Synthesis Gravel Alloy and Carbon: First gravel wheels presented by Crankbrothers
Sandra Schuberth
· 03.05.2023
Most gravel bikes are rigid, i.e. without shocks and suspension elements. Conversely, for Crankbrothers this means that a certain amount of compliance in the components is important for comfort and performance. With the new wheelsets especially for gravel bikes, the manufacturer wants to achieve this and ensure more fun when gravel riding.
These are the Synthesis Gravel wheels
"Where comfort meets performance" is the slogan for the wheels. The rims have been given a rim width of 26.5 millimetres - wider than all previous gravel wheels - and 28 spokes at the front and rear. As gravel bikes are built differently to downhill, enduro or cross-country bikes, where suspension, damping and wide tyres offer comfort, it was important to the manufacturer to increase this with the help of the wheels. To achieve this, the stiffness of the rear wheel in particular was reduced in contrast to MTB wheels.
And what kind of tyres fit on it?
Crankbrothers specifies a minimum tyre width of 30 millimetres and a maximum tyre width of 55 millimetres. However, tyre widths of 40 to 48 millimetres are ideal. This should particularly suit people who like to ride wider tyres on their gravel bike, as the wider inner width of the rim increases the ground contact area and therefore traction. This should also increase the stability of the sidewall.
Some people may think: "That's far too wide, I might as well use mountain bike wheels". Yes and no. Current MTB rims have significantly wider rim widths.
In a table from 2020, tyre manufacturer Schwalbe specifies possible combinations of tyre width and inner rim width and also compares its own data with the ETRTO values. Schwalbe says that with inner rim widths of 26/27 millimetres, tyres from 37 to 83 millimetres fit. The ETRTO standard specifies a narrower range: 47 to 65 millimetres.
Over the past few years, we have already observed how the jaw widths of both road and mountain bikes have increased.
The TOUR editorial team is still divided as to whether 26.5 millimetre rim width is sensible or excessive, as you can also choose narrow 29er MTB wheels.
Why wider rims?
- Less vibration, less fatigue: Wider rims allow wider tyres to be used at lower pressures, resulting in a smoother ride over rough surfaces. The lower tyre pressure allows the tyre to adapt better to the ground, reducing bumps and stresses when hitting obstacles. This results in less fatigue for the rider's body.
- Improved control and stability as well as better grip in bends: Wider rims reduce the balloon-like shape of the tyre. When cornering, a wider tyre on a narrow rim is not supported by the rim. This leads to instability and can ultimately result in air loss.
The Synthesis Gravel Carbon wheels at the BIKE Festival
At the FSA BIKE-Festival Garda Trentino Crankbrothers showed the new wheels on a gravel bike from 3T.
The gravel wheels in detail
Crankbrothers Synthesis Gravel Alloy
- Wheel sizes: 700c / 650b
- Tubeless compatible
- Spokes: Sapim D-Light spokes; 28 spokes each front and rear
- Jaw width: 26.5 millimetres
- Hubs: Synthesis Standard hubs
- Brake mount: Centrelock
- Axle: 12x100 front wheel /142x12 rear wheel
- Freewheel: XDR or HDR freewheel body
- Weight: 700c - 1917 grams; 650b - 1769 grams
- Price: front wheel 239.99 euros, rear wheel 359.99 euros
Crankbrothers Synthesis Gravel Carbon
- Wheel sizes: 700c / 650b
- Tubeless compatible
- Spokes: Sapim D-Light spokes; 28 spokes each front and rear
- Jaw width: 26.5 millimetres
- Hubs: Synthesis ratchet hubs with 10° engagement
- Brake mount: Centrelock
- Axle: 12x100 front wheel /142x12 rear wheel
- Freewheel: XDR or HDR freewheel body
- Weight: 700c - 1544 grams; 650b - 1517 grams
- Price: front wheel 239.99 euros, rear wheel 359.99 euros
- Price: front wheel 599.99 euros, rear wheel: 899.99 euros
More about gravel wheels
Sandra Schuberth
Editor
