Doing some shopping for a decent set of carbon gravel wheels for a lower end budget for carbon (which is a pricey distinctly not "budget" item). The two brands you often see in this space are Elitewheels and Light Bicycle as the best value, but I haven't really seen any discussion of Canyon's new GR 30 CF wheelset, which seems to blow both of those out of the water.
Only real negative seems to be 2 year warranty vs 3 year. The weight difference seems to come down to having DT Swiss 350 vs internal brand and some slight differences in measurement. Personally, I also greatly value hubs that are as quiet as possible (not interested in a debate about this), and DT Swiss 350s are one of the quieter or easy to be made quiet hubs that are easily available.
Hookless doesn't bother me for a gravel wheel (and likely is a major contribution to why so inexpensive), and the 5mm difference in rim depth for aero purposes seems moot. Extra 2mm of internal width is nice. Plus a very weird bonus: the Canyon wheelset comes with *both* (not either, both) freehub bodies for XDr and MicroSpline, so you can get some $ back selling what you don't need on marketplace.
Table below shows specs that include tape and valves.
| Wheelset | Hub | Internal width | Claimed weight | Rim depth | Warranty | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canyon GR 30 CF | DT Swiss 350 | 27mm | 1525g, w/ tape | 30mm | 2 year | $890 |
| Light Bicycle WR 35 disc | DT Swiss 350 | 25mm | 1493g, no tape | 35mm | 3 year | $980 |
| Elitewheels Drive G36 | Elite ratchet hub | 25mm | 1325g, ? | 35mm | 3 year | $1,189 |
| 9Velo Gravel Disc GV 2.0 Series 24H/24H | 9Velo hub | 26mm | 1315g, ? | 35mm | 2 year | $969 |
Every other brand's similar or better that I've seen comes in at $1,250+ (which I don't have the budget for), and even then there is usually some compromise (often involving a hub that would slowly drive me insane).
Am I missing something? Is the Canyon CR 30 CF really just that good of a deal?
by chisquaratops
5 Comments
I’d check out these -> [https://www.ninevelo.com/products/9velo-2025-gravel-disc-super-wide-gv-sw-series-24h-24h-32mm-inner-width?VariantsId=11284](https://www.ninevelo.com/products/9velo-2025-gravel-disc-super-wide-gv-sw-series-24h-24h-32mm-inner-width?VariantsId=11284)
Can be had with a 10% discount code from hambini or peaktorque and depth / internal width. Uses a DT style ratchet.
Take a look at Elitewheels Aero+ Gravel on AliExpress. Similar to the Zipp XPLR but much less expensive.
I have ridden the elite (although the Aero+), ninevelo and light bicycle rims. Ive also ridden the new gravel rims from hunt and reserves.
By far the best gravel rims ive ridden are the carbon bike kit 32 internal, 40 external 57mm rims and they come in lighter than all 3 of these options around 1350 for a 57mm rim. You dont have to go 57mm they have a 47mm and I think 32 or 37mm set as well. I used their hubs when I got mine built and they have been great for about 6 months.
Price is similar to the other eastern wheels you’ve got listed.
I would put them up there with best current available rims.
I have the Elitewheels G36, very happy so far.
I’d check these Yoeleo’s out. Got some on the way. I have a set of their road wheels and they’re great for the price. 27mm internal, 45mm deep, 1380g. [https://www.yoeleobike.com/collections/next-generation-wheels/products/best-chinese-wide-gravel-carbon-wheelset](https://www.yoeleobike.com/collections/next-generation-wheels/products/best-chinese-wide-gravel-carbon-wheelset)