Last week I received 5 requests in 2 days for the same thing: superlight, high performance carbon wheels for gravel bike racing.
It’s a good thing then that Nextie has just released their latest rims – the Alpha Series. Their construction utilizes a proprietary blend of T700, T800 and T1000 carbon, molded-in (not drilled) spoke holes and a choice of rim profile and width.
The 25mm inner width models are available in 45mm or 55mm depths.
The 32mm inner width rims are available in 45mm and 56mm depths.
At 45mm, 52mm, 55mm or 56mm deep they’re aero.
Sporting either 25mm or 32mm inner widths they perfectly suit today’s modern gravel tyres.
The rims are available in free coating (no paint), matte or glossy clearcoat, and with black, white or no decals.
Alpha 45G-A:
The 45x25mm rims weigh just 315g per rim.
Alpha 45 GS:
The 45x32mm rims are just 365g per rim.
Alpha 55G-A:
The 55x25mm rims are 345g per rim.
Alpha 56GS:
The 56x32mm rims are 415g per rim.
Paired to their 230g Rollingstar III 24-hole straightpull hubs use an upgraded version of the classic star-ratchet freehub system and the quality of workmanship is incredible.
My spokes of choice are the Pillar light bladed spokes – not for their aerodynamics, but for their low weight and high strength.
I opt to build the wheels with black brass nipples for ultimate durability.
Specified as such, the wheelset can weigh as little as 1148g – insane really for a 45mm deep set of carbon gravel bike wheels, rated for ASTM condition 3 (Intended for off-road riding, rough trails, rough unpaved roads, and rough terrain or unimproved trails).
I’ll update this post with photos as soon as I have finished assembling the first set.
These wheels compare favourably with the best any other brand has to offer – even for a LOT more money.
At the current exchange rate and pricing, the Nextie Alpha wheels, hand-assembled by yours truly, cost R29 995.00 including nationwide delivery.
In comparison:
The Specialized Roval Terra CLX II wheelset has a MSRP of R50 000.00, weighs in at 1250g, has an inner rim width of 25mm, 21 spokes in the front and 24 in the rear wheel, and uses alloy nipples.
The Bontrager Aeolus RSL 37V wheelset is Trek’s top of the range gravel wheelset, with a MSRP of R58 000.00. It weighs in at 1355g, sports a 37mm deep rim profile and an inner width of 25mm. The wheels have 24 spokes each and use alloy nipples.
In conclusion
If you’re after a meaningful wheel upgrade for your gravel bike, give the Nextie Alpha series some consideration.
45mm deep, 25mm inner width gravel wheels at under 1150g and less than R30 000.00.
The rims are custom-made on demand for me, so expect the lead time for your set to be 5-6 weeks from order until delivery.
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