A review of the first carbon gravel wheelset to bear the Chris King brand name. At first glance, they are unassuming, with subtle logo graphics; if it weren’t for the iconic hub colors, you might overlook them entirely.
What philosophy and beliefs are woven into these wheels, born from Chris King’s long history of manufacturing? And more importantly, how do they actually ride?
In this post, we translate and share an article originally published on CyclingTips.
CHRIS KING GRD23 R45D CARBON GRAVEL WHEELSET REVIEW: BUILT FOR THE LONG HAUL
Source: CHRIS KING GRD23 R45D CARBON GRAVEL WHEELSET REVIEW: BUILT FOR THE LONG HAUL
Wheelset Features:
Thermoplastic carbon fiber rims, 23mm internal width, Chris King R45D Centerlock hubs, Sapim CX-Ray spokes, optional upgrade to Chris King ceramic bearings, lifetime warranty.
Weight:
1,505g (698g front, 807g rear) *with tubeless tape and valves installed.
Price:
JP¥352,000, US$2,650, AU$3,990, £3,000, €3,100 (with stainless steel bearings).
Pros:
Smooth ride quality, durability of Chris King bearings, recyclable rim material, extensive hub color options, generous warranty.
Cons:
Expensive, heavier than other top-tier competitors.
Chris King has been selling hubs since 1991 and, for about a decade, has also offered wheelsets using rims from brands like Zipp, ENVE, HED, and NoTubes. Now, entering 2022, they have finally begun selling complete wheels using their own rims.
They have launched two models: the MTN30 (available in both 27.5″ and 29″) for all-around trail riding, and the gravel-specific GRD23 (700c only). While both are carbon, Chris King utilizes thermoplastic carbon fiber rims instead of the typically used thermoset resin carbon rims. These rims are manufactured for Chris King by CSS Composites in Utah, the company behind the "FusionFiber" brand, which also produces rims for Revel, Evil, Knight Composites, and Atomik.
Why Thermoplastic?
Traditional carbon composite materials consist of carbon fiber bonded with thermoset resin. Thermoplastic resin, on the other hand, can be remelted. It is also less brittle than thermoset resin, allowing for the creation of rims with the flexibility to absorb impacts. Additionally, in theory at least, damaged rims can be shredded and melted down to be repurposed into other thermoplastic parts.
The GRD23 rim actually shares the same profile as the Revel FusionFiber rims, with a 23mm internal width, 29mm external width, and a shallow 24mm depth. Chris King openly states they use the same mold. As such, the GRD23 also adopts a hookless design that complies with the latest ETRTO "tubeless straight-side" guidelines. According to Chris King, they are designed for 28-50mm wide tires, and the rim weight is listed at 404g. Currently, the GRD23 is only available in 700c.
Although the rim shape is shared with other brands, Chris King’s Design & Event Manager, Jay Sycip, notes that the manufacturing process is unique to Chris King.
"We wanted a rim that would excel on gravel and perform exceptionally on the road. The carbon layup is our own. We developed four versions to achieve the ride quality and characteristics required for a 700c gravel/all-road rim.
Furthermore, by leveraging the tunability, durability, and recyclability (along with being US-made) of FusionFiber’s thermoplastic technology, this rim is truly a no-compromise product."
The GRD23 wheelset naturally features the well-regarded R45D Centerlock hubs. Since the rims have standard spoke holes, tubeless tape is required to ensure an airtight seal. The retail price for the wheelset with standard Chris King stainless steel angular contact bearings is US$2,650 / AU$3,990 / £3,000 / €3,100 / JP¥352,000. Chris King’s hybrid ceramic bearings are available at an additional cost, but the hubs are offered in 9 anodized color options at no extra charge. The rear hub is available only with Shimano HG or SRAM XDR driver bodies (Campagnolo bodies were discontinued in 2020).
The actual weight of the wheelset with tubeless tape, valves, and a Shimano HG freehub body is 1,505g (698g front, 807g rear).
The ride
Chris King doesn’t make any claims about these being the lightest or most aerodynamic carbon gravel wheels, because the performance of the GRD23 is more nuanced than the specs suggest.
In practice, they feel light—but not excessively so. In that sense, the feeling is exactly as expected. The rims feel pleasantly compliant, and they spin up quickly and handle direction changes with agility. However, unless you are upgrading from significantly heavier wheels, you might not be immediately blown away by the GRD23. They don't stand out among carbon wheels of similar weight (though they don't feel sluggish compared to lighter options, either).
As for rim dimensions, they are fairly standard, with a width that accommodates higher-volume tires while remaining slim enough for all-road tires. With more brands aligning with current ETRTO technical guidelines, tire fitment is less of an issue. The various tires I mounted to the GRD23s were all easy to install by hand, could be seated with a high-volume floor pump, and were removable with just one tire lever. Everything works as it should.
Chris King’s R45D hubs, as expected, spin as beautifully as always. The 8-degree engagement speed provides a good balance between responsiveness and drag, and unlike the company's mountain bike hubs (which use a slightly different driver), they don't produce the classic "angry bee" sound. The rear hub is quieter and not at all loud; rather, it sounds more like a gentle swarm of bees. This will likely be welcomed by riders who prefer to keep things low-key.
The bearings are the classic Chris King, adjustable for preload, allowing everyone to enjoy smooth rotation. Any initial bearing seal drag quickly dissipates with mileage, and as history has proven, the bearing durability is outstanding. Compared to Chris King's mountain bike hubs, mechanical drag is also reduced.
So, what makes the GRD23 better than other wheels? It comes down to ride quality. The GRD23 has a slightly understated character. It rides smooth and quiet, and when you hit a bump hard, it softens the blow. Instead of a sharp, stinging sensation through your palms, you hear a duller thud. Whether you notice this difference will depend on the individual.
Compared to wheels like the Bontrager Aeolus Pro 3V, DT Swiss GRC 1400, or Cadex AR 35, which use deeper carbon fiber rims or carbon spokes, I felt the GRD23 was significantly softer and provided a better ride. The differences between the Roval Terra CLX or Enve G23, however, are more subtle. Compared to the NoTubes Grail CB7 (another set of carbon wheels that touts a softer ride), they felt fundamentally similar.
More importantly, you might be curious how the GRD23 compares to a market standard aluminum wheel like the DT Swiss GR1600. (Many people upgrade from aluminum to carbon for gravel wheels, but few people already riding carbon wheels would downgrade to another carbon wheel). To be honest, on the road, you might not feel much difference between the GRD23 and the GR1600. Compared to the GR1600, they feel damped and more composed, though the sensation on slightly rougher surfaces might feel similar. However, you will feel far less anxiety when tearing through a rock garden on the GRD23 than you would on the GR1600. Furthermore, the GRD23 has another big feature: Chris King’s lifetime warranty. When a carbon fiber rim is subjected to excessive force, it may crack, whereas an aluminum rim would bend or dent. But the impact required to destroy the latest composite rims would likely also destroy a high-end aluminum rim.
Jay Sycip adds:
"We have attached a particularly generous lifetime warranty to the GRD23. In the unlikely event that the wheels are damaged during extremely rough riding, please contact your local Chris King dealer or chrisking.com. We will send you a prepaid shipping label to send the wheels back. The wheels will be rebuilt with new rims, and we will inspect the hubs (free of charge, of course). The damaged rim is then sent off for recycling, and you can get back to enjoying your bike.
Knowing that carbon wheels are a significant investment for cyclists, we offer this 'free shipping service,' 'hub tune-ups,' and 'priority rebuild scheduling' because we want our customers to continue riding their bikes for a lifetime and stay passionate about the rides they take on the products they've purchased."
In it for the long haul
Chris King hopes people will be drawn to the GRD23 wheelset just as they are to their hubs. It’s a simple desire: the promise of long-term durability and serviceability, the peace of mind that comes with responsibly sourced and manufactured materials (Chris King is one of the few B Corp certified companies in the cycling industry), and the hope that customers will think long-term and consider their purchase carefully.
Again, the GRD23 might not be a standout on paper.
However, it offers a ride quality far above average, excellent build quality, preferred aesthetics (many color options), modern standards, and a generous warranty. Needless to say, it is backed by a company with an incredibly solid track record for durability and long-term product support.
Looking for a state-of-the-art race wheel? Unfortunately, this isn't that kind of wheel. Given the high price point, it’s clear that Chris King isn't aiming for mass production.
But if you are a cyclist who cares for, treasures, and uses what you buy for a long time, it is no exaggeration to say that this wheel is one of the best choices you could make.
In Stock – GRD23 Wheelset
We also have stock wheels available for immediate delivery. Other colors and models not currently in stock can also be ordered, so please feel free to contact us with any requests.
Chris King Wheels GRD23
¥352,000
Color: Black, Silver, Matte Slate and Two Tone