Their original XCX gravel wheels launched in 2021 with impressive weights and prices, but left me wanting a more robust bead wall to protect the tires.
Now, the new e*Thirteen Piedmont Race gravel wheels have made (very) small strides to improve that with wider rims with a bit more meat at the edges. Here’s what you need to know…
![eThirteen Piedmont gravel race wheels](https://bikerumor.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/e13-piedmont-race-carbon-gravel-wheels-1-1536x1024.jpg)
The rims have a low profile to improve compliance, aided by lightweight, double-butted spokes. The wider profile maintains lateral stiffness.
![eThirteen Piedmont gravel race wheels](https://bikerumor.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/e13-piedmont-race-carbon-gravel-wheels-5-1536x1024.jpg)
Constructed of high-modulus carbon fiber, the Piedmont Race Carbon rims measure with 26mm internal (up from 24mm for XCX), 31mm external, with a 31mm profile height. Claimed weight is just 340g per rim, which is only 20g heaver than the XCX carbon rim.
![eThirteen Piedmont alloy gravel race wheels](https://bikerumor.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/e13-piedmont-race-alloy-gravel-wheels-3-1536x1024.jpg)
The Piedmont Race alloy wheels measure 24mm internal, 27mm external, with a low 19.5mm profile height. Claimed weight is 415g per rim.
![e-thirteen piedmont gravel wheel hub](https://bikerumor.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/e13-piedmont-race-gravel-wheel-hubs-1536x1024.jpg)
Both wheels get e*Thirteen’s new Race Straightpull Hubs, which have a much faster 3º engagement (versus the 13º of the XCX hubs). They use 6-bolt brake rotor mounts and have alloy bearing seals under axle caps to help keep gunk away from the bearings.
They’re built with 24 straight-pull Sapim D-light spokes with Sapim secure lock alloy nipples and Nipple Washers. They have 142×12 rear axle spacing and 100mm front with 12 & 15 mm axle caps in the box. They ship with an XDR freehub body, but HG and N3W are available. No Micro Spline offered at this time.
![eThirteen Piedmont gravel race wheels on a Lauf Seigla](https://bikerumor.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/e13-piedmont-race-carbon-gravel-wheels-3-1536x1022.jpg)
All wheels come with a 5-year Warranty that includes bearing service kits to help you maintain them. They ship with e*Thirteen’s tubeless tape and proprietary Quick Fill Tubeless Valves installed for easy tubeless setup.
Spec list & pricing
- Race Carbon Weight: 620g/780g F/R (XDR freehub, Valves incl.)
- Race Alloy Weight: 660g/840g F/R (XDR freehub, Valves incl.)
- Spokes: Sapim D-Light 24H/24H – F/R
- Rear Config: 142×12 – Alloy Axle
- Front Config: 100×12/15mm (Adapter end caps incl.)
- Driver: XDR 4-Pawl / 3° Freehub (HG Avail.)
- Valves: Quick Fill Presta Tubeless Valves
- Sizes: 700c Front/Rear
- Piedmont Race Carbon MSRP: Front 769.95 $/€ – Rear 909.95 $/€ (UK F/R £689.95/£809.95)
- Piedmont Race Alloy MSRP: Front 339.95 $/€ – Rear 409.95 $/€ (UK F/R £309.95/£369.95)