-strong rims — smash trails
Stiff construction — sprint snap
Review Summary
"Popular carbon enduro option praised for stiffness, confident handling and good tubeless performance; long-term users cite excellent ride feel but note cost and occasional damage in severe crashes."
Bearing resilience — keep rolling
Full-carbon hoops engineered for strength and tuned vertical compliance.
Bearing resilience — keep rolling
Full-carbon hoops engineered for strength and tuned vertical compliance.
Recreational Enjoyment
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Skill Development & Mastery
Race Face Vault Wheelset is the carbon market leader for reinforced enduro use, engineered for a high stiffness-to-weight ratio and a tuned layup that sharpens handling on technical descents. More costly than the aluminum entries here, Vault rewards riders seeking reduced rotating mass and heightened lateral stiffness, though that performance comes with higher repair or replacement costs after severe impacts.
Anvil-strong rims — smash trails
Stiff construction — sprint snap
Bearing resilience — keep rolling
Full-carbon hoops engineered for strength and tuned vertical compliance.
Reinforced layup and robust bead design for aggressive trail and enduro riding.
Anvil-strong rims — smash trails
Stiff construction — sprint snap
Bearing resilience — keep rolling
Full-carbon hoops engineered for strength and tuned vertical compliance.
Reinforced layup and robust bead design for aggressive trail and enduro riding.
$1,400-1,900 CAD
The Race Face Vault is a market-leading forged-alloy wheelset engineered for aggressive gravity riding, delivering an excellent balance of weight, stiffness and impact resistance while usually undercutting premium boutique options on price. Its hub and rim tuning give a competitive on-trail feel to the DT Swiss FR 1950 but with a clearer value proposition than Industry Nine's Hydra hubs, offering strong performance at a more accessible financial point than some premium rivals.
Heavy-duty punch
Bombproof confidence
Heavy-duty punch
Bombproof confidence
Review Summary
"Owners report exceptional strength and stiffness for aggressive riding with dependable Vault hubs. Some users note the set is on the heavy side and requires occasional bearing service."
Aggro-ready grin
Thick 6069 alloy rim construction with reinforced bead to resist dings and flats.
Aggro-ready grin
Thick 6069 alloy rim construction with reinforced bead to resist dings and flats.
Recreational Enjoyment
Skill Development & Mastery
The Race Face Vault is a market-leading forged-alloy wheelset engineered for aggressive gravity riding, delivering an excellent balance of weight, stiffness and impact resistance while usually undercutting premium boutique options on price. Its hub and rim tuning give a competitive on-trail feel to the DT Swiss FR 1950 but with a clearer value proposition than Industry Nine's Hydra hubs, offering strong performance at a more accessible financial point than some premium rivals.
Heavy-duty punch
Bombproof confidence
Aggro-ready grin
Thick 6069 alloy rim construction with reinforced bead to resist dings and flats.
Sealed, serviceable hubs with strong engagement and durable bearings for DH abuse.
Heavy-duty punch
Bombproof confidence
Aggro-ready grin
Thick 6069 alloy rim construction with reinforced bead to resist dings and flats.
Sealed, serviceable hubs with strong engagement and durable bearings for DH abuse.
$900-1400 CAD