Spinergy GXX Wheels: Checkpoint

Spinergy GXX Wheels: Checkpoint – by Guitar Ted

Spinergy Wheels GXX model wheel set has been ridden over hundreds of miles of gravel since the introduction piece (Seen Here) so now the time has come to reveal how I think these wheels perform. Since we still have the Spinergy GX wheels which we reviewed previously, I also can give a bit of a head-to-head comparison for these two Spinergy wheel sets also.

Ride Performance: With the recent review of the FLO Cycling G700 wheels that was concluded this past summer, I have now begun to look at wheels in a bit more critical way. Those FLO wheels showed a distinct characteristic of not vibrating, or deflecting, laterally while hitting heavy chunky gravel. This sort of movement is actually an oscillation which occurs throughout the entire wheel and makes handling more cumbersome and fatigues the rider more quickly the worse this characteristic is with a wheel.

Looking at the Spinergy GXX wheels in this light, I found that they were a very good performing wheel. They did not set up an oscillation which caused undue handling issues or rider fatigue. So, that was a nice thing especially when I might hit a deeper, loose section of gravel at speed, or during a tempo section where maintaining momentum is paramount.

These are wheels that otherwise just go about the business of doing what wheels should do well. They aren’t overly noisy, although some may not like the buzz emanating from the Hadley produced free hub body. It isn’t loud, but it is noticeable. Most of the time I never noticed it. Of course, these wheels stayed true and the tubeless set up is rock solid.

So, let’s compare and contrast to the Spinergy GX wheels, which are essentially the same with the major difference being that the GX has an aluminum extruded rim while the GXX has a molded carbon fiber rim.

The GXX rim is notably stiffer in regard to that oscillation issue mentioned above. The GX, with an aluminum rim, does vibrate/oscillate in the manner described above. While the PBO spoke damps this a bit, it is still there. In the area of weight, the carbon rimmed GXX actually came out to be 50 grams heavier for the set, so weight, or lack thereof, is not an advantage with the Spinergy GXX.

Overall, I’d choose the GXX if I could swing the cash to level up to them over the GX. In my opinion, rider comfort and control trumps the approximately 50 gram weight penalty, (using the two wheel sets I have to measure). Obviously, weights of wheels can vary slightly due to several manufacturing tolerances, so let’s just say weight is a wash here. But that said, the GX isn’t a bad deal at the asking price and is a better wheel than most at that range. If you cannot see yourself spending a grand, then the GX aluminum wheels aren’t a downgrade when you compare other aluminum wheel sets to it. The Spinergy GXX is really a different level of wheel here in terms of ride performance.

So Far… The Spinergy GXX is a pretty good value for the dollar in terms of carbon rimmed wheels. You get a solid performing wheel set that will enhance ride quality and performance at the same time. The laterally stiffer carbon rim adds a level of stability and damping that an aluminum rim simply cannot achieve. These wheels are not the lightest carbon rimmed wheels that you can buy, but at this price, I think in combination with the PBO spokes, they are an excellent value.

Next I am going to swap tires out and then after a bit more riding I’ll be back with my final verdict.

For more about the Spinergy GXX wheels see their site here: https://www.spinergy.com/products/gxx

Note: Spinergy sent over the GXX wheel set for test and review to Riding Gravel at no charge. We are not being paid, nor bribed, for this review and we strive to give our honest thoughts and opinions throughout.