HED HED Ardennes GP Clincher Wheelset NA, Shimano/SRAM

HED Ardennes GP Clincher Wheelset NA, Shimano/SRAM Review

HED Ardennes GP Clincher Wheelset NA, Shimano/SRAM Feature

• Material: [rim] aluminum
  Rim Width: 23 mm
  Rim Depth: 25 mm
  Front Spoke Count: 20 hole
  Front Hub: HED
  Front Hub Type:
  Rear Spoke Count: 28 hole
  Rear Hub: HED
  Rear Hub Type:
  Spoke Material: stainless steel
  Spoke Nipple Material: aluminum
  Skewers: included
  Axle Type:
  Brake Compatibility: rim brake
  Rotor Compatibility:
• Wheelbag:
  Front Weight:
  Rear Weight:
  Complete Set Weight:
  Recommended Use: road biking
  Manufacturer Warranty: limited

HED Ardennes GP Clincher Wheelset NA, Shimano/SRAM Overview

In cycling circles, the thought of Belgium evokes the flat roads, pave, and wet weather of Flanders. However, the wheels that can handle the brutal roads of Flanders are notoriously burly, while HED's Belgian series wheels, albeit tough, are light and aerodynamic. So, HED decided that the steep Belgium climbs of Ardennes were a more fitting title for the HED Ardennes GP Clincher Wheelset. We agree. With lightweight aluminum rims, proprietary hubs, and a wide design, the HED Ardennes GP Clincher Wheelset is worthy of the cobbles but suited for the climbs.The Ardennes GP uses the same C2 concept wheelset that's been turning heads as the world warms to wide rims. As you've certainly read in our other write-ups of HED wheels, C2 stands for the two Cs that the 23mm-wide rim improves - Cda for aerodynamics, and Crr for rolling resistance. Making the rim 23mm wide and 25mm deep made a tremendous difference in ride quality. The reasoning behind the greater rim width originates from the standardization of the 23mm tire. A 23mm-wide rim paired with a 23mm-wide tire changes the tire's footprint. It grips better in a straight line and tracks aggressively through turns because of the tire deforming more evenly. It also turns out that the 23mm width shows an 18 percent reduction in rolling resistance. Even more impressive, the streamlined tire shape improves the flow of air over the tire, resulting in increased laminar air flow and a decrease of drag.However, HED isn't resting on its laurels after developing the Ardennes' rims. Instead, HED mated these rims to its Sonic hubs, as well. By rolling ABEC5 bearings on oversized 12 and 15mm axles, HED was able to space the hub flanges at a wider stance. The new position creates a stronger bracing angle that increases lateral stiffness. The front hub features a carbon-shaft with aluminum end-caps, and the rear is forged entirely from aluminum for added rigidity.