Hope has a new set of premium UK-made carbon RX40 gravel wheels built wider and lighter for the “go anywhere” gravel crowd. Fully made “from start to finish by hand in Barnoldswick” in the UK, the new RX40 gravel wheels feature Hope’s fast-engaging 108 POE Pro5 hubs and a new 25.5mm internal width. Plus, you get to pick your favorite anodized color, and Hope will even match your hubs with their own CNC-machined tubeless valves.
CNC-machined alloy hubs and brakes are really Hope’s bread and butter. We also take a look at those latest Hope Pro5 hubs – which now also include a DH-specific version. And don’t forget the completely revamped Tech4 EVO brakes that now let you mix-and-match 3 different levers and 4 different brake calipers to cover every mountain bike from superlight XC to full-on downhill and freeride!
Hope RX40 hookless tubeless carbon gravel wheels
The new RX40 gravel wheels are the natural next evolution of their long-running RD40 all-rounder all-road/cross/gravel wheels, now 30% wider inside to better suit modern wide gravel tires and rougher off-road riding. They get an all-new 40mm deep x 25.5mm internal aero profile perfect for mixed-surface racing and all-around riding. And at the same time, Hope still managed to make the new wheelset 23g lighter, too.
They join Hope’s more affordable 24mm internal x 23mm deep alloy RX24 gravel wheelset.
RX40 Tech Details
- mid-depth carbon rim made in Barnoldswick, England
- 25.5mm hookless tubeless (for 32-60mm tires)
- 30mm wide x 40mm deep externally
- wheelset hand-built on Hope Pro5 Centerlock Straightpull hubs
- 54T with 6 offset pawls for fast 3.33° engagement (108 POE)
- 24 aero, bladed Sapim CX-Ray spokes front & rear
- Shimano HG, MicroSpline, SRAM XDR, and Campagnolo N3W freehubs available
- wheels supplied taped for tubeless, with tubeless valves color-matched to the hubs
- 700c only
- 1523g claimed complete wheelset weight (685g front, 838g rear)
Hope RX40 carbon wheels – Pricing, options & availability
The new Hope RX40 carbon gravel wheels are officially available this week from October 1st for £1195 / $1300 / 1300€ as a set. Pick from Hope’s 6 standard Pro5 hub ano colors – red, orange, blue, purple, silver, black & smoke gray – and Hope will color-match your tubeless valves. The new gravel wheels also feature toned-down graphics.
Hope Pro5 hubs, also with new DH 150mm spec
Hope’s UK-machined hubs are always worth a closer look.
The Pro5 was launched two years back with a big engagement boost – going from 40 POEs to 108 POEs thanks to a few more teeth and 50% more, newly offset grouping of wider springs & wire-cut pawls. Plus, they reduced drag overall with a new seal design.
The disc brake only hubs are now available in standard and boost spacing, 6-bolt or centerlock, and straightpull centerlock options for use on or off-road. There’s even a new DH-specific 150mm version with an oversized hubshell for bigger bearings, increased stiffness, symmetrical wheel builds, and a 7-speed downhill cassette. Plus, you can pick from black, silver, red, orange, blue & purple to build a unique set of wheels – no matter what you ride.
Hope Tech4 EVO brakes
Hope also just updated their popular mountain bike disc brakes with the all-new modular Tech4 EVO earlier this past summer. Both lever and caliper options are all-new with tons of refinements for better overall braking, improved compatibility with more bikes, and easier maintenance.
There’s a new base lever shape & updated machined dimples for improved ergonomics, plus two extra Power & Control blade options for riders looking for a different feel. Then inside, you get a new cam for improved power, consistency, and modulation. Plus, easier bleeding with a new bleed port.
At the caliper, there are now three one-piece machined options. Pick the two-piston X2 for the lightest setup – in both post mount and flat mount versions. Or go with mixed-size four-pistons for more power and more even pad wear. Pick either the trail TR4 or gravity GR4 calipers.
There’s quite a lot more to it than even that. So, head to our launch story coverage then, for even more on the latest Tech 4 EVO brake updates.
