Wheel Selection for Gravel Cyclists

In the grand scheme of things gravel cycling is relatively new. Development of gravel specific gear has exploded in the last few years. No more Frankenstein set ups, there are now dedicated bikes, wheels, and more.

If you’re wondering if you even need aero gravel wheels, the answer is, “Yes!” A deep profile gravel wheel provides you with three main benefits:

1. Rider Comfort/Grip: A deep section rim acts like a leaf spring which helps to reduce the vibration you feel in your body therefore making riding gravel more enjoyable. This leaf spring effect also absorbs the bumps in the terrain allowing the wheel to keep contact with the gravel surface, helping with grip. 
2. Rolling Resistance: A wide internal rim width of 25mm is designed specifically for wider gravel tires. 18 months of on-road research proved wider is faster.
3. Aerodynamics: Going from a box section gravel wheel to a deep section gravel wheel saves you 11 watts‼️

Now that we’ve convinced you why you need a gravel specific wheel, which wheel should you choose? 

Choosing a gravel wheel is different than choosing wheels for road or tri. If you’ve come from road cycling or triathlon, you know we generally look at front and rear wheels individually and pick a wheel depth that makes the most sense for you and your riding. Picking gravel wheels is about terrain. Instead of wheel depth, we consider wheel size and look at wheels as a set. 

Wheel Sizes

There are two primary wheel sizes- 700c (our FLO G700) and 650b (our FLO G650). A 700c is the same size as a road bike or a 29er mountain bike wheel. A 650b is the same size a 27.5 mountain bike wheel. 

Fun fact: Most gravel bikes accept both wheel sizes- an impressive design characteristic. Originally, it was noted that a 700c wheel with a smaller tire had the same overall wheel diameter as a 650b wheel with a larger tire, therefore, the wheel circumference is the same but with different tire sizes. 

Terrain and Tire Size

Gravel terrain like small boulders, loose sand, and large roots requires a larger tire. You gain more suspension and a larger contact patch for better grip. 

Gravel roads, packed dirt or a mixture of pavement and gravel- you can get away with a smaller tire. 

Wheel Selection Based On Terrain

Once you understand tire selection based on terrain, the same applies to wheels. If you’re riding on average gravel or a mixture of gravel and pavement, the FLO G700 makes the most sense. 

If you find yourself on advanced gravel terrain with small boulders, roots, and lots of sand, then the FLO G650 is your best choice. 

Not sure which terrain you ride?

9 out of 10 FLO gravel athletes purchase the G700 wheels.

Wheel 1:1

We’ve simplified the wheel selection process above but we know you may still have questions! We’re here for you. If you have questions about wheels, freehubs, cassettes, attachment types, or anything else, feel free to book a Wheel 1:1 or contact us by email.