Gravel wheel choice - input needed

Posted on Mon 22nd, March 2021

• #1

RecoveryRide
My gravel build is almost complete, but after a bit of a fiasco on Facebook marketplace, I'm still looking for a wheelset.

I can source the following new at a discount:
1. Easton EA70 AX (£400, rrp c.£500)
2. Fulcrum Rapid Red 5 db (£250, rrp £350)
I suspect the Eastons may have better bearings, but otherwise I'm struggling to find a reason to choose them over the Fulcrums, which are cheaper and lighter.

Am I missing anything? What would you go for?

Nb this is initially a budget-ish build, so £400 is the absolute limit I've set myself.

Cheers in advance
• #2

roadwarrior

I've got the fulcrums in the 650b version, they've been great, even at rrp they are good value
• #3

RecoveryRide in reply to @roadwarrior

Excellent, thanks. No issues with longevity/durability? Though tbf I'm not the biggest guy (c.70kg)
• #4

roadwarrior in reply to @RecoveryRide

They’ve been fine , stayed true even through lots of bumpy off road summer rides. ( I’m light though about 62 kg) Can’t say much about bearing longevity as not used it over the winter
• #5

Alex_B

Alpkit Sonder Alpha are in your budget range as well. Much less bling, but seem reasonably light for the money.

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