Built to help reigning UK Hill Climb Champion Dan Evans take more KOMs, the new Hunt Hill Climb SL carbon tubulars weigh a scant 991g. What makes them really special, though, is that Hunt (and Dan) says they’re also stiff enough for out of the saddle attacks on gravity. That’s something not all superlight wheels can say.
The wheels use a new carbon tubular rim that weighs in at a claimed 280g. They measure 23mm wide and 30mm deep, designed for narrow and light 23mm tubulars…because they’re really only for climbing. Hunt says if you want something for long alpine descents and general road riding, stick to their tubeless-ready carbon clinchers. But when every possible gram matters for racing up the hill, these are it.
The wheels weigh in at 424g up front, 567g in the rear (on their scale). Weight savings comes from more than just the rims – they chose Pillar Megalite bladed spokes (3.4g each, 16 front and 20 rear) and paired them with their Sprint SL J-Bend hubs. Those get a 7.5º engagement inside a CNC’d alloy hub shell and 7075-T6 alloy axle, EZO bearings and low friction seals.
Hunt puts them through the same safety and durability testing as their other wheels, but do have a 78kg (~172lbs) rider weight limit…which should include anything you’re stuffing in your jerseys and wearing. Even then, if you’re pushing the upper limits of that weight, they should be checked by your mechanic every couple months. Which is to say, they’re purpose built for race day. Like at the Hill Climb World Champs in Santa Barbara, California, where Dan will be showing them off later this year. Retail price is $1,428.98 (£1,089 / €1,222.92).
