It’s been a handful of weeks since Gravaa and Handgespaakt announced a collab. What was so special about this union? Well, a few things.
First is Gravaa, which, if you don’t know, makes hubs. However, these hubs allow you to adjust your tire pressure while you’re riding. Secondly is Handgespaakt, who provided the carbon hoops for the build. Handgespaakt wheels are made to order, with each wheelset meticulously handbuilt with precision.
Lastly, they are only making ten wheelsets. And yes, they have some available — I checked.
Gravaa Hubs
Gravaa has been on our radar for a while now. No, they aren’t necessarily the first brand to offer some sort of tire pressure management system. However, they have worked out quite a few kinks, establishing their system as perhaps the most practical(?).
Simply put, Gravaa uses its Kinetic Air Pressure System (KAPS). Inside each hub, a small pump collects air, allowing you to inflate the tire as you ride. “Kinetic” refers to the pump’s power coming from the wheel’s rotation.
You can also deflate your tires. Both adding and subtracting air pressure are done through control buttons integrated into the hoods. The idea is that on smoother surfaces, such as a pavement sprint, you can increase tire pressure. On rougher roads or trails, lower pressures allow for increased traction.
This is precisely how Marianne Vos won the 2024 Gravel World Championships. The Gravaa athlete shared that increasing and decreasing tire pressure at times gave her the edge over her opponents — a sentiment her opponents echoed.
Handgespaakt Wheels
Dutch wheel manufacturer, Handgespaakt, is all about quality over quantity. In fact, we might say perfection over quantity. The name literally means “hand-spoked” and indicates that they build all their wheels by hand.
To perfection. No mass production.
Since Gravaa is a hub manufacturer, they have sought wheel partners in other brands. Currently, they offer Reserve and DT Swiss wheelsets with their hub.
Now, Gravaa, another Dutch brand, has partnered with Handgespaakt on 10 wheelsets.
Gravaa x Handgespaakt Details
- Handgespaakt HG GR 4025 carbon rim
- 700c (29”/622mm)
- 40mm depth
- 25mm inner width
- Allows 35-45mm tires
- 24 Sapim CX-Ray Aero Spokes (straight, black)
- Gravaa hub w/ DT Swiss Ratchet System, 10°
- Weight: 2,170g
- €2,995 (~$3,490.97)
Okay, before you click “buy” on one of the ten sets, here are some things you need to know. First, you can’t use your favorite rotors with these wheels. Because of the pump in each hub, Gravaa partnered with Galfer on rotors. They are included, and you have the option of 140, 160, or 180mm rotors.
The Gravaa hubs also only come in non-boost spacing — 100mm up front, 142mm in the rear. If you have one of those tricky road boost gravel bikes, unfortunately, you’re out of luck.
You’ll also need to run tubes with this wheelset. While Gravaa is working on tubeless options, their technology isn’t currently compatible with liquidy tire sealants. The Handgespaakt HG GR 4025 carbon rims, however, are “tubeless ready.”
And, yes, it would be silly not to mention the weight. At 2,170g, this wheelset is heavier than many alloy enduro mountain bike wheelset offerings. But you’ll just have to find out if the weight penalty is worth perfect tire pressure on the go.
Apparently, for Marianne Vos, it is.
