On the heels of the Byway RS, Course, and Macro aero optimized gravel tires, WTB has now released the wheelset we saw in the press photos, the new CGR i28 wheelset. The new wheels combine their World Cup proven Frequency 7X hubs with new CGR gravel specific rims to create a fast, durable wheels that can tackle anything from smooth paved and gravel roads, to rough, technical trails.
WTB set out to make a balanced wheelset, focusing on speed, comfort, and durability, all things that are important in gravel. Whether you are racing, bike packing, or just enjoying riding on multiple surfaces, you want a fast wheelset that won’t beat you up, allowing you to get to the end of your ride faster and fresher. Above all, durability is key, because if your wheel can’t make it to the end, neither will you.
Starting at the hub, WTB picked their World Cup-proven Frequency 7X hubs. These hubs have been used all year by the Cannondale Factory Racing team on the UCI mountain biking circuit, so if they can survive those races, gravel shouldn’t be an issue. The aluminum hub shells are matched with Enduro bearings, including in the freehubs to increase load rating up to 38% compared to other hubs. This combination helps to create a stiffer alxe assembly, improving reliability, reducing maintenance, and improving steering precision on the front hub. The hubs are also fully sealed to help keep dirt and moisture out, help keeping them reliable. The disc mount is Centerlock.
For the freehub, all WTB ratches use a Diamond-Like Carbon (DLC) coating, similar to what you’ll find on many high-end chains, for greater hardness and significantly lower friction than traditional hard chrome-plated coatings. For further durability, the inner ratchet ring on the hub side keys into place with splines, rather than threading in, allowing the hub to handle over twice the torque as other designs. Even better, you don’t need special tools for servicing.
Moving to the rims, WTB uses their new CGR carbon rims, designed specifically for gravel. At 40mm deep, they feature a 28mm internal width (external width not mentioned in the launch material) that match up with modern gravel tires between 45 and 54mm wide. While other brands are going with a 30mm or wider internal width, 28mm balances stability with an optimal tire profile for traction, suppleness and rolling efficiency. Going wider would have squared off the tire, compromising performance. While I personally wouldn’t mind seeing an even deeper wheel, many brands are landing in the 40-45mm deep range for gravel. This helps to balance aerodynamic performance while still offering a wheel that performs well on the climbs and manages crosswinds well. Deeper rims also have a tendency to be stiffer, transferring more of the road chatter to the rider. Much of this gets mitigated by the wide, higher volume tires than what you typically see on the road though.
The new rims use an asymmetrical profile to help balance spoke tension with modern disc brake systems. The 4D spoke drilling help to balance the load distribution, along with reinforced spoke beds for better overall wheel strength. Internally, WTB’s On Ramp rim design helps to improve tire seating and a solid center strip combines with their TCS technology across their tires and sealant to create a system the improves air retention over time.
The new CGR i28 is the perfect match for the recently released aero optimized Byway RS 50, Course 52, and Macro 54 tires. WTB also mentioned tires down to 45mm are also a great match for the 28mm internal width.
The new wheelset is available now with three options for the freehub, SRAM XDr, Shimano MicroSpline 12S and Shimano HG 11S. Claimed weight is 644g for the front wheel, and 729g for the XDr and MicroSpline freehub, and 740g for the HG freehub. Pricing comes in at $850 for the front, $950 for the rear, or $1800 for the pair.
We currently have the Byway RS50 and Course 52 in for review, and can’t wait to get them out to see how they perform. With the addition of the CGR i28 wheelset, WTB now offers a complete package for your gravel needs to help make your ride faster and more comfortable all the way to the end.
Based in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Scott joined Bike World News as the Cyclocross Editor in 2012 before taking over as Tech Editor in 2016. He has also worked as a photographer for various pro teams and shoot races along the east coast of the US, including the 2012 US MTB National Championships, 2013 UCI Cyclocross World Championships, and 2016 UCI Road World Championships. Scott has a passion for performance and technology, with 35 years of riding and mechanic experience. He also enjoys soccer, running, teaching group fitness classes, and is the founder of Lancaster Beard Company.
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