Gravel Grinder News: HED Wheels Announces Emporia Gravel Wheel Line

Gravel Grinder News: HED Wheels Announces Emporia Gravel Wheel Line – by Guitar Ted

HED Wheels today announced a new wheel to their gravel road wheel line and a name change for the range overall. The wheels formerly known as Eroica will now be known as ‘Emporia’ wheels, reflecting the grassroots beginnings of the USA’s gravel scene.

First, the new wheel introduced today is a carbon wheel set dubbed the Emporia GC3 Pro. It features a 30mm deep profile, a 26mm internal width, (!), and has a claimed weight of 1395 grams for the set. The rims are laced with 24 Sapim Laser spokes, crossed 2, to carbon rims weighing in at a claimed 375 grams each. The hubs are HED Sonic 515 (front) and 545 (rear) The external width of the rim overall is 31mm. This wheel is only listed available now in 700c. The Emporia GC3 Pro will retail for $2200.00 USD and is available to order now.

The wheels already in the range are now renamed the Emporia GA Pro and Emporia GA Performance. These wheels specs carry over from the old Eroica naming and are available in both 700c and 650B formats. We reviewed what would be now considered an Emporia GA Performance wheel set here recently.

Why change the name? Well, HED explains in the press release thusly:

“ When we first introduced our lineup of gravel wheels, we were inspired by cycling heritage, Italian and French racing of the early 20th century. There was something epic and heroic we wanted the name of our gravel wheels to reflect, which led us to “Eroica”. Naturally, this put us in close proximity to the name of the international ride series L’Eroica, another celebration of cycling’s rich history. Out of respect for L’Eroica, HED Cycling has chosen to move in a new direction. “

Since many of HED’s products feature names which conjure up images of classic road events and areas, HED looked for a similar feel for the renaming of the gravel wheel line. In looking at the scene, they felt that what had grown out of the events held in Emporia, Kansas had helped shape and popularize gravel riding to a great degree. So, they chose “Emporia” to carry the range of gravel wheels forward into the future. Again, from the press release:

“In our opinion, no one has done more to promote gravel riding and adventure culture than the people and city of Emporia, KS. From the creation of gravel racing’s most well-known events to introducing many of us to the beauty of the Flint Hills, Emporia has left its mark on American cycling and we’re excited to celebrate the city through the new name of our gravel line.“

To learn more about HED Wheels products and the new Emporia range of gravel wheels, see their site here: https://hedcycling.com/

NOTE: Riding Gravel used information and images in this post which was provided to Riding Gravel by HED Wheels.