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Home > Carbon Gravel Rim Selection Guide for Wheel Brands

Carbon Gravel Rim Selection Guide for Wheel Brands

Introduction: Choosing the Right Gravel Rim

For wheel brands, selecting the right carbon gravel rim means balancing:
(1) tire compatibility
(2) weight
(3) durability
(4) comfort
(5) product positioning

Open-mold carbon rims provide an efficient solution for developing competitive gravel wheel products with lower development costs and shorter time to market.

At NTP, our gravel rim platforms are designed around different market needs, helping brands quickly select the right foundation for their wheel products. This guide compares three open-mold gravel rims and explains their ideal applications.

Learn How We Design Gravel Rims

Introduction: Choosing the Right Gravel Rim

G28-45 Hooked: Lightweight & Versatile Gravel Platform

The G28-45 is designed for brands looking for a lightweight gravel rim with broad tire compatibility. With a 28.5mm internal width and 45mm rim depth, it provides a balanced platform for riders who want the speed of a road-oriented setup while gaining the comfort and stability required for gravel riding.

Technical Specifications

Size

700C (622-28)

Width (Inner/Outer)

28.5mm/34.1mm

Rim Depth

45mm

Offset

Asymmetric (2mm)

Weight

400g ±15g

Impact Standard

130J (UCI)

ERD/NSD

550mm

Why Choose G28-45?

1. Lightweight construction for responsive acceleration

2. Compatible with a wide range of gravel and all-road tires

3. Hooked design provides a wider safety margin for tire pressure selection

4. Balanced performance for mixed road and gravel conditions

G30-45 Hookless: Modern All-Round Gravel Platform

With a 30mm internal width and hookless bead design, the G30-45 is optimized for modern tubeless gravel setups with lower tire pressures, offering improved tire support, comfort, and stability.

Technical Specifications

Size

700C (622-30)

Width (Inner/Outer)

30mm/34.1mm

Rim Depth

45mm

Offset

Asymmetric (2mm)

Weight

410g ±15g

Impact Standard

130J (UCI)

ERD/NSD

550mm

Why Choose G30-45?

1. Optimized for wider gravel tires

2. Stable tire profile at lower pressures

3. Excellent comfort and traction on rough terrain

4. Lightweight and efficient tubeless gravel system

G30-50 Hooked: Performance Gravel Racing Platform

As gravel racing continues to grow, more riders are looking for wheelsets that combine aerodynamic performance with gravel durability. The G30-50 combines a 30mm internal width tire platform with a deeper 50mm rim profile, creating a premium option for performance-focused gravel products.

Technical Specifications

Size

700C (622-30)

Width (Inner/Outer)

30mm/38mm

Rim Depth

50mm

Offset

Symmetric (0mm)

Weight

460g ±15g

Impact Standard

130J (UCI)

ERD/NSD

539mm

Why Choose G30-50?

1. Improved aerodynamic efficiency at higher speeds

2. Wide tire support for modern gravel racing setups

3. Widened and smooth rim beads help reduce pinch flats

4. Flattened nipple bed supports offset drilling options

5. Hooked design provides broader tire compatibility

Hooked vs Hookless

The choice between hooked and hookless rims is not about which design is universally better. It depends on the intended application, tire system, and target customer.

Hooked Design Hookless Design

Hooked Rims

Maximum Compatibility

A hooked rim uses an additional bead hook to help secure the tire. This traditional design remains popular because it offers broad tire compatibility and a wider pressure range. For wheel brands targeting a broad customer base, hooked rims provide a more universal solution.

Advantages:
(1) Compatible with a wider range of tires
(2) Easier for end customers to select and install tires
(3) Suitable for mixed riding conditions
(4) Higher pressure capability

After Selecting the Rim: Defining the Complete Wheel System

Choosing the rim is only the first step of wheel development. Once the rim model is selected, brands should define the following specifications.

1. Rim specifications

Key factors include:

(1) Weight Version, Strength and Rider Weight Limit

Different weight versions allow brands to target different customer groups:
a. lightweight racing products
b. balanced all-round products
c. reinforced high-durability products

(2) Drilling Options

Important considerations include:
a. spoke count
b. internal or external nipples
c. valve hole design
d. drainage hole design

(3) Customized Drilling

Special applications may require customized drilling programs, such as: uncommon spoke counts, carbon spoke systems, and 2:1 spoke patterns.

(4) Appearance and Branding

Customization options include:carbon weave, surface finish, logo design and other graphics.

2. Complete wheel development support

Beyond carbon rims, NTP supports complete wheel development, including:
(1) hub selection
(2) spoke and nipple matching
(3) wheel building recommendations

Clients can choose:
(1) complete wheel assembly by NTP
(2) rim and component supply for local wheel building

After confirming all specifications, NTP provides:

Sample Quotation

Production Lead Time

Recommended Development Plan

With experience in carbon manufacturing and cycling product development, NTP helps brands select the right gravel rim platform and bring competitive products to market. Contact us to discuss your next carbon gravel wheel project and find the right rim solution for your market.

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