Hello!
I’m currently building a gravel bike and I was originally planning to get a second-hand Zipp 303 xplr s wheelset (in good condition). I really like the specs and look of the wheels, and I found some used ones within my budget. But I just realized that the 303 xplr s doesn’t support a Microspline freehub, which is a problem because my drivetrain plan is Shimano GRX RX827 with a 10–51t cassette. So now I’m thinking switching wheels might be the better option. The budget for wheels is around $1100. I liked the 303 xplr s because its wide and deep
If you were in my situation, what wheelset would you go for instead of the 303 xplr s?
Appreciate any recommendations 🙏🙏🙏
by Snoo44731
33 Comments
How about something Chinese? Nextie has a whole load of different gravel rims and can be configured with DT Swiss hubs.
You can get an official conversion kit for microspline for that wheel. Search for “Zipp ZM2SL / ZR1 Hubs MicroSpline Freehub Body Kit”
Edit: My bad, apparently it’s only for SW model?
I picked up a set of Elite Wheels Gravel Aero Plus off AliExpress and am happy with them. They’re the same width, but not as deep. Hub is loud as fuck, but that’s the only issue I have. I haven’t tried greasing it up yet, though.
It sounds like you’re looking for the light bicycle wg44
I bought myself the LEEZE CH 50 BASIC GX and I am more than happy.
I had the same problem and I bought the 9velo GV 45 2, these wheels don’t even need the tape because they have no hole for the spokes. So they are even better and they also have hooks, while the zipp are hookless.
I have 9Velo GB’s on my bike. 40mm deep on the front, 50mm on the back. Love them and they support Micro Spline.
https://www.reddit.com/r/gravelcycling/s/VDMTGZzkZP
9velo GV45 SW (use code Hambini10) – they’re a better but cheaper version of the Zipp 303 XPLR, just without local warranty
I was in that situation half a year ago, ended going with Hunt GRC40. Seems like a great wheel so far (about 9k kmharsh gravel on it)
Beware that zipp‘s lifetime warranty solely applies to the original owner and cant be transferred to the new one. So I‘d be hesitant to buy second hand zipp as the global warranty is one of the key benefits
Roval Terra
I would get a set of wheels from Nobl. Canadian company and rock solid. Options to customize as well. If you have a favourable change rate to the Canadian dollar it’s like getting a discount.
https://noblwheels.com/
Took a chance on the ICAN G24 SL recently. So far so good! Can’t beat the price.
Check out industry nine, they have 35% off the entire site.
Zipp 101
I like my Roval Terra CLs. I prefer hooked beads. DT350 hubs, so you can swap out for whatever freehub you want and they’ll be supported with parts forever. 1408g is fine for the money. They’re common enough that you can usually find a decent used pair locally for not many dollars. There’s a Specialized shop pretty much anywhere in case you need service. I’m 180lbs, raced 2 seasons of cyclocross and 3 seasons of gravel on them, never burped, lots of bottoming out/rim strikes and haven’t damaged them yet.
Elitewheels Drive G36, with MS freehub. They currently have 18% off too
Love my Reserve GR40/44’s. Good internal width semi hook so you can run whatever tires. Warranty’s good and no rider weight limit. I’ve been super stoked on mine. Checks all the boxes for an all around solid wheelset.
I’ve been happy with my Hunt 35s and they’re on sale currently too.
I just received my Serenade Gravel wheelset – 30 inner width, 36 external. They look great so far and they cost me 580€ with a ratchet upgrade.
I have Reserve wheels on my road bike and love them. So responsive and smooth rolling.
I have Industry 9 UL on my gravel bike and love them too. Great hub engagement, they feel incredibly light but strong and sturdy. Fast rolling. I also have I9s on the mtb.
I’m a big fan of both of those brands and would recommend them pretty strongly. Would definitely consider what type of gravel riding you’re doing the most of. I think the I9s are awesome, but maybe I’d want a more aero and deeper profile if I were racing more. They’re great where we live being close to mountains and planning for lots of climbing. And 99% of my riding is not racing.
shimano gravel wheelset? dt-swiss? i like both of these brands and their wheels have never failed me.
I have the 303 firecrests on my gravel rig, run them tubeless, they are amazing, I don’t think the XPLR’s were available when I upgraded
I think the Royal Terra C come with the correct free hub for you right out of the box, and they’re only about $1000
I just bought a pair of elitewheels gravel aero+ – very similar to 303 xplr s – 32mm internal, 45mm depth at a reasonable 1400g overall weight.
I paid like $520 on AliExpress with a bunch of discounts.
My other wheelset is also elitewheels and they’re amazing (marvel2 36d) but only have 23mm internal.
Light Bicycle, Wheelsfar and BTLOS all offer customization of wheels including hubs, spokes, freehub, etc.
Miche Graff 48 – fast af and also good looking + italy + friendly price
I can recommend the Aerycs GCX Terra 50mm.
I ride Aerycs ✌️
DT hubs are the simplest way to accommodate any freehub system. Shimano GRX RX-880 wheels have microspline 12×142 hubs and use ratchet engagement.
I don’t know if it’s still the case, but there was limited number of recommended tires on launch with XPLR wheelset. Something I would definitely check on.
Take a look at Boyd wheels. I just got a pair and they are great, have good customer service and the freehub was incredibly easy to swap when needed.
I have just built up my first gravel bike with a pair of Easedon FAT GRAVEL wheels on Aliexpress. 32mm inner, 39mm external 64mm deep. I like them so far except the freehub is LAF. I got the pillar aero spokes, internal nipples, symmetrical build and ultraweight hubs. I thought about the microspline but opted for the regular HG. They said they could provide a microspline. You can also find a Microspline adaptor on Aliexpress as well
All in with shipping tariffs and whatever was around $850US.