User submitted reviews
Review by NateReviewed 8/4/2023by NateCycling EnthusiastPennsylvaniaFast, light, durable, prettyFantastic wheelset! I only own one bike (a Kona Libre) and use it mainly as an endurance road bike, with capability for occasional gravel rides. These were a perfect upgrade from the stock wheelset.
For anyone wondering about the rims, they're hooked (contrary to the Gravel Cyclist YouTube review that says they're hookless). Also, FYI the tire pressure limits listed on the wheels themselves are slightly lower than the ones listed on the HED website (for a 32 mm tire, 60 psi instead of 70, etc.). According to HED, the numbers printed on the wheels are the correct ones and should be followed. Right now I'm running 32 mm GP 5000s with tubes at 60 psi and have had no issues.
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Fantastic wheelset! I only own one bike (a Kona Libre) and use it mainly as an endurance road bike, with capability for occasional gravel rides. These were a perfect upgrade from the stock wheelset.
For anyone wondering about the rims, they're hooked (contrary to the Gravel Cyclist YouTube review that says they're hookless). Also, FYI the tire pressure limits listed on the wheels themselves are slightly lower than the ones listed on the HED website (for a 32 mm tire, 60 psi instead of 70, etc.). According to HED, the numbers printed on the wheels are the correct ones and should be followed. Right now I'm running 32 mm GP 5000s with tubes at 60 psi and have had no issues.
Review by AnonymousReviewed 11/9/2023by AnonymousChicago, ILGreat set of wheels Replaced the stock wheels that came on my Trek Checkpoint. These wheels were a nice upgrade, the most notable difference is the engagement of the rear hub. The degree of rotation in the wheel before the free hub engages is incredibly small. The wheels are a little lighter than stock, they seem to spin up faster and coast better than my stock wheels.
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Replaced the stock wheels that came on my Trek Checkpoint. These wheels were a nice upgrade, the most notable difference is the engagement of the rear hub. The degree of rotation in the wheel before the free hub engages is incredibly small. The wheels are a little lighter than stock, they seem to spin up faster and coast better than my stock wheels.
Review by PashaReviewed 5/18/2023by PashaCycling EnthusiastPA1 of 1 customers found this review helpful.Better get premium alu wheels than cheap carbon ones. Haven't put tons of miles on these wheels yet but they seem to be rolling great. I prefer premium aluminum to cheap carbon. For gravel rough roads I also prefer something more durable than carbon. Great wheels for the price. Same weight as carbon counterparts. I mounted 38mils Gravelkings tubeless and they hold pressure very well. Recommend.
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Haven't put tons of miles on these wheels yet but they seem to be rolling great. I prefer premium aluminum to cheap carbon. For gravel rough roads I also prefer something more durable than carbon. Great wheels for the price. Same weight as carbon counterparts. I mounted 38mils Gravelkings tubeless and they hold pressure very well. Recommend.
Review by JPReviewed 1/17/2021by JPCycling EnthusiastMidwest gravel USA2 of 2 customers found this review helpful.So far so good!Understated and clean looking wheelset. Love the look of their new decals. Tubeless setup was straightforward and reliable. Immediately replaced the provided valve core with a Stan's brass based valve core. The provided tape (Rebranded Stan's in a 28mm width) was a good fit. Tire choice can be complicated when tire manufacturers and wheels manufacturers are not on the same page. Rim width is ideal for 42mm+ gravel tires depending on tread pattern. For slicker tread without side knobs then 32mm+ is what I would recommend. Currently running 38mm and 40mm tires since that's what I already have but plan to go wider eventually. Also wish I would have caught these on sale such as the Black Friday sale.
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Understated and clean looking wheelset. Love the look of their new decals. Tubeless setup was straightforward and reliable. Immediately replaced the provided valve core with a Stan's brass based valve core. The provided tape (Rebranded Stan's in a 28mm width) was a good fit. Tire choice can be complicated when tire manufacturers and wheels manufacturers are not on the same page. Rim width is ideal for 42mm+ gravel tires depending on tread pattern. For slicker tread without side knobs then 32mm+ is what I would recommend. Currently running 38mm and 40mm tires since that's what I already have but plan to go wider eventually. Also wish I would have caught these on sale such as the Black Friday sale.
Review by ninesReviewed 1/16/2021by ninesCompetitive RacerNew York, NY3 of 3 customers found this review helpful.Nice wheels, don't to buy lockringI've had HED Ardennes on my road bike for a couple years and they have been bulletproof. I've only had a couple rides on these, but they are a nice upgrade over the stock wheels in terms of weight and aesthetics, and have matched some fairly brutal routes that really called for a mountain bike.
The only downside is they don't come with lockrings for the rotors which seems a bit penny-pinching. Plan on shelling out for a pair, or buy Shimano rotors which I believe come with lockrings included.
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I've had HED Ardennes on my road bike for a couple years and they have been bulletproof. I've only had a couple rides on these, but they are a nice upgrade over the stock wheels in terms of weight and aesthetics, and have matched some fairly brutal routes that really called for a mountain bike.
The only downside is they don't come with lockrings for the rotors which seems a bit penny-pinching. Plan on shelling out for a pair, or buy Shimano rotors which I believe come with lockrings included.
Review by NW galReviewed 4/18/2022by NW galCycling Enthusiast3 of 3 customers found this review helpful.solid valueWent with the Pro version primarily to get HED's best hub. This Emporia Pro set was an upgrade for my lower end Diverge with the cheap Specialized stock wheel set with low end hubs. Noticeable improvement in rolling speed using the same tires. Also like the wider rim width. About as good as it gets in an aluminum gravel wheel set and beats a low end carbon set with cheaper hubs for my use.
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Went with the Pro version primarily to get HED's best hub. This Emporia Pro set was an upgrade for my lower end Diverge with the cheap Specialized stock wheel set with low end hubs. Noticeable improvement in rolling speed using the same tires. Also like the wider rim width. About as good as it gets in an aluminum gravel wheel set and beats a low end carbon set with cheaper hubs for my use.
Review by CO Gravel GuyReviewed 4/23/2020by CO Gravel GuyCompetitive RacerColorado12 of 13 customers found this review helpful.A fantastic wide gravel wheel for a fraction of the cost of carbon options.Fast light wide gravel wheels. Nearly as light as many carbon options at a far better price. Have easily set up tubeless with multiple Panaracer and Schwalbe tire options I've tried from 30-43mm and have had no issues with rocky trails, catching air and even riding down stairs. Never had a tire burp, even running 25 psi with larger tires..
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Fast light wide gravel wheels. Nearly as light as many carbon options at a far better price. Have easily set up tubeless with multiple Panaracer and Schwalbe tire options I've tried from 30-43mm and have had no issues with rocky trails, catching air and even riding down stairs. Never had a tire burp, even running 25 psi with larger tires..
Review by TroyReviewed 3/10/2022by TroyBellingham, Wa.1 of 1 customers found this review helpful.Very Durable Emporia HED WheelsetExcellent set of wheels. Easily set up tubeless with a floor pump. Nice quality HED hubs. And fairly lightweight for aluminum.
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Excellent set of wheels. Easily set up tubeless with a floor pump. Nice quality HED hubs. And fairly lightweight for aluminum.
Review by TroyReviewed 3/10/2022by TroyBellingham, Wa.Very Durable Emporia HED WheelsetExcellent set of wheels. Easily set up tubeless with a floor pump. Nice quality HED hubs. And fairly lightweight for aluminum.
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Excellent set of wheels. Easily set up tubeless with a floor pump. Nice quality HED hubs. And fairly lightweight for aluminum.
Review by Roseybike Reviewed 9/23/2021by Roseybike Eastern PA1 of 1 customers found this review helpful.Hard working tough wheels at a decent price point.Currently using these wheels with 45 mm tires to race MTB races with a non-suspension gravel bike and they are up to the task.
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Currently using these wheels with 45 mm tires to race MTB races with a non-suspension gravel bike and they are up to the task.
Review by PDX_BRReviewed 2/25/2022by PDX_BRCycling EnthusiastPortland, Oregon2 of 2 customers found this review helpful.Affordable, exponential upgrade to your gravel steedI've been partial to HED wheels for a few years now, and for my new gravel bike I looked first to HED. The Emporia GA Pro are really solid wheels, that are light weight, and look sharp. They were easily setup tubeless, and I had no issue mounting tires. Another great set of wheels from HED!
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I've been partial to HED wheels for a few years now, and for my new gravel bike I looked first to HED. The Emporia GA Pro are really solid wheels, that are light weight, and look sharp. They were easily setup tubeless, and I had no issue mounting tires. Another great set of wheels from HED!
Review by RichReviewed 12/9/2021by RichCycling EnthusiastBrooklyn, NY1 of 2 customers found this review helpful.Great looking wheelsI can only comment on their appearance as I'm waiting for availability of Di2 12 speed to finish building my "All Road" bike. They look great and it's my third set of wheels with HED rims. My other 2 wheel sets were custom builds but at this price couldn't resist buying this wheelset.
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I can only comment on their appearance as I'm waiting for availability of Di2 12 speed to finish building my "All Road" bike. They look great and it's my third set of wheels with HED rims. My other 2 wheel sets were custom builds but at this price couldn't resist buying this wheelset.
Review by AnonymousReviewed 5/27/2021by AnonymousNew York, NY0 of 1 customers found this review helpful.Great wheelsThese wheels made me want to even more.
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These wheels made me want to even more.
Review by tsettelReviewed 6/30/2020by tsettelCycling EnthusiastSouth Burlington, VT2 of 3 customers found this review helpful.Solid wheelsUsing these for gravel. They feel very solid and I expect the usual Hed quality to ensure dependability for the long run
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Using these for gravel. They feel very solid and I expect the usual Hed quality to ensure dependability for the long run