Deep-section rims, wide profiles and noisy freehubs: aero has come to gravel, bringing a wave of watt-saving claims with it. To separate fact from marketing, we rode 13 carbon gravel wheelsets on our test loop and took them to a Belgian wind tunnel. Our big 2026 gravel wheel group test reveals where riding impressions and hard data agree, where they dont, and which wheelset offers the best of both worlds.Aerodynamics are invisible, stiffness cant be judged with your fingertips and composure doesnt show up on the scales. Still, you know instantly when a wheelset feels right. You know it when you stand up on a climb and the bike leaps forward, and when the wheels track calmly through a carpet of roots as the bike moves beneath you. And you know it in that unmistakable sense of speed that comes with deep-section rims, whether the stopwatch agrees or not.Few components shape the character of a gravel bike quite like the wheels, and few upgrades are as expensive. With our big 2026 gravel wheel group test, we wanted to find out whats left once you strip away all the marketing hype. To do that, weve tested 13 wheelsets both on our test loop and in the wind tunnel, combining hard data with plenty of kilometres on gravel to establish which carbon gravel wheels really come out on top. If youre looking for fast wheels for the road instead, check out our road bike wheel group test.Table of contensWhy Aero Has Trickled Down to GravelWhy a wheelset changes your gravel bike more than most other upgradesThe best carbon gravel wheels at a glanceWhat makes the perfect gravel wheelset?Black Forest gravel and root-strewn trails: the best gravel wheels on test36 instead of 45 km/h: testing gravel wheels in the wind tunnelThe results: which are the best carbon gravel wheels of 2026?What should you know about gravel wheels? 8 lessons weve learned from testing 13 wheelsetsBest gravel wheels: test winner and Best BuyAll the other gravel wheelsets on testTops & FlopsConclusionsWhy Aero Has Trickled Down to GravelAs gravel racing has boomed, aerodynamics have followed it onto the dirt. Tires keep getting wider, and rims have had to grow with them to form an efficient aerodynamic system with tires of 45 mm and up. Wheelsets are expected to be faster and lighter, too, and a true performance all-rounder must be as convincing on race day as on a long weekend ride. Two years after our road wheel group test, it was time to see what the gravel market has to offer.Theres certainly no shortage of choice. Every manufacturer promises the fastest rim, the best ride quality and the cleverest design. Some go all in on rims up to 67 mm deep, while others favour mullet setups with different rim depths front and rear. Hooked and hookless rims are still competing for supremacy, and spoke materials split the field almost down the middle: six manufacturers use carbon or composite spokes, while seven stick with steel. The result is a market awash with promises of weight savings and aerodynamic gains, with so many different concepts that its easy to lose sight of what really matters. Thats exactly where our big group test comes in.Why a wheelset changes your gravel bike more than most other upgradesTires, drivetrains and cockpits get plenty of attention in the gravel scene. Apart from tires, few components influence how a bike rides as much as its wheels.. They determine how fast your bike accelerates, how smoothly it rolls over roots and how much comfort you actually feel in the saddle. And if youre upgrading from the budget OEM aluminium wheels fitted to many complete bikes, a modern carbon wheelset can work wonders. Of course, that transformation comes at a price. Prices for the wheelsets in this test range from 993.64 to 3,899, with an average of around 2,470. That makes carbon gravel wheels one of the most expensive upgrades you can make.Interestingly, the biggest differences dont necessarily show up in the wind tunnel, but out on the trail. Theres a 306 g gap between the lightest and heaviest wheelsets on test, something you feel on every climb and every time you accelerate. Depending on the rim, the same nominally 45 mm Continental Terra Competition tire can measure up to 4.6 mm wider, affecting comfort and grip and potentially pushing your frames tire clearance to its limits. In the wind tunnel, the fastest wheelset saves 5.0 W over our reference, equivalent to just over half a minute across 40 km at 36 km/h. Theres plenty of variation, then, and a highly competitive field. So which wheelsets are going head-to-head?The best carbon gravel wheels at a glanceBrandModelRim depth front/rear (mm)External rim width front (mm)External rim width rear (mm)Internal rim width (mm)Spoke materialRim beadPriceCADEXMax GXR50/50353525CarbonHookless3,799DT SwissGRC 1100 DICUT 5050/5036.536.524SteelHooked2,499ENVEG SES 6.7 Pro60/6742.642.635SteelHookless3,899FulcrumSharq GR47 to 52 (wave)363630SteelMini-Hook1,990HUNT5AM Gravel Limitless Ti_UD54/49453827CarbonHookless3,299LeezeCH 60 PRO GX60/60353528CarbonHookless1,599Light BicycleAG4848/48404035SteelHybrid Hook993.64 plus importNEWMENStreem G.62 CS62/62454527CarbonHooked1,690OQUORP50LTD CS50/50343425CarbonMini-Hook2,999Reserve48|53 GR48/53444430SteelHollow Hook2,799RovalTerra Aero CLX50/4538.538.527CompositeHooked3,498VisionSC 45 i3045/4538.538.530SteelHooked1,249Zipp303 XPLR SW54/54404032SteelHookless1,800Average28.82,470The test field brings together some of the biggest names in the wheel business. Carbon specialists like ENVE, CADEX and Roval line up alongside established players like DT Swiss, Zipp, Fulcrum and Vision, as well as German brands NEWMEN and Leeze. We also have Light Bicycle, a direct-import option from China, and OQUO, whose all-road wheelset is also approved for gravel use. Weve deliberately included uncompromising race wheels, versatile all-rounders and more affordable alternatives to make the test field as varied and relevant as possible. This means that brand-new 2026 models are going up against seasoned favourites such as the Zipp 303 XPLR SW.The range of rim designs is just as broad. Rim depths stretch from 45 mm on the Vision to 67 mm at the rear of the ENVE, while internal rim widths range from 24 mm on the DT Swiss to 35 mm on the ENVE and Light Bicycle. We tested every wheelset with the same 45 mm Continental Terra Competition tire. This gives us a consistent baseline and makes direct comparisons possible, even though Fulcrum and Vision only officially approve their rims for tires from 47 mm upwards, meaning theyre actually designed for wider rubber.The choice of tire was an obvious one: earlier this year, the Continental Terra Competition won our 2026 race gravel tire group test, beating 16 other race tires. It took the win as the most complete package: at 494 g its one of the few models under 500 g, its 11.1 W rolling resistance was the second-best figure in the test, and its puncture protection is above average. Its aero-optimised tread also makes it a natural partner for deep rims.One thing the test field makes very clear is that the number printed on your tires sidewall often has little to do with its actual width once mounted. Our nominally 45 mm tire measures anywhere between 44.8 and 49.4 mm, depending on the wheelset. Thats a difference of up to 4.6 mm purely down to the rim. A wider tire also tends to have a taller profile, so its worth checking your frames tire clearance before buying. Otherwise, your shiny new wheel upgrade might leave you with rather less room than expected.And rim dimensions arent the only area where manufacturers take different approaches. Six wheelsets rely on carbon spokes, while seven use steel. Rim bead designs cover everything from hookless to mini-hook, hollow-hook and hybrid-hook profiles, as well as conventional hooked rims. CADEX, ENVE, HUNT, Leeze and Zipp dispense with hooks altogether.Thats the technical overview sorted. But what actually makes a carbon gravel wheelset good?What makes the perfect gravel wheelset?Easy to ask, harder to answer. The classic reply is it depends, and in truth, we dont believe any single wheelset is perfect for everyone. What we can offer is a set of criteria weve applied to every contender. Whether you race, ride long days or simply want to have fun on gravel will decide which of them matter most to you.How comfortable is a carbon gravel wheelset?A wheelsets compliance plays a major role in determining what its best suited to. All-round and endurance-focused wheels generally offer more give and therefore more comfort than pure race wheels. Spokes play an important part here, and the manufacturers in our test have opted either for carbon, with its low weight and high stiffness, or steel, which can help ensure a more forgiving ride. The tire takes care of the rest. The wider it measures on the rim, the more air volume it provides to absorb impacts and improve comfort.How stiff should a gravel wheelset be?Stiffness and compliance often pull in opposite directions. A stiff wheelset reacts quickly to steering inputs and acceleration, turning your effort into immediate forward motion. But stiffness isnt down to a single component: hub, spokes and rim all have to work together. The rims carbon layup plays a key role, providing lateral stiffness while allowing controlled vertical flex.Which gravel wheels inspire the most confidence?The balance between compliance and stiffness has a big influence on how confident and secure you feel on a bike, although personal preference plays a major part. The stiffer the wheelset, the more precise the handling, but also the less forgiving it tends to be. Less experienced riders in particular may feel more confident on a wheelset with a more forgiving character. This becomes obvious especially on rooty trails and rough gravel, where a good gravel wheelset should hold its line calmly instead of transferring every impact straight into your wrists and demanding constant corrections.How aerodynamic are gravel wheels?You can get a feel for aerodynamics during a ride, even if you cant assess them as precisely as you can in a wind tunnel. The sail effect, in particular, is something you can notice out on the road or trail. The important thing is to remain objective, because the deepest rim isnt necessarily the fastest. Not every rim works equally well with every frame, either. Roval, for example, develop their Terra wheels in conjunction with Specializeds Crux frames. At 36 km/h, a realistic pace for fast gravel racing, aerodynamic differences shrink considerably compared with the road, where higher speeds magnify the gap in absolute watts.How Do Deep-Section Gravel Wheels Handle Crosswinds?The deeper the rim, the more susceptible it is to crosswinds. At least, thats the general rule of thumb. Some manufacturers try to counteract this with specially shaped rim profiles. Fulcrum, for example, use a wave-shaped design, while Roval opt for a flattened rim profile. After all, theres little fun in riding a wheelset that constantly demands steering corrections.How much should a gravel wheelset weigh?An all-rounder needs to climb well, too, so every wheelset in our test field underwent plenty of uphill kilometres. Weight and stiffness are the main factors determining how effortlessly the wheels accelerate. Weight is a useful starting point, but its not enough to judge a wheelset on its own. How lively a wheel feels depends just as much on how its overall construction is tuned.How well do gravel wheels maintain speed?In fast gravel sections, what matters most is how effectively a wheelset holds its speed and how easily you can accelerate further when youre already moving quickly. This is where deep-section rims come into their own. Once up to speed, they roll along confidently, with a noticeable sail effect. Smooth rolling characteristics and an appropriate rim width are also essential for maintaining momentum over rough surfaces.Black Forest gravel and root-strewn trails: the best gravel wheels on testWe didnt have to travel far for our test rides. In fact, we put the wheels through their paces right on our doorstep, in some of the most beautiful parts of the Black Forest. Fast, smooth champagne gravel alternates with rough, chunky surfaces, steep descents lead into rapid-fire trails, and in between youll find carpets of roots and twisting sections designed to unsettle even the most composed wheelset. In short, everything you need to push a gravel wheelset to its limits.Riding impressions meet hard data: how we testedWe assessed every wheelset in two ways: back-to-back on the trail and in the wind tunnel. Wind tunnel speed alone doesnt make a great gravel wheelset, so each contender also had to prove itself on the same test loop, ridden in conditions as consistent as possible. All 13 ran the same 45 mm Continental Terra Competition tire, set up tubeless with milKit sealant, with each tester adjusting pressure to their body weight and the measured tire width and recording it for every wheelset. That kept tire pressure from skewing our comparisons.Three testers, one test fleet: our crew and the test bikesNot all gravel riding is the same, so we brought together three riders with very different priorities. Jan takes a more laid-back approach. For him, gravel is all about enjoying the ride, and he loves anything thats fast, feels brilliant on the bike and looks the part. Benedikt, on the other hand, is a racer and high-mileage rider, a complete tech nerd and an aero obsessive who has even given himself the nickname Benaero. Hes only recently discovered gravel riding, but hes already attacking every corner as though the finishing sprint is just around the bend. Then theres Sara, who rides gravel purely for the fun of it and loves making the most of everything the Black Forest has to offer. Her approach is sporty, fast and firmly focused on enjoyment. As a professional mechanic, however, her ideal gravel wheelset needs to deliver more than outright speed. It has to impress from a technical perspective, too.Our test bikes came from across our gravel fleet, including the Ridley Kanzo Fast, Canyon Grail CF, ROSE Backroad FF and BMC Kaius. That gave us everything from aerodynamic gravel race machines to versatile all-rounders.36 instead of 45 km/h: testing gravel wheels in the wind tunnelOut on the trail, its virtually impossible to feel differences of just a few watts. Thats why every wheelset also had to face the wind tunnel. We conducted our measurements at the Aero Performance Lab in Bike Valley, Belgium, Ridleys in-house development facility. Fittingly, we used the Ridley Kanzo Fast 2.0 as our test platform, with the wheels spinning and a test speed of 36 km/h.Thats deliberately slower than the 45 km/h we used for our road bike wheel group test. After all, 36 km/h is much closer to the speeds you can realistically expect in gravel races. Every wheelset was fitted with the same 45 mm Continental Terra Competition tire, inflated to 2 bar. Each wheelset underwent two rounds of wind tunnel testing. The first was conducted with the bike alone, across 13 yaw angles ranging from 18 to +18. The second included a rider, with measurements taken at seven yaw angles between 12 and +12.We used the measurements with the rider for our final assessment. After all, theres always someone sitting on the bike, and a wheelset thats fast on its own may lose its aerodynamic advantage once a riders legs enter the equation. Even a small change in arm position could skew the results, so we also ran a simulation that recorded the riders position and compared it between runs. We used the DT Swiss GRC 1100 DICUT 50 as our reference wheelset, testing it repeatedly throughout the day to identify any variations in the wind tunnel measurements.Small differences at 36 km/h make context essential. With a rider on board, our measurement tolerance is 4.3 W, and the reference wheelset shows why. Measured three times with a rider, the DT Swiss produced three different results, spread across 0.9 W. Without a rider, the variation was far greater: across five separate installations, the same wheelset varied by as much as 4.0 W, which is why riderless results dont count toward our final assessment. Even so, the data gives a clear indication of how the wheelsets compare, and shows just how efficient modern performance wheels have become.The results: which are the best carbon gravel wheels of 2026?BrandModelMeasured weight (g)Measured tire width front (mm)Measured tire width rear (mm)Power vs. reference with rider (W)Time over 40 km (s)CADEXMax GXR1,30245451.611.5DT SwissGRC 1100 DICUT 501,60844.944.80.0 (reference)0ENVEG SES 6.7 Pro1,56048.849.40.64.6FulcrumSharq GR1,54347471.39.5HUNT5AM Gravel Limitless Ti_UD1,3354645.95.036.4LeezeCH 60 PRO GX1,32346.246.53.122.3Light BicycleAG481,48149491.17.6NEWMENStreem G.62 CS1,52646.246.10.10.9OQUORP50LTD CS1,38045.545.41.712.3Reserve48|53 GR1,42247.747.70.43.0RovalTerra Aero CLX1,34146.346.21.17.7VisionSC 45 i301,60546.546.62.316.5Zipp303 XPLR SW1,4244847.81.511.0Average1,45046.746.7The tire measurements alone reveal just how much influence a rim has on the shape of a tire. On the ENVE G SES 6.7 Pro, our nominally 45 mm Continental Terra Competition measures 48.8 mm at the front and 49.4 mm at the rear. On the Light Bicycle AG48, it stretches to a full 49 mm. The Zipp 303 XPLR SW and Reserve 48|53 GR also push the tires width to almost 48 mm. At the other end of the spectrum, the DT Swiss GRC 1100 DICUT 50, CADEX Max GXR and OQUO RP50LTD CS keep the tire much closer to its stated width, with measurements between 44.8 and 45.5 mm. If your frame only offers limited tire clearance, you might want to measure up before buying. The deepest rim isnt necessarily the fastest, and the fastest doesnt always feel that way.In terms of weight, theres a 306 g difference between the lightest and heaviest wheelsets on test. At just 1,302 g, the CADEX Max GXR is the lightest, closely followed by the Leeze CH 60 PRO GX at 1,323 g. Not far behind are the HUNT 5AM Gravel Limitless Ti_UD at 1,335 g and the Roval Terra Aero CLX at 1,341 g. At the heavier end sit the DT Swiss GRC 1100 DICUT 50 at 1,608 g and the brand-new Vision SC 45 i30 at 1,605 g. Interestingly, these two wheelsets and the Leeze all weighed between 33 and 63 g more on our scales than their manufacturers claim.BrandModelClaimed weight (g)Measured weight (g)DifferenceCADEXMax GXR1,3201,30218DT SwissGRC 1100 DICUT 501,5751,608-33ENVEG SES 6.7 Pro1,5801,56020FulcrumSharq GR1,5501,5437HUNT5AM Gravel Limitless Ti_UD1,3171,335-18LeezeCH 60 PRO GX1,2801,323-43Light BicycleAG48n/a1,481n/aNEWMENStreem G.62 CS1,5301,5264OQUORP50LTD CS1,3711,380-9Reserve48|53 GR1,4331,42211RovalTerra Aero CLX1,3401,341-1VisionSC 45 i301,5421,605-63Zipp303 XPLR SW1,4521,42428Average1,4411,450-7In the wind tunnel, only one wheelset establishes a measurable advantage. With a rider on board, the HUNT 5AM Gravel Limitless Ti_UD requires 5.0 W less than our reference wheelset, equivalent to a saving of 36.4 seconds over 40 km. Theyre the only wheels to exceed the 4.3 W measurement tolerance. The second-best result comes from the Leeze CH 60 PRO GX, which save 3.1 W, followed by the Vision SC 45 i30 at 2.3 W. The rest of the field ranges from 0.6 W slower to 1.7 W faster than the reference, forming a group in which no meaningful ranking can be established. Ironically, the deepest rims in this test end up towards the slower end of that group. The NEWMEN Streem G.62 CS, with their 62 mm rims, and the ENVE G SES 6.7 Pro, with 60 and 67 mm rims, require 0.1 and 0.6 W more than the reference, respectively. The fastest wheelset saves 5 watts. The right riding position saves 23.While we had a wind tunnel at our disposal, we also took the opportunity to answer a few questions that had been on our minds for a while. For a start, riding position makes a far bigger difference than your wheels. By switching from a normal race position to a more aerodynamic one, our test rider saved 23.0 W, almost five times as much as the fastest wheelset. Sitting upright in a more relaxed comfort position, meanwhile, increased the power requirement by 20.1 W.We also tested NEWMENs hidden aero valve. The result? Without a rider, the NEWMEN were actually 0.5 W slower with the concealed valve than with a conventional one.Out on the trail, however, the differences become considerably more obvious. When it comes to accelerating, nothing can touch the CADEX Max GXR. Theyre explosively fast off the mark and deliver an incredibly direct response. The OQUO RP50LTD CS, HUNT 5AM Gravel Limitless Ti_UD and Leeze CH 60 PRO GX follow closely behind.From a standstill, the ENVE G SES 6.7 Pro and Zipp 303 XPLR SW take their time, and the Fulcrum Sharq GR clearly lacks punch. The Vision SC 45 i30 is a pleasant surprise, accelerating eagerly and, despite its weight, proving particularly enjoyable on climbs. Comfort and trail performance shift the picture somewhat. The Roval Terra Aero CLX and Reserve 48|53 GR are impressively comfortable for wheelsets with such performance ambitions, and the Vision soaks up vibrations well too.On rough terrain, the ENVE G SES 6.7 Pro, HUNT 5AM Gravel Limitless Ti_UD, NEWMEN Streem G.62 CS and Reserve 48|53 GR all hold their line with reassuring composure. The stiff CADEX Max GXR and OQUO RP50LTD CS, along with the DT Swiss GRC 1100 DICUT 50, transmit impacts much more directly. Youll find all the details on each wheelset in the linked individual reviews. But if you just want to know which wheels came out on top, youll find our test winner and Best Buy recommendation further down.What should you know about gravel wheels? 8 lessons weve learned from testing 13 wheelsetsAfter putting 13 wheelsets through their paces on several test bikes and spending a long day in the wind tunnel, weve come away with a few insights that go well beyond the raw numbers.The biggest takeaway? A wheelset that shines in the wind tunnel but sends every root straight through your wrists on the trail simply isnt a good gravel wheelset.1. Do fast gravel wheels actually feel fast?Not necessarily. Your legs arent a wind tunnel, after all. Unlike in our 2024 road wheel group test, riding impressions and measured results often told very different stories this time. The NEWMEN feels like the fastest wheelset on test, yet its on a par with our reference in the wind tunnel. The Vision, by contrast, feels almost sluggish, despite requiring 2.3 W less. Thats because the sensation of speed is shaped primarily by stiffness, weight and acceleration. Wind tunnel conditions are also much further removed from the constantly changing surfaces of gravel riding than from road cycling.2. Why is the front rim deeper than the rear?Roval and HUNT both use deeper rims at the front than at the rear. Their reasoning is that the front wheel runs through relatively undisturbed air and therefore has a greater influence on aerodynamics. ENVE and Reserve take exactly the opposite approach, although the results certainly suggest that HUNT are onto something. Fulcrum, meanwhile, have developed a different solution with their wave-shaped rim profile, designed to combine aerodynamic efficiency with crosswind stability.3. Are carbon spokes uncomfortable on a gravel bike?Not necessarily. Despite using carbon spokes, the Roval and HUNT wheelsets both offer noticeably well-tuned comfort. CADEX, OQUO and NEWMEN demonstrate the other side of the equation, while Reserve and ENVE prove that a performance wheelset with steel spokes can be impressively comfortable. Ultimately, its the overall tuning that matters, not just the spoke material.4. Is a lighter gravel wheelset always better?The scales only tell part of the story. The Vision accelerates far more eagerly than its 1,605 g weight would suggest, while the Zipp feels heavier than its 1,424 g weight suggests. So how lively a wheelset feels depends at least as much on its stiffness and overall construction as it does on weight.5. Which rims work best with which gravel tires?In the wind tunnel, the rim and tire always work together as a system. The HUNT front rim sits almost flush with the tire and is the only one to deliver a measurable aerodynamic advantage. The NEWMEN have the same external rim width but perform on a par with our reference, while the narrower Leeze achieve the second-best result, albeit within the measurement tolerance. The lesson? Never consider the rim without thinking about the tire youll be running.6. Does a good gravel wheelset have to be expensive?Well, the expensive HUNT take the overall win. But NEWMEN and Leeze also deliver excellent results for around half the price, while the most expensive wheelset on test goes home empty-handed. So you dont necessarily have to spend a fortune to get serious performance.7. Hookless or hooked rims for gravel?At typical gravel tire pressures, the distinction isnt particularly critical. The maximum approved pressures for the wheels on test range from 3.4 to 5.5 bar. Tire compatibility is another matter, though. Hookless rims require tires that are specifically approved for hookless use. If you want to keep your tire options open, hooked rims are the safer bet.8. Do deep-section rims make sense on a gravel bike?Absolutely! Deep-section rims are a lot of fun on gravel, too. We kept setting personal bests on the NEWMEN with their 62 mm rims, while the ENVE, with their 60 and 67 mm profiles, maintained speed over rough terrain as though they were running on rails. And lets not forget that deep-section rims look pretty damn good, too.Best gravel wheels: test winner and Best BuyAt the end of our test, two wheelsets stand clearly above the rest. One because it offers the most complete package, without any real weaknesses, and is the only contender to demonstrate a measurable advantage in the wind tunnel. The other because it performs so brilliantly across every type of terrain that we were reluctant to give it back.Best in test: HUNT 5AM Gravel Limitless Ti_UDWith the 5AM Gravel Limitless Ti_UD, British brand HUNT have built the most complete wheelset in the entire test. Low weight, high stiffness and explosive acceleration combine with confident handling through corners and on trails, along with well-judged comfort despite the carbon spokes. To top it all off, the HUNT is the only wheelset to show a measurable aerodynamic advantage over our reference in the wind tunnel. At 3,299, or 2,899 with stainless steel bearings, our test winner is the one to beat.Best Buy: Reserve 48|53 GRBalance is the Reserve 48|53 GRs greatest asset. Its handling is equally convincing on gravel, trails and tarmac, it holds high speeds with ease and inspires huge confidence through corners, and its remarkably comfortable for a performance-focused wheelset. Hollow Hook rims offer broad tire compatibility, and DT Swiss 180 hubs add proven reliability. At 2,799, its as well suited to racing as to everyday riding, and, like the Reserve 52|63 in 2024, its a deserving winner of our Best Buy award.All the other gravel wheelsets on testTheres plenty to like beyond our award winners, too. Heres a quick rundown of all the other wheelsets in the test. Youll find the full details in their individual reviews, linked below.CADEX Max GXRThe CADEX are the sprinters of the group and, at just 1,302 g, the lightest wheels on test. On smooth gravel and tarmac, they accelerate explosively and deliver an incredibly direct response. On rougher terrain, however, they lack compliance and composure. At 3,799, theyre an uncompromising racing tool for fast events on smooth surfaces.DT Swiss GRC 1100 DICUT 50The DT Swiss impress with balanced, predictable handling and surprisingly lively acceleration. On rough trails, however, they feel harsh, and at 1,608 g, theyre the heaviest wheelset on test. For 2,499, you get a dependable set of wheels that never misses a beat.ENVE G SES 6.7 ProAt 3,899, the ENVE are the most expensive wheels on test, bringing road racing aero DNA to gravel with their 60 and 67 mm deep rims. On fast, rough tracks, they deliver outstanding control and plenty of comfort. Accelerating from a standstill, however, they lack punch. And in the wind tunnel, the aerodynamic advantage wed hoped for simply doesnt materialise.Fulcrum Sharq GRWith their distinctive wave-shaped rim profile, the Fulcrum stand out from the competition both visually and technically, while showing no aerodynamic disadvantage in the wind tunnel. However, when paired with 45 mm tires, they lack directness, lively acceleration and comfort out on the trail. At 1,990, theyre an excellent choice if youre planning to run tires measuring 47 mm or wider.Leeze CH 60 PRO GXThe Leeze is a thoroughly accomplished race wheelset, combining a low weight of just 1,323 g with powerful acceleration and a ride feel thats surprisingly close to a road bike. It also records the second-best result in the wind tunnel. The only thing keeping it from an award is the lack of a truly standout feature. But at 1,599, its very hard to fault.Light Bicycle AG48The Light Bicycle AG48 is the budget racer of the group, offering plenty of performance thanks to its high stiffness, punchy acceleration and generous 35 mm internal rim width. The compromises come in comfort and handling on rough trails. And while the headline price of 993.64 looks tempting, buying direct means adding shipping, import VAT and customs duties.NEWMEN Streem G.62 CSThe NEWMEN are true race wheels, and with their 62 mm deep rims, they feel like the fastest wheelset on test, even if the wind tunnel tells a rather different story. Their handling hits the sweet spot for gravel riding, although youll have to accept some compromises in compliance. At 1,690, they deliver pure performance, made in Germany.OQUO RP50LTD CSThe OQUO are actually an all-road wheelset thats also approved for gravel use. On tarmac and fast gravel, they deliver a genuine road bike feel, with explosive acceleration. Once the terrain gets rough, however, they lack comfort and composure. At 2,999, theyre a versatile option for anyone who also wants to use the same wheels on their road bike.Roval Terra Aero CLXThe Roval are the all-rounders in our test field, performing equally well on tarmac, gravel and trails. They weigh just 1,341 g and offer plenty of comfort despite their composite spokes. Other wheelsets accelerate more eagerly, though, and at 3,498, theyre among the more expensive contenders.Vision SC 45 i30The Vision is the surprise package of the test. Despite weighing 1,605 g, it accelerates with remarkable ease, climbs well and delivers plenty of comfort. The wide rims will probably only reveal their full potential when paired with tires measuring 50 mm or more. At 1,249, it offers far more performance than its price might suggest.Zipp 303 XPLR SWAs the tests seasoned veteran, the Zipp 303 XPLR SW offers calm, confidence-inspiring handling across a wide range of gravel. Newer designs have overtaken it on acceleration and directness, but 1,800 still buys a dependable, fuss-free wheelset, backed by a lifetime warranty that covers riding damage as well as manufacturing defects.Tops & FlopsTopsDespite their performance ambitions, the Roval and Reserve offer plenty of comfort, making them excellent wheels for everyday riding, too.DT Swiss, Reserve and Roval all use DT Swisss proven, easy-to-service Ratchet EXP freehub system.Considering their weight and age, the DT Swiss GRC 1100 DICUT 50 performs surprisingly well, both on the trail and in the wind tunnel.Vision, NEWMEN and Leeze offer plenty of carbon wheel for your money, as do Light Bicycle if youre prepared to deal with the extra hassle of importing.HUNT replace crash-damaged wheels free of charge for the original owner throughout their lifetime, while ENVE offer the same protection for the first three years.FlopsNEWMENs hidden aero valve offers no measurable advantage and only makes everyday life more complicated.At 67 mm deep, the ENVE rear rim isnt UCI-compliant.With Light Bicycle, you need to factor in shipping, import VAT and customs duties. Warranty claims are also handled directly through China or the EU shop.Fulcrums AFS disc rotor interface requires a dedicated lockring.The silver spoke nipples spoil the otherwise clean, beautiful look of the Roval.The OQUO are the only wheels on test optimised specifically for road tires.ConclusionsAfter putting 13 wheelsets through the wringer, the picture is surprisingly clear. Almost every contender has its strengths, and whether you want a dedicated race setup or a fast, dependable wheelset for everyday training, theres something here for you. There are clear winners and losers, though, and the gap between how wheels feel and how they measure surprised even us. One wheelset stands above the rest: the HUNT 5AM Gravel Limitless Ti_UD excels both on the trail and in the wind tunnel, earning our Best in Test award on merit. The Reserve 48|53 GR takes our Best Buy award and was among the wheelsets we most enjoyed riding. And if you still judge gravel wheels by rim depth alone after reading this, a day in the wind tunnel might change your mind.Der Beitrag The best carbon gravel wheels on test: 13 wheelsets in our big group test erschien zuerst auf GRAN FONDO Cycling Magazine.