Over the last two years, UK brand Halo Wheels have been developing and testing new downhill wheels with SR Suntour-Commencal Racing’s Jack Reading. The all-new Halo Gravitas is an alloy wheelset running an asymmetric 27.5mm internal width rim made from a new alloy material that is 30% stronger than their early prototypes. Here’s everything you need to know.
Halo Gravitas DH Wheels
For those who prefer the ride feel (not to mention the sustainability and reliability) of an aluminium wheelset, the new sub £500 Gravitas wheels from Halo could be an attractive option. Their asymmetric rims are made from 6061 T-10 heat treated aluminium alloy said to have an incredibly high tolerance for impact forces.
The rim has an internal width of 27.5mm and an external width of 33mm. The rim bed itself is offset, with an asymmetric design permitting the use of more even spoke tensions between the drive and non-drive side. That squared-off, thick bead hook of the rim is designed to brush off impacts and reduce the potential for pinch flats.
Halo say the 27.5mm internal width rim offers tubeless tires ample sidewall support, while being narrow enough to avoid unnecessary rock collisions.
At the heart of these hand-built wheels is the Halo Superdrive MT (or MTC) hubset with rapid, 3° pickup. This uses a wedge pawl drive mechanism with each pawl featuring 12 micro-teeth. That design enhances the surface area that is in contact with the 120 point drive ring at any one time, meaning the system should be able to handle high torque loads.
Halo’s latest MT series HG freehubs are now made from precision machined Cro-Mo steel. This is harder than the material used on their previous freehubs, and will likely better resist cassette bite. Halo say it also allows use of larger internal bearings for increased durability.
The alloy rims are laced to the hubs via 32 of Halo’s-own tripple-butted black stainless steel J-Bend spokes. This means that, should a spoke break while you’re on a riding trip, it shouldn’t be too difficult to get your hands on a suitable replacement.
Pricing & Availability
The Halo Gravitas Wheelset is available in 27.5″ and 29″ with HG, XD and MicroSpline freehub drivers. Options cover non-boost, Boost and Super Boost spacing with both six-bolt and centre-lock hubs.
Prices start at £499.98 / $685.74 USD / 575.98€ for a pair of wheels. You can customize your wheelset with a decal pack for and £19.99 / $27.42 USD / 23.07€.
