Recently, gravel tires have trended wider, bikes have become more capable, and the lines between gravel riding and mountain biking seem to keep getting blurrier. In response, Hunt is announcing its new 25 Carbon Gravel X-Wide wheels, “For those who push the definition of gravel. Built for those seeking the perfect nexus between gravel and MTB wheels.”
Whether you’re pushing the limits of tire clearance on your bike or the limits of your gravel bike on mountain bike trails, one thing is certain: gravel bike wheels are often subjected to some serious abuse. Sometimes it seems like gravel wheels are caught in the middle, but the new 25 Carbon Gravel X-Wide wheels intend to bridge that gap.
Leaning on Hunt’s H_Core reinforced carbon layup, the new 25 carbon Gravel X-Wide wheels aim to bring mountain bike durability and impact resistance to drop-bar bikes. With a shallow 25 mm depth and 27 mm internal width, these wheels are specifically designed to pair well with the latest crop of wide gravel and MTB tires.
Hunt 25 Carbon Gravel X-Wide: Key Features
- Wide 27mm internal rim dimension offers compatibility with 35mm to 65mm (2.55”) gravel and MTB tires.
- H_Core technology integrates pultruded, highly compacted carbon inserts to reinforce the critical junction between the rim bed and sidewall without adding weight. (1472g per pair)
- H_Ratchet 36T SGL system offers reliable 10-degree engagement in a lightweight, simple design, designed to handle torque loads of 2x or 1x drivetrains.
- Front & rear 28 spoke count ensures a more even force distribution across the wheel
- Asymmetric rim profile and angular spoke patches reduce stress at the spoke holes and provide accurate nipple alignment for a stronger, more reliable build
Hand Built With Hunt Hubs
The 25 Carbon Gravel X-Wide wheels spin on Hunt’s new H_Ratchet 36T SGL hubs. These hubs have 10-degree freehub engagement with a single-sided ratchet drive system that Hunt claims is more durable and requires less material and weight compared to its pawl-based designs. Hunt is offering the wheels with the more typical non-Boost gravel spacing, and also providing the option for Boost spacing. That means they can be fit on most mountain bikes if you’re considering converting one into a gravel whip.
Moving out from the hubs, Hunt uses Pillar PSR triple-butted J-bend spokes that are laced and tensioned by hand, including a signed quality control card from the wheel builder — for a personal touch. Those meet the asymmetric rims at angular spoke patches for even spoke tension and optimal nipple alignment.
Hunt H_Core Technology
The new 25 Carbon Gravel X-Wide rims employ Hunt’s H_Core reinforcement technology, which is more commonly used on the brand’s mountain bike rims. This involves a pre-cured, high fiber-content ring “made by pulling fibers through epoxy and curing in the mold,” with the goal of improving consistency and avoiding compaction issues. According to Hunt, in-house testing has shown significant improvements in impact resistance with H_Core reinforcement.
Hunt 25 Carbon Gravel X-Wide: Specs
- Weight: 1472g (Non-Boost), 1475g (Boost)
- Internal Rim Width: 27mm
- External Rim Width: 32mm
- Spokes: Pillar PSR triple butted J-bend
- Spoke Count: 28 Front & 28 Rear
- Hubs: HUNT H_Ratchet SGL, 36T, 10-degree engagement
- Axle Spacing Front: 12x100mm Thru-Axle, 15x100mm Thru-Axle, Quick Release 9x100mm
- Axle Spacing Rear: 12x142mm Thru-Axle, 12x135mm Thru-Axle, 12x148mm Thru-Axle, 10x135mm Thru-Axle, Quick Release 9x135mm
- Freehubs: Shimano HG, Shimano Microspline, SRAM XD/XDR, Campagnolo, Campagnolo N3W (Ekar)
- Bearings: Sealed Precision Cartridge
Hunt 25 Carbon Gravel X-Wide: Pricing and Availability
As we’ve come to expect from Hunt, the new 25 Carbon Gravel X-Wide wheels are priced competitively at £949, $1,299, or 1,299€. They are available to purchase now and are scheduled to start shipping in the third week of August. As usual, they are only available directly from the brand. Head to the Hunt website to learn more or pick up a pair for yourself.
