Swiss Side Technologies AG is launching a new performance-oriented and aerodynamically optimised gravel wheel set. The wheels called Gravon Carbon 500 with 50 millimetre high carbon rims are primarily aimed at the speed group of gravel enthusiasts. However, Swiss Side also emphasises their versatility and points out that tyres from 30 to 69 millimetres wide can be used on the rims, while 40 millimetre tyres are recommended.
Distinctive kink in the rim
If you take a closer look at the rims, you will notice that they resemble those of the recently presented DT Swiss wheels GRC Dicut 1100 Swiss Side also states in the press release for the launch of the new Gravon Carbon 500 that the special carbon fibre mix for the rims was developed together with partner DT Swiss. What both rims have in common is the distinctive kink in the rim cross-section at the transition from the parallel flanks to the aerodynamically rounded profile, which is intended to optimise the flow of air. According to our own wind tunnel tests, the new wheel should generate eight per cent less air resistance than the previous model and achieve an increased sailing effect, particularly with lateral airflow. The detailed wind tunnel results can be found on the Swiss Side website.
Hooked rim for higher tyre pressure
Similar to its DT Swiss counterpart, the Gravon Carbon 500 rim is also only produced as a hookless model; the engineers at DT Swiss had argued that it would be safer and allow higher tyre pressures to be used. Hookless rims are usually only suitable for tubeless tyres and are limited to a maximum air pressure of five bar. With an internal rim dimension of 24 millimetres, the Gravon rim, as already mentioned, is suitable for tyres of very different widths, which can be fitted with a tube or tubeless.
The new Gravon Carbon 500 wheelset weighs 1746 grams, is available immediately and costs 1595 euros.
Technical data
- Rim: Carbon, 50 millimetres high, 24 millimetres inner width
- Hub: Swiss Side 370
- Spokes: DT Aero Comp, stainless steel
- Tyre widths: 30 to 69 millimetres; manufacturer's recommendation: 40 millimetres
- Weights: Vfront wheel: 797 grams, rear wheel: 949 grams, total weight: 1749 grams
- Compatibility: Shimano and SRAM, ten-speed and eleven-speed; optional for ten-speed, eleven-speed, twelve-speed and 13-speed for Shimano, SRAM and Campagnolo
