Gravel wheels: One of the most important topics on the current cycling market is probably the gravel bike. Many different approaches are being pursued and in addition to bikes that are getting better and better, there is now also special gravel equipment, including gravel wheels. But which wheel suits me and my understanding of Gravel. For this we have created a small guide together with the wheel experts DT Swiss.
Gravel is currently one of the most discussed topics in the industry. No wonder: everyone understands it differently and there is no real right or wrong. It doesn't matter whether you want to ride a road bike over gravel or a mountain bike-like bike with a road bike look or a mixture of all. The gravel bike has also gained a foothold in the trendy young bike travel category, bikepacking. There is something for pretty much everyone when it comes to gravel, and these needs must now also be served by the industry.
But not only special gravel bikes are among the new top sellers, but also special gravel equipment for riding on gravel is booming. Be it special gravel clothing, adapted gravel components on the bike or appropriate gravel groupsets, all of this is no longer a rarity. And of course the issue of wheels also plays a decisive role in gravelling. Not only for performance reasons, but also when it comes to the connection between wheel and tire, the right wheels are essential. Well-known manufacturers such as DT Swiss have therefore also taken on the topic of Gravel and now have an entire Gravel product line in their portfolio.
When choosing the right wheel, as with gravel in general, you have to ask yourself right at the beginning what you actually mean by gravel and how you want to be on the road. This also leads us to a first fundamental decision when it comes to wheels: Do you want to go for classic 29″ or 28″ rims or for 650B? Basically you can say that with 650B wheels you get a more mountain bike-like performance, since there is usually space for extra wide tires of 2″ and more, which with adjusted air pressure provides significantly more traction and comfort. DT Swiss has also integrated both sizes into its gravel wheel collection and offers each model in both 700C and 650B.
In order to outline the Gravel topic a little more specifically and to orientate oneself to relevant criteria, DT Swiss has defined five performance indicators when it comes to wheels. The choice of the right gravel wheel is significantly influenced by the requirements for aerodynamics, rolling resistance, traction, durability and comfort.
Aerodynamics are also a factor that should not be neglected when gravelling. Of course, this does not apply to all gravel pilots. But a sporty rider will rely on speed much more than a bike packer, for example. The big challenge here is that an aero wheel can only function optimally if the tire also fits into the concept. Basically, the motto is, the narrower the tire and the less profile, the better. However, this is likely to be unsatisfactory, especially when driving on gravel, since narrower and less profiled tires mean a considerable loss of traction and comfort.
That's why DT Swiss developed its most aerodynamic gravel wheel set - the GRC 1400 Spline 42 - against this background. The result: With the GRC 1400 Spline 42, a difference of up to 42 watts can be measured with a 35 mm wide studded tire compared to a 15 mm slick tire. From this point of view, the 35 tire is the perfect counterpart for the high-quality carbon LRS and just right for those who understand gravel endurance biking - without being significantly slowed down by gravel or terrain.
Another hotly debated topic on gravel bikes is rolling resistance. Because together with cyclocross there is probably no discipline in which the underground differs so drastically at high temperatures. The rim width has an important influence on this, since it is decisive for a harmonious connection between tire and wheel. Based on 35 mm wide gravel tires and different air pressures, the rolling resistance with 22 mm wide gravel rims is significantly reduced compared to classic 24 mm wide cross or road rims.
Incidentally, width in this case means inner width or rim width: In other words, how wide is the rim base – because it depends on how well a tire can unfold. Although the tire profile and tire pressure are mainly responsible for traction, the advantages of a suitable tire can only be exploited with the right rim width. Because, as already mentioned, the lateral stability is increased by the wider inner width, since the tire receives better support from the rim. Thus, lateral stability and a large contact area in the direction of tire lateral force ensure better grip.
Of course, driving comfort goes hand in hand with these factors. While other parameters are easy to measure, this subjective factor often comes down to personal preference. Nevertheless, it can be said in general that wider tires with less air pressure generally provide better comfort. Because the possibility of driving wider tires with a larger volume and less tire pressure offers a huge advantage in terms of driving comfort. But also the grip on 650B wheels, with even thicker tires, should again improve the comfort significantly.
One of the most important factors comes to an end with the topic of durability or robustness. After all, what good is a fast, light, comfortable wheel if it constantly has defects or doesn't last. DT Swiss therefore relies on high-quality materials paired with modern technologies to ensure a long-lasting driving experience. With a maximum system weight of 130 kg, the DT Swiss gravel wheels are ideal for packed adventure bikes. The durable toothed disc freewheel has proven itself over the years and promises many carefree kilometers in the saddle and the extra durable DT Aero Comp spokes minimize the risk of having to stop because of a broken spoke. All gravel wheels from DT Swiss go through a special procedure consisting of stress tests from the MTB and road bike sectors.
DT Swiss gravel wheel models at a glance
Whether for the next bikepacking trip, the classic gravel tour or even for competitions over gravel, the DT Swiss Gravel line offers a high-quality setup for every gravel fan.
DT Swiss Gravel – Adventure setup
For all Gravel fans who are looking for a robust yet fast companion for their next bikepacking adventure, it might be worth taking a look at the GR 1600 SPLINE 25 in the 650b version. Thanks to the added comfort of the wide tires, you have a lot more fun here, even on hard ground, and you can just drive off and go exploring without hesitation. In order to exploit the full potential, a tire up to 53mm or 2.1″ is recommended.
DT Swiss Gravel – Race Setup
The aero-optimized DT Swiss GRC 1400 SPLINE 42 should particularly appeal to the racers among gravel fans. With a wheel size of 700c and a gravel tire with a width of 35-40 mm, these not only offer sufficient grip, but also fast handling characteristics on gravel and asphalt.
DT Swiss Gravel – entry-level setup
The inexpensive G 1800 Spline 25 wheelset is recommended for all beginners. Like all wheelsets of the DT Swiss Gravel family, this is available in 700c or 650b and can therefore set the direction of travel even for beginners. So if you want it more comfortable, you should probably opt for the 650B version with wide tires. With the 700C version, the handling is a bit sportier, which should please classic racing cyclists who now want to plunge into a gravel adventure.
