HUNT Gravel Wheels // High End vs Entry Level??

[@sfdint]

Very clearly presented info. I am a big fan of Hunt alloy tires. Big improvement over stock and under 1600 grams for $500. As you explain so well the increases in quality you get with higher end wheels requires a disproportional increase in cash.

[@shannonparker7404]

I have two sets of Hunt wheels, one on my roadie and one on my Gravel bike. Cannot fault them. But the best selling point is the support you get from Hunt. Above and beyond anything else I've experienced in the bicycle industry. It will take a lot to convince me to buy anything else.

[@jamalsinghbanvait5513]

I am looking at doing the same. What sizes you running on both?

[@shannonparker7404]

@@jamalsinghbanvait5513 Just the alloy Hunt 4 season gravels on the Ritchey Outback gravel bike and the Hunt 34 aero wide on my road logic. Could not be happier.

[@TheBikeSauce]

Kick a$$ stable!

[@shannonparker7404]

@@TheBikeSauce I'm a Ritchey tragic... :-) :-)

[@qinli3280]

I bought the Mason x Hunt 4 season wheelset in 2019 when they were still less than $400 for the pair. They have since been on my commute bike and super reliable for thousands of miles. To be honest initially I wasn't super crazy about these wheels because they don't carry those fancy tags like carbon and aero. But they take abuse and still deliver solid performance everyday, requiring almost no maintenance (I only cleaned and greased the freehub last month as it was a bit too loud. All bearings are running smoothly). Even for their current retail price I'd still highly recommend.

[@derrleicaguy]

As always, your advice was prudent, well founded and honest. I really appreciate your channel as you have, and continue, to review products in line with us “average” cyclists.

[@TheBikeSauce]

Yes! Thanks for the feedback. Stay average, my friend

[@industryrule-4080]

I too am an extra ordinary cyclist from SoCal and I bought the Hunt x Mason 650b Adventure wheels for my gravel bike. I was disappointed by the weight versus my stock WTB i23 wheels (2038g stock/pair vs 1721g Hunt/pair) due to the advertised weights but I decided to just live with them. I later purchased a mid-tier carbon wheel set from Light Bicycle with DT Swiss 240 hubs and that was a significant upgrade in weight (1502g), stiffness, and the possible placebo-like effect of knowing my hubs are a known level of reliability and quality. Performance “feel” was also an immediate upgrade.

[@TheBikeSauce]

Very nice setup. I’ve heard varying things about claimed vs actual weights. I think it depends on the model. Also, as per industry standard, Hunt wheels weighs wheels stripped down (no tape, valves, or rotor lock rings)

[@p504504]

I too have stock i23 650bs and I’m thinking real hard if I should go with the Hunt alloys, or save up a little and go the Chinese route (ICAN G25 or Lún Grapid…)

[@jonpoon3896]

For Hunt’s 650b, alloy is a good way to go if you wanna dabble in that wheel size. Great bikepacking wheel. They even have a dynamo option

[@stephenwaters5134]

Thanks for the honest take on which wheels make sense for different types of riders with different budgets. And your non-judgieness for those that can splash out the cash on elite carbon wheels to enjoy on weekend casual rides. (I fall pretty firmly in the former) so either mid level aluminum or lower end carbon wheels. Great review!

[@mariap5521]

Just bought a set of hunt wheels!! I'm so excited to try them out! Thank you for making this video!

[@YoSpiff]

I bought a set of the All Season wheels last winter. Glad I got them then, as the price appears to have gone up quite a lot. Pretty darn happy with them so far, paired with a set of 38c Panaracer gravelking SS tires.

[@TheBikeSauce]

Nice setup.

[@Mosely2007]

Me too I run. 47mm on a Steel Salsa. Really takes some terrible hits with no issues after well over 10k on gravel. I've destroyed carbon wheel and frames. Done with carbon

[@Tibilha]

i really enjoyed the last few mins about whether we need, want or like nice things haha and yes, if you can afford it, BUY IT

[@malcontent_1]

~10:50 I'm glad you said this about no longer "defending your purchases." There's so much internal conflict & external stigma -- let's just *_ride our bikes_* !

[@charliedillon1400]

I'll never stop clowning slow guys with pro bikes.

[@torontotoo]

Thanks for the great real world reviews. I'm looking at the HUNT GRAVEL RACE DISC WHEELSET (alloy!). 1459g, $599, 22 internal. I live in the mountains in Colorado, lots of climbing so weight is top of mind. Road and gravel. And more concerned about crosswinds than aero. Wondering if you'd had a chance to try them. Thanks!

[@cosmicheretic8129]

Did you get these and if so what are your thoughts?

[@DaneHamada]

Excellent post. I appreciate that your posts contain a layman’s perspective and also technical feedback. Well done!

[@TheBikeSauce]

Thx, Dane!

[@Mosely2007]

I have the all season gravel. 2 seasons so far.Happy with them. I ride 10k on gravel. Didn't have good luck with carbon. On my Salsa Vaya. Better than stock by far. I'm impressed. Gravel beats equip. Up. Mine has 47 mm tires nice ride

[@julianduquemin7701]

those Hunt 42 Limitless wheels are definitely a NEED, not a WANT :-)

[@TheBikeSauce]

Ha! Yes, definitions of want and need are fluid

[@LagunaRider1961]

Love your channel!! I ended up going with the Astral Outback carbon wheelset with White Industries hubs at the recommendation of the manager at Adrenaline bikes for my Moots build. I've done exactly what I said I wouldn't do and that's fall deep down the bike rabbit hole LOL! But this will be it for me, my grail bike. Cheers!!

[@TheBikeSauce]

Haha, nice! Bling wheels for a bling bike; nothing wrong with that. Enjoy!

[@charliedillon1400]

Yeah, well, you bought a Moots, so....

[@LGaidjrg_non]

Great video, helped me out! Also, noticed you have mislabeled the entry level wheel segment as "High end wheels". Just thought I'd mention it

[@bennetthasty7886]

Thanks for the video I am in the market for mid range gravel wheels so this was helpful

[@ladakhsail1]

Ive watched and ive watched and see the Hunt wheel is the one that I may go for...changing to a Hunt 650B with bigger tyres on an aluminium Diverge is for me...pretty cool channel...

[@TheBikeSauce]

Thanks! I’d like to try their 650b wheels too at some point

[@davehoover8853]

Thanks for a great review. Bike companies seem to cut costs at the wheels and upgrades are needed. I like Hunt and have the Adventure alloy 650 for touring and tough gravel. Now I want to upgrade my 700C. I am stuck between the wheels you have - the carbon 35 XWide. It is optimized for 38-40mm tires. The interesting alternative is the Carbon 30 as Hunt says it will take a very wide range of tire widths with no issues. I run 50mm on my 650b’s. I may run 32 -45 on my 700c’s. Can you take a look at these two options and share your thoughts?

[@riffmeisterkl]

I have their Trail Wide MTB alloy rims. At that price point, incredible value and performance

[@TheBikeSauce]

Nice, I really want to try them out on my mtb

[@riffmeisterkl]

@@TheBikeSauce I have no issues with hub sound, 3° of engagement is great for me. Practical man’s version i9, hope or Chris king

[@riffmeisterkl]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/sHiveZuCaMmYns0

[@speedikat6822]

Right on. I like my alloy wheels. I roll my own. And I like my steel framesets. But I have a friend that likes to tell me about carbon this and that. Especially how $$ they are. Well, hey. To each his own. Mebbe I should install electronic shifting. That'd probably get his shorts in a twist.

[@TheBikeSauce]

😆 That's great: upgrading parts just to irritate your buddy! I like it. Really though - I enjoy rides more when the discussion isn't all about the newest and best gear. Totally fine to discuss merits and personal experiences, but the anxiety just goes up when the sales pitches roll in.

[@jerbyjerbjerb]

Out of the topic question: If you were to choose between 700c and 650b as your forever all-rounder wheelset for your gravel bike, what would it be and why?

[@brody5211]

700c if using it on both road and gravel but 650b is great fun on gravel muck and shite surfaces

[@Dark_Wings88]

The stock wheels on the sport carbon diverge are really bad and heavy. I went for the Hunt carbon 35 x-wide gravel too and I am happy with it. Doing bunny hops is easier due to the reduced weight and you can definitely hear the aero effect when riding on roads. For more MTB-oriented Graveling I suppose that the mason entry level wheel would have been enough since the aero effect is near 0.

[@TheBikeSauce]

Right on!

[@kelvingay8765]

I'm on the stock wheels on my sports carbon diverge DT Swiss G540 (presumably aluminium), I'm thinking to upgrade my wheels. I do some weekend MTB trails along with gravels so there's some hardcore stones ascend and descend together with roots as well. Does Hunt Carbon wheel able to withstand such impact?

[@TheBikeSauce]

You might consider the alloy superdura wheels. Built for strength

[@xXskywalkerXx]

Man I love this channel and your content! Keep riding bro and stay safe!

[@hishamhussein4282]

Great video!! Is there any fear in damaging these carbon wheels on harder gravel routes or even light MTB trails? Just wondering if alloy is a safer investment?

[@TheBikeSauce]

Carbon can still fail suddenly, but modern carbon hoops are really pretty strong these days

[@cycleconversations]

Great video. Thanks for explaining it all so well. I upgraded my stock wheels to Fulcrum Rapid Red 5 DB's and it was such an improvement!

[@TheBikeSauce]

Ooh very nice

[@fisharefriends598]

I bit the bullet and bought the mason x hunt wheels. Your the only creator which has produced a meaningful analysis of the wheel. Very useful… and yup they are good wheels, performance wise.. 10 to 15% better I’d say then a terrible stock wheel. I’m faster on the next cog or 2 up.. it allows you to push the bike to the next level. … would have been useful to see what a tyre change is like with popular NEW unstretched tyres. Gator skins. Gravel kings.

[@TheBikeSauce]

Nice, happy new wheel day! SKs went on as easily as day 1

[@gaza4543]

If I’m being brutally honest 99% of people would be happy with the alloy limitless wheel. Might of even been a better comparison here, they weigh virtually the same they have the same spokes and hubs. And if you wanted as you allude to swap the bearings out for ceramic speed. I would hazard a guess the 2 (alloy and carbon) limitless version differences would be extremely marginal at best. And if I’m honest as long at the alloy wheel is built really well using, good spokes and so on and I never clapped eyes in them I’d never be able to tell you the difference. In fact I know I couldn’t. Rubber on the other hand completely different story. I love the review but I just don’t buy into hype of carbon wheels. Especially once compliant tiers are added the properties of carbon at that point are pretty much negated to which I’ll also add the stiffness really comes from the spokes not the rim but carbon SHOULD be truer from the outset of the build. But having said all that they do look the dogs.

[@TheBikeSauce]

I hear ya, but faster riders do legitimately benefit from an aero profile, which isn’t really possible with alloy. Also, faster or not, I can definitely tell if I’m on a carbon hoop vs alloy just by the sound difference on the road. Still there’s always a place for well built alloy wheels

[@RonBalone]

My bike came with DT Swiss G1800, which actually aren't as bad as the wheels that came with your diverage. Still debating if upgrading to carbon rims like on my road bike, are worth it. I mean, I want them, but...you know.

[@TheBikeSauce]

Hahaha yup. Want vs need - the age old question

[@DrDan-ue9de]

Great insights!….thank you

[@RandyJ]

Well opted for the carbon aero 50s hunt wheel set they look and sound cool lol. Paring them with my sl5

[@TheBikeSauce]

Niiiiice.

[@tatarhead]

Enjoyed the wheel reviews, But why don’t many people talk about how loud or quiet the freehubs are in reviews. I am one that hates loud freehubs and am in the process of looking for a 650B wheelset.

[@NajibSaer]

I love louder wheels

[@quarryfield]

wonderful video, thank you!

[@DADVNTRS]

Great video thanks for all the insights! On another topic, who makes the camo frame bag you have on your specialized?

[@TheBikeSauce]

Outershell small half frame bag

[@DADVNTRS]

@@TheBikeSauce Appreciate the speedy reply! Must still be on those carbon hoops ;)

[@duncanking5272]

IMHO When you’re 50km from anywhere, out of phone coverage, descending down rutted tracks covered in baby heads and loose gravel, I’ll take alloy every day of the week for peace of mind.

[@abalem]

Great content, thanks !

[@gerald6656]

carbon 35's are on sale right now for $800... I'm doing it.

[@TheBikeSauce]

🤘🤘🤘

[@paulinblack9036]

Dude! What are you doing to me! I 'should' be happy with the Hunt 4 Seasons. But my friend and your reviews make me 'want' the Hunt 35s! That's despite them being 50% of the cost of the main bike they'll go on!! I need to try both sets - how do I do that? What are you doing with your spares while going Limitless? Fancy shipping to the UK for me to try? I'll send them back...maybe...we'll see ! :-)

[@TheBikeSauce]

Lol. Hunt is based in the UK. We have a shop here that does a demo program in the US. You must have something similar in the UK. Worth a call or two perhaps

[@paulinblack9036]

@@TheBikeSauce 60 day ride and return policy I believe.

[@JuvoII]

Go buy yourself an ice cream, Paul.

[@paulinblack9036]

@@JuvoII Had too many of those, which is why I can't use some of the wheels!

[@TheBikeSauce]

😆

[@TestyRoznychRzeczy]

What wheels for heavy rider? My weight is 127kg. I would like buy gravel bike but most have load limit 120kg as total bike + rider. Any ideas?

[@hro52518]

What 29'' trail mid level wheels would you recommend or have experience with? I'm thinking of I9 101 Enduro S or Rovals carbon control 29 . Thx awesome content as always

[@TheBikeSauce]

I wish I had more experience with a variety of MTB wheels. It's a different game with MTB though, because durability is a bigger concern. Some choose not to go carbon MTB because of how hard they are on the bikes; a crash through a rock garden could easily crack a carbon rim if struck from the side. I would assess what you have currently. If it's a stock set, then a midrange alloy will feel like a huge upgrade. For instance my stock 29" rims weigh 2300g for the pair totally stripped down. A set of HUNT trail wide wheels would save me close to 500g; that's over a pound of rotating mass - and for around $500!

[@hro52518]

@@TheBikeSauce Great insight as always. thx

[@jamesbrittain9564]

You get what you pay for and I'd recommend finding a wheel company that has good customer service.

[@cb6866]

thank you !!

[@lukejohnson5195]

I just got into cycling few months ago and I have no idea about which rims to get. I have 2021 specialized Allez elite. Do you know which Hunt rims I should get for this type of bike. Is this brand one of the best even for road bike rims? Are there other brands you recommend? This bike comes with 26mm tires and I want the ride to be more comfortable so I am trying to get bigger tires and better rims for ride quality. I think 28mm tires are the biggest they go for this bike. I am thinking about getting Continental gp 5000 28 mm and new rims/wheels. Are there better value tires that are almost as good as gp 5000? Your expertise input will be a great help to me. Thanks!

[@TheBikeSauce]

Nice, happy belated NBD! If you're just getting into cycling and your Allez is your first proper bike, then I'd say just ride it for a solid year before you make any changes. Right now, I'd say focus on your routine, nutrition, and learning some basic bike maintenance. If you're dead set on upgrading right away: keep in mind you're bike is a proper road bike (as opposed to all-road or gravel). This means you are correct; the max tire width for your bike is 28mm (according to Spesh). Depending on your riding style, you may eventually want to look for a lighter wheel, or perhaps a more aerodynamic wheel. Regardless, you would need a rim brake wheel (not disc) that uses a quick release (QR) hub (not thru axle). Regarding tires, I would say it might be upgrading right away. The Conti GP5000 are a staple and before the wide, tubeless craze, The GP 4000 II's were essentially the gold standard for road tires. I rode GP 4000 IIs for years on my old Roubaix and was happy with them. I think you'd be happy with the upgrade to the GP5000 in 28mm

[@charliedillon1400]

Check out Mavic Ksyrium Alloy wheels. Perfect upgrade for that Allez. $500-800.

[@lukecico5155]

“Sometimes the only cure for a fever is more carbon”. Now THAT’S funny.

[@TheBikeSauce]

So dumb, it’s mildly entertaining? Lol

[@Justin-jo3ql]

This is so true! Lol…best quote 👍

[@dand2334]

Really like your channel, I have a 2020 Specialized Sirrus X5.0 it came with a set of Axis aluminum wheels. I’m just wondering your opinion on a wheel upgrade. I only ride around 10-15 miles per day, with about an 800’ elevation gain. What wheels would give me the most bang for the buck?

[@TheBikeSauce]

If we're talking Hunt, then something in the midrange alloy segment would be a nice upgrade. You may end up riding further with them 😆

[@jahmalbaptiste9915]

5:17 I'm sorry but as an engineer it didn't sit right to hear you say that something increasing as r² is exponential - they are just two very different functions. Your video was very informative nevertheless and I sincerely thank you for making it!

[@TheBikeSauce]

Sheesh, you know what I mean. exponential vs linear

[@jahmalbaptiste9915]

@@TheBikeSauce I know what you mean, I'm just being (too?) accurate :p You could probably have said it increases quadratically (sounds less fun I admit it)

[@TheBikeSauce]

Ha will keep it in mind for next time. x^2 vs 2^x is certainly different

[@jahmalbaptiste9915]

@@TheBikeSauce glad you see it :)

[@marouaneraji5029]

@@jahmalbaptiste9915 you're not the only one ! :D

[@BuffaloBrad]

After a few years, do you have an overall favorite mixed terrain (tarmac/light gravel/mid gravel) capable tire to pair with your Hunt 35 X-Wides?

[@BuffaloBrad]

actually, other qs: now that Hunt makes its own in-house hubs, has the 'angry bees' sound disappeared? Do you feel their in-house hubs are at least as good as the off the shelf models they had previously utilized?

[@TheBikeSauce]

I’ve tried many, but I keep coming back to gravelking sk 43mm. I’ve also enjoyed the TERAVAIL sparwoods.

[@TheBikeSauce]

Re: hubs. I don’t believe there’s a tangible benefit with their in house hubs. They are still pawl- based, whereas many manufacturers are adopting the star ratchet design since the dt Swiss patent expired. Many consider the star ratchet to be a superior design

[@chrisptarcinski4644]

Would you recommend hooked or hookless for pathfinder pro 38m tubeless on Hunt 35’s?

[@TheBikeSauce]

If you only ever plan to run tubeless tires, then hookless is a lighter, cheaper, equally strong option. There’s virtually no downside except you can’t run standard non tubeless tires

[@johnsonjay60]

Looking for reasonable upgrade on stock wheel set they are 700c what would u recommend for a good wheel set in the say 400-600$ range I'm on a 2021 scott gravel speedster 20 not really a big carbon fan.

[@TheBikeSauce]

If you're going with Hunt, then the Mason 4 Seasons are tough to beat for the money, and you'll likely feel a big difference over stock.

[@johnsonjay60]

@The Bike Sauce thanks alot :)

[@rovinjeoctponce1893]

FIRST 👑🔥

[@onel810]

I'm torn between inner width sizes. I'm using a 700cx40 tires, would a 20mm inner width suffice and I want to upgrade to Hunt rims? I currently own rims with a 24mm inner width. Will you feel any significant difference?

[@TheBikeSauce]

I think you’re fine on 24 inner. Unless you have spare cash to burn, I wouldn’t get new wheels just to change inner width

[@angelortiz353]

Have you ever had a chance to try the winnspace lun grapid 700 and if so what do you think??thanks in advance

[@TheBikeSauce]

Wish I had. Perhaps in the future I wil

[@angelortiz353]

@@TheBikeSauce yea i was trying to compare the hunt limitless 42 with the winnspace lun grapid but not enough info

[@rogeliosarsonas3228]

Sir gud pm how much

[@fennec13]

i am considering a set o the Hunt alu all season wheels - they are plenty for what I need - i don't see the point of carbon wheels - its money better spent elsewhere. as in I have a Ti frame - so....

[@TheBikeSauce]

Mostly stiffness and aerodynamic rim profile

[@davet003.5]

If you like it, can afford it AND your minister of finance agrees.

[@kurtalexander3683]

Hunt freehubs are giving me a hard time, on my third one

[@JamesFryerCreative]

You talk about performance gains, but don’t show any data. “Seconds or minutes” performance gains over an hour long ride is a bold claim that demands some explanation beyond just assuming that since it’s more expensive, it must perform better.

[@tmayberry7559]

Anyone that is an elite cyclist is called A sponsored racer who is not riding for the enjoyment. Furthermore, $1000 is too much to invest for an average cyclist/ commuter An investment like this is for a wanna be sponsored racer. $500 would be In my opinion would be the absolute limit for an average cyclist/ commuter.

[@soulboken4670]

No hub sound test? I hate it when people review wheels without hub sound test , waste of time

[@TheBikeSauce]

Lol, well that is the most important part.. 😆

[@soulboken4670]

@@TheBikeSauce it is, why are you doing a review for then ? When youre riding ,the constant noise youre hearing is a big factor dont act like it aint

[@TheBikeSauce]

Haha, it’s a small factor, but I don’t buy wheels based on how they sound.

[@soulboken4670]

@@TheBikeSauce youre ridiculous lol , next time do a hub sound if you want to provide good information

[@charliedillon1400]

@@soulboken4670 Coming on a little strong, but a fair point. I hate noisy hubs, they are the Harley Davidson of the cycling world. Made for douchey posers.