Minnesotas Berd Spokes has been in the news lately with their launch of longer spokes to get ready for the 32 wheel revolution that seems to be right over the horizon. Well today they are at it again with the launch of the new HAWK30 Gold wheelset. Berd says its the lightest 30mm cross country wheelset from any major manufacturer. And if the claimed weight is true it very well might be.Photos / Berd Spokes)Lets get right to the details! Ground Up Engineering & New HubsWhen Berd set out to build this wheelset, they had one goal: to create the highest-performing cross-country wheels on the planet. Every component was selected to minimize overall weight while maintaining durability. The 30mm internal rim width is the standard for modern tire support and improved sidewall stability. When you have good sidewall support, you can ride at lower pressures and use a wide range of tire widths, from 2.1 to 2.7.The hubs are the core of this wheelset, so Berd collaborated with Belgian manufacturer Erase Components. Together, they created the Talon ESL hubset for the HAWK30 Gold wheels. Weighing just 333 grams for the pair, these hubs are 71 grams lighter than Berds previous Talon hubs. They use a 70-tooth ratchet system for quicker engagement when pedaling. Despite the weight reduction, the hubs still use full-size 7mm wide bearings and the proven ratchet design for durability.One of the key features of the Talon ESL hubs is their Equal Spoke Length (ESL) technology. This tech uses varying hook flange widths to ensure identical spoke lengths across different wheel configurations. This simplifies wheel building and makes field repairs much easier since you only need to carry one spoke length.The new hubs use a titanium freehub body that resists cassette wear and is compatible with SRAM XD, Shimano Microspline, or Shimano Hyperglide drivetrain systems. All New Carbon RimThe HAWK30 Gold uses an entirely new rim design in collaboration with an Asian carbon manufacturing partner. The hoop only weighs 270g per rim. It also has enhanced impact resistance when compared to the standard HAWK30 model.This new hoop joins Berds existing lineup alongside models from their established partner We Are One, which continues producing rims for all-mountain, trail, enduro, and downhill applications. World Cup Winning SpokesThe HAWK30 Gold wheelset is built using Berd PolyLight spokes. And its no secret that Berds spokes have won two Olympic Gold Medals, two Olympic Bronze Medals, and over 50 UCI World Cup cross-country podiums in the last two seasons. Hand Laced & Trued by TRUDIThe HAWK30 Gold wheelsets are assembled by hand at Berds Minnesota facility. Each wheel goes through precision truing using their automated TRUDI system. Ive seen TRUDI in action at last years MADE Show, and wow! Its damn impressive. Hand-built craftsmanship combined with TRUDIs automated precision ensures consistent wheel performance.Each wheelset includes a limited lifetime warranty, giving riders some long-term peace of mind. Berd also offers a free crash replacement program, which covers riders if their wheels are damaged in accidents.HAWK30 Gold Retail & DetailJust how light are the HAWK30s? Claimed weight for a wheelset without tape and valves is 1,022g. Thats not for a road wheelset, thats for a 29 MTB-rated wheelset with a 30mm inner rim width. Wow. Retail: $2,395Whelset Weight: 1,022g (without rim tape and valve)Front Wheel Weight: 463g (without rim tape and valve)Rear Wheel Weight: 560g (without rim tape and valve)Internal Rim Width: 30mmRim Depth: 22mmRim Material: Carbon FiberWheels Size: 29 (622mm)Hubs: Berd Talon ESL (2026), by Erase Components (Belgium)Freehub: Titanium, 70-tooth ratchet; SRAM XD, Shimano MicroSpline, or Shimano HGSpokes: 24 Berd PolyLight spokes, 285mm, two-cross front and rearNipples: Sapim Aluminum Double Square Secure LockTire Compatibility: 2.1 2.7 tubeless ready (tape and valves installed)Max Tire Pressure: 35psi (2.41 bar)Weight Limit: 280lbs/127kgWarranty: Limited Lifetime Warranty & Free Crash ReplacementBerdSpokes.comThe post Berd Wheels Launches Lightest 30mm XC MTB Wheelset with New HAWK30 Gold appeared first on Bikerumor.