Comparison of the Best Wheels: Table & Buying Guide

Which Wheelset Should You Choose for €500?

If you're looking for a wheelset for €500, you're probably looking to replace the wheels that came with your bike. They’re likely made of aluminium, and you want to try something different to discover the world of carbon wheels. Great idea!

Please visit our article on the best wheelsets under €500!

Which Wheelset Should You Choose for €700?

With a maximum budget of €600, it is now possible to find a fairly wide selection of carbon wheels for road and gravel. But for an equivalent price, the differences can be significant regarding weight, spokes, hubs, bearings, the carbon used, or even the warranty duration.

Our ranking below brings together the models currently available for under €600, and compares them using the same methodology as our general ranking. The Score/100 takes technical specifications and warranties into account, while our Quality/Price indicator helps identify the models that offer the best balance between their level of equipment and their price.

Our TOP 3

According to our current ranking, the SUPERTEAM Classic comes out on top for a price of €518. It stands out in particular for its ceramic bearings and Pillar Wing21 spokes.

Two pairs of CSC wheels arrive next.

the CSC Route 35/58 mm and The CSC Gravel 35/40/45/50/58 mm, priced around €519, completes the podium. Her more gravel-oriented positioning can make her particularly interesting for cyclists looking for a versatile wheel. She is the little or big sister of the runner-up in the ranking!

SUPERTEAM

Our number 1 choice

€518

1290 g
50 mm rim depth
28 mm rim width
3-year warranty
Rayons Pillar wing
Ceramic bearings
UCI Certification

Check the price

CSC

2nd

€519

1290 g
Rim depth from 35 mm
28 mm rim width
60T Hub
3-year warranty
Rayons Pillar wing

Check the price

CSC

For gravel

€519

1290 g
Rim depth from 35 mm
32 mm or 38 mm rim width
54T hub
3-year warranty
Rayons Pillar wing

Check the price

Brand	Model	Rank Score	Price with shipping excluding discount	Promo code	Purchase link	Minimum weight (g)	External Width	Internal width	Rim depth	Tires / Tubeless	Rays	Hubs	Bearings	Carbon	Warranty	Crash	Weight note	Score /100	Gram / €
ELITEWHEELS	ENT 1.0 in 50mm	54	326€		View product	1,681	28 mm	21 mm	50 mm	Tires / Tubeless	Pillar 1423	Standard	Standard	Unknown	3 years	None	2	37,14	5,16
ELITEWHEELS	ENT 1.0 in 38mm	54	372€		View product	1,633	28 mm	21 mm	38 mm	Tires / Tubeless	Pillar 1423	Standard	Standard	Unknown	3 years	None	2	37,14	4,39
TRIFOX	W11 en 50 mm	45	380€	VELOEXOTIQUE8 (8%)	View product	1,558	25 mm	18 mm	50 mm	Tires / Tubeless	Pillar 1423	Standard	Standard	T800	2 years	None	3	42,86	4,10
TRIFOX	W11 and 45mm	45	380€	VELOEXOTIQUE8 (8%)	View product	1,542	25 mm	18 mm	45 mm	Tires / Tubeless	Pillar 1423	Standard	Standard	T800	2 years	None	3	42,86	4,06
TRIFOX	W11 in 40 mm	45	380€	VELOEXOTIQUE8 (8%)	View product	1,526	25 mm	18 mm	40 mm	Tires / Tubeless	Pillar 1423	Standard	Standard	T800	2 years	None	3	42,86	4,02
TRIFOX	W11 in 60 mm	52	380€	VELOEXOTIQUE8 (8%)	View product	1,698	25 mm	18 mm	60 mm	Tires / Tubeless	Pillar 1423	Standard	Standard	T800	2 years	None	2	40,00	4,47
ELITEWHEELS	ENT 2.0 in 55 mm, ceramic bearing	38	383€		View product	1,715	28 mm	21 mm	55 mm	Tires / Tubeless	Pillar 1423	60-tooth ratchet	Ceramic	Unknown	3 years	None	2	48,57	4,48
ELITEWHEELS	ENT 2.0 in 50 mm, ceramic bearing	38	383€		View product	1,620	28 mm	21 mm	50 mm	Tires / Tubeless	Pillar 1423	60-tooth ratchet	Ceramic	Unknown	3 years	None	2	48,57	4,23
ELITEWHEELS	ENT 2.0 in 38 mm, steel bearing	43	396€		View product	1,573	28 mm	21 mm	38 mm	Tires / Tubeless	Pillar 1423	60-tooth ratchet	Standard	Unknown	3 years	None	3	45,71	3,97
ELITEWHEELS	ENT 2.0 in 50 mm, steel bearing	45	396€		View product	1,620	28 mm	21 mm	50 mm	Tires / Tubeless	Pillar 1423	60-tooth ratchet	Standard	Unknown	3 years	None	2	42,86	4,09
CSC	40 mm road	35	399€		View product	1,515	33 mm	24 mm	40 mm	Tires / Tubeless	Pillar PSR aero 1423	CT31	Standard	T1100+T800	3 years	None	3	50,00	3,80
KORE	45 mm road	21	410€		View product	1,250	30 mm	25 mm	45 mm	Tires / Tubeless	Pillar PSR aero 1423	60-tooth ratchet	Standard	T1100+T800	Unknown	None	4,5	54,29	3,05
CSC	50 mm route	35	412€		View product	1,560	33 mm	24 mm	50 mm	Tires / Tubeless	Pillar PSR aero 1423	CT31	Standard	T1100+T800	3 years	None	3	50,00	3,79
ELITEWHEELS	ENT 2.0 in 55 mm, steel bearing	45	433€		View product	1,715	28 mm	21 mm	55 mm	Tires / Tubeless	Pillar 1423	60-tooth ratchet	Standard	Unknown	3 years	None	2	42,86	3,96
CSC	28mm internal gravel	25	445€		View product	1,460	28 mm	21 mm	38 mm	Tires / Tubeless	Pillar PSR aero 1423	CT31	Standard	T1100+T800	3 years	None	4	52,86	3,28
KORE	38 mm road	14	445€		View product	1,199	30 mm	25 mm	38mm	Tires / Tubeless	Pillar PSR aero 1423	60-tooth titanium ratchet	Standard	T1100+T800	Unknown	None	5	57,14	2,69
KORE	38 mm road	16	445€		View product	1,199	30 mm	25 mm	38mm	Tires / Tubeless	Pillar PSR aero 1423	60-tooth ratchet	Standard	T1100+T800	Unknown	None	5	55,71	2,69
KORE	50 mm route	21	445€		View product	1,290	30 mm	25 mm	50 mm	Tires / Tubeless	Pillar PSR aero 1423	60-tooth ratchet	Standard	T1100+T800	Unknown	None	4,5	54,29	2,90
KORE	Route in 60 mm	25	445€		View product	1,350	30 mm	25 mm	60 mm	Tires / Tubeless	Pillar PSR aero 1423	60-tooth ratchet	Standard	T1100+T800	Unknown	None	4	52,86	3,03
ELITEWHEELS	ENT 2.0 in 38 mm, ceramic bearing	33	447€		View product	1,573	28 mm	21 mm	38 mm	Tires / Tubeless	Pillar 1423	60-tooth ratchet	Ceramic	Unknown	3 years	None	3	51,43	3,52
KORE	45 mm road	16	450€		View product	1,250	30 mm	25 mm	45 mm	Tires / Tubeless	Pillar PSR aero 1423	60-tooth titanium ratchet	Standard	T1100+T800	Unknown	None	4,5	55,71	2,78
ELITEWHEELS	50mm depth router bit	45	453€		View product	1,672	28 mm	21 mm	50 mm	Tires / Tubeless	Pillar 1423	Standard	Ceramic	Unknown	3 years	None	2	42,86	3,69
KORE	50 mm route	16	480€		View product	1,290	30 mm	25 mm	50 mm	Tires / Tubeless	Pillar PSR aero 1423	60-tooth titanium ratchet	Standard	T1100+T800	Unknown	None	4,5	55,71	2,69
KORE	Route in 60 mm	21	480€		View product	1,350	30 mm	25 mm	60 mm	Tires / Tubeless	Pillar PSR aero 1423	60-tooth titanium ratchet	Standard	T1100+T800	Unknown	None	4	54,29	2,81
Serenade	Routing depth 40, 45, 50 or 60 mm	52	480€	VELOEXOTIQUE (8%)	View product	1,320				Tires / Tubeless	Pillar 1423	Standard	Standard	Unknown	2 years	None	4	40,00	2,75
TUKUSWHEELS	VELO C50S-XC	38	483€	TKS (10%)	View product	1,510	28 mm	21 mm	50 mm	Tires / Tubeless	Alpina steel	Standard	Standard	T800	3 years	None	3	48,57	3,13
HYGGE	SHUN 50MM	33	503€	10%OFFULTRA (10%)	View product	1,380	28 mm	21 mm	50 mm	Tires / Tubeless	CN Aero 416 super light	36T ratchet	Standard	T800	2 years	None	4	51,43	2,74
Serenade	Routing depth 40, 45, 50 or 60 mm	43	506€	VELOEXOTIQUE (8%)	View product	1,240				Tires / Tubeless	Pillar 1420	Standard	Standard	Unknown	2 years	None	4,5	45,71	2,45
ICAN	Route Alpha II Disc 40/50 mm	45	520€	LEBOURDONNECMIC (5%)	View product	1,388	28 mm	23 mm	40 mm, 50 mm	Tires / Tubeless	Pillar 1423	Standard	Standard	T700	2 years	None	4	42,86	2,67
CSC	Gravel 35/40/45/50/58 mm height	8	535€		View product	1,290	38 mm	29 mm	45 mm	Tires / Tubeless	Pillar Wing20	D245	Standard	T1100+T800	3 years	None	4,5	60,00	2,41
CSC	Gravel 35/40/45/50/58 mm height	8	535€		View product	1,290	32 mm	23 mm	35 mm, 40 mm, 45 mm, 50 mm, 58 mm	Tires / Tubeless	Pillar Wing20	D245	Standard	T1100+T800	3 years	None	4,5	60,00	2,41
Serenade	Routing depth 40, 45, 50 or 60 mm	35	540€	VELOEXOTIQUE (8%)	View product	1,240				Tires / Tubeless	Sapim CX-Ray	Standard	Standard	Unknown	2 years	None	4,5	50,00	2,30
KORE	Road, Gravel 50mm	21	550€		View product	1,199	30mm	24 mm	50 mm	Tires / Tubeless	Nameless carbon	Standard	Standard	T1100+T800	Unknown	None	5	54,29	2,18
CSC	Route 35/58 mm height	4	568€		View product	1,290	32 mm	23 mm	35 mm, 40 mm, 45 mm, 50 mm, 58 mm	Tires / Tubeless	Pillar Wing20	D272	Standard	T1100+T800	3 years	None	4,5	62,86	2,27
SUPERTEAM	Classic PRO Light	5	572€	LEBOURDONNECMIC (2%)	View product	1,280	28 mm	21 mm	50 mm	Tires / Tubeless	Pillar Wing21	36T ratchet	Ceramic	T800	3 years	None	4,5	61,43	2,24
Serenade	Route	14	580€	VELOEXOTIQUE (8%)	View product	1,170	32 mm	25 mm	40 mm, 45 mm, 50 mm, 55 mm, 60 mm, 65 mm	Tires / Tubeless	Nameless carbon	Standard	Standard	T700 + T1000	2 years	None	5	57,14	2,02
HYGGE	SHUN PRO 50MM	12	590€	10%OFFULTRA (10%)	View product	1,400	31 mm	23 mm	50 mm	Tires / Tubeless	CN Aero 424 super light	60-tooth ratchet	Standard	T800	2 years	None	4	58,57	2,37
SUPERTEAM	Aero gravel +	38	607€		View product	1,393	40 mm	32 mm	45 mm	Tires / Tubeless	Pillar Wing20	Standard	Standard	Unknown	3 years	None	4	48,57	2,29
TUKUSWHEELS	LIGHTNING C50-MT	8	607€	TKS (10%)	View product	1,375	28 mm	21 mm	50 mm	Tires / Tubeless	Nameless carbon	54T ratchet	Ceramic	Unknown	3 years	None	4	60,00	2,27
TUKUSWHEELS	GRAVEL-G45	25	630€	TKS (10%)	View product	1,299	38 mm	32 mm	45 mm	Tires / Tubeless	Alpina steel	36T ratchet	Standard	T800	3 years	None	4,5	52,86	2,06
ICAN	Route AERO Disc Road 38/52 mm	25	670€	LEBOURDONNECMIC (5%)	View product	1,324	29 mm	21 mm	38 mm, 52 mm	Tires / Tubeless	Sapim CX-Ray	Standard	Standard	T700 + T800	2 years	None	4	52,86	1,98
ZENcarbonbike	Gravel rim 32mm internal 40mm external	25	690€		View product	1,353	40 mm	32 mm	45 mm, 50 mm	Tires / Tubeless	Sapim CX-Ray	36T ratchet	Standard	Unknown	2 years	-20%	4	52,86	1,96
TUKUSWHEELS	BLUEFIN C88NEO	42	706€	TKS (10%)	View product	1,680	30 mm	23 mm	88 mm	Tires / Tubeless	Alpina ultralight	36T ratchet	Standard	T700 + T800	3 years	None	2	47,14	2,38
ICAN	Route FL52 Max Disc	25	710€	LEBOURDONNECMIC (5%)	View product	1,395	29 mm	21 mm	52 mm	Tires / Tubeless	Sapim CX-Ray	Standard	Standard	T700 + T800	2 years	None	4	52,86	1,96
ZENcarbonbike	VaporLite Sport	16	762€		View product	1,035	29 mm	23 mm	36 mm, 40 mm, 45 mm, 50 mm, 55 mm, 60 mm	Tires / Tubeless	Sapim CX-Ray	36T ratchet	Standard	Unknown	2 years	-20%	5	55,71	1,36
HYGGE	SHUN ULTRA 50MM	2	781€	10%OFFULTRA (10%)	View product	1,200	32 mm	23 mm	50 mm	Tires / Tubeless	Nameless carbon	High-End Owner	Standard	T1100+T800	3 years	None	4,5	67,14	1,54
SUPERTEAM	S-ALL Carbon Ultra 50 mm	5	861€	LEBOURDONNECMIC (2%)	View product	1,385	28 mm	21 mm	50 mm	Tires / Tubeless	Nameless carbon	36T ratchet	Ceramic	T800	3 years	None	4	61,43	1,61
CSC	UCI Gravel, depth 35/40/50mm, width 32mm	1	875€		View product	1,220	32 mm	23 mm	35 mm, 40 mm, 50 mm	Tires / Tubeless	Nameless carbon	D08	Ceramic	T1100+T800	3 years	None	4,5	71,43	1,39
SUPERTEAM	S-All Carbon Ultra H2	2	955€	LEBOURDONNECMIC (2%)	View product	1,290	30 mm	23 mm	50 mm	Tires / Tubeless	Nameless carbon	54T ratchet	Ceramic	T800	3 years	None	4,5	67,14	1,35
YOELEO	SAT C35 DB PRO NxT SL2	25	999€	VELOEXOTIQUE (2%)	View product	1,265	32 mm	23 mm	35 mm	Tires / Tubeless	Pillar PSR aero 1423	36T ratchet	Standard	T800	3 years	None	4,5	52,86	1,27
ZIPP	Gravel XPLR S	25	999€		View product	1,610	NC	32 mm	54 mm	Tires / Tubeless	Sapim CX Sprint	76D	Standard	Unknown	For life	None	2	52,86	1,61
FARSPORT	C Series	16	1,000 €		View product	1,290	31.5 mm	24 mm	45 mm, 50 mm, 58.5 mm	Tires / Tubeless	Alpina ultralight	Standard	Standard	Unknown	3 years	-30%	4,5	55,71	1,29
ZENcarbonbike	ROUTE VaporLite Ⅱ 50 CS	8	€1,014		View product	1,019	31 mm	25 mm	50 mm	Tires / Tubeless	Nameless carbon	36T ratchet	Ceramic	Unknown	2 years	-20%	5	60,00	1,00
FARSPORT	EVO C Series	12	€1,260		View product	1,230	31.5 mm	24 mm	45 mm, 50 mm, 58.5 mm	Tires / Tubeless	Sapim CX-Ray	Standard	Standard	Unknown	3 years	-30%	4,5	58,57	0,98
YOELEO	QianKun CS50	5	€1,650	VELOEXOTIQUE (2%)	View product	1,185	32 mm	23 mm	50 mm	Tires / Tubeless	Nameless carbon	36T ratchet	Standard	T1000	3 years	None	5	61,43	0,72

This comparison brings together the key carbon wheelsets selected and analyzed by VéloExotique to help you find the best balance of performance, components, weight, price, and warranty coverage. Our ranking is not based solely on price or advertised weight; each model is evaluated against several technical and commercial criteria to ensure a consistent and fair comparison.

Our database currently includes over 40 carbon wheel models designed primarily for road and gravel cycling. Models are compared based on weight, spokes, hubs, bearings, carbon type, warranty duration, and crash replacement policies. Each criterion is rated out of 5 according to our evaluation matrix and then weighted based on its importance to the overall ranking.

The score out of 100 represents the overall rating assigned to each wheelset. The higher the score, the more the model offers a well-rounded combination of technical specifications and warranty terms, according to our methodology. Weight carries significant weight in the calculation, as it is a crucial factor for bicycle wheels. We also display a score that excludes weight, allowing for a different perspective and showing whether a model remains attractive when lightness is not the primary priority.

The listed price reflects the observed purchase price for the wheelset, including shipping costs where available. If a promotional code is available, it is listed in the table and may allow for a lower price than the one displayed. As prices and availability can change rapidly, the figures provided should be considered indicative at the time of viewing.

Finally, we distinguish between the technical score and our value-for-money rating. A more expensive wheelset might achieve an excellent technical score while offering less financial value than a cheaper model. Conversely, a wheelset offering high-quality components at a low price may stand out in our value-for-money ranking. We regularly update the data to reflect new models, price changes, promotions, and information provided by manufacturers.

We regularly update the data to reflect new models, price changes, promotions, and information provided by manufacturers.

Weight of the pair

Overall weight (in grams) directly affects how easy it is to accelerate and climb. Lighter wheels offer better acceleration and agility, whereas slightly heavier wheels often prioritize momentum and durability.

Currently, the lightest wheels on the market weigh around 950g per pair. However, "lightweight" implies less material, making the wheel more prone to damage from impacts.

Before hunting for the lightest wheel, you need to ask yourself the tough question: will the wheel support your body weight plus all the gear you’re carrying? In my case, I have a solid 83 kg to haul around—and that’s without gear. After a holiday feast, that figure can creep even higher... So, to avoid the risk of premature wear, I prefer choosing sturdier wheels (at least 1300g).

For this table, I always use the lightest wheel offered by the manufacturer (usually the model with a rim depth of around 30mm).

Rim depth (Rim profile)

The balance between aerodynamics and versatility.

Expressed in millimeters, the depth determines the wheel's handling characteristics:

Low (< 30 mm): Ideal for mountains and steep climbs (lightweight and unaffected by crosswinds).

This is the ideal profile for mountainous terrain, offering great responsiveness the moment you get out of the saddle. However, they are more fragile, so you need to pay attention to your line.

Medium (30 – 45 mm): The ultimate all-round choice (flat, rolling, and mountainous terrain).
High (> 50 mm) For power riders and flat terrain, maximizing aerodynamic efficiency at high speeds.

Rim depth significantly affects the wheel's weight. The greater the depth, the heavier the wheel and the higher the inertia—making it easier to maintain high speeds.

Rim Material

In my description, you will find carbon wheels. The question of material comes down to the carbon composition, ranging from T700 to T1000.
This specific detail is of little to no relevance when it comes to wheels. While it is true that higher-end fiber offers superior characteristics (acceleration, strength, weight), everything hinges on one crucial factor: the manufacturer.
The fiber specified refers only to the rim itself; if the resin mix, the layering process, the drilling of spoke holes, or other steps aren't executed properly, your wheel will underperform—regardless of whether high-end carbon was used.
So, how do you choose a well-made wheel? I can't say for sure, but since others have bought and ridden these wheels, it makes sense to consider their feedback.
You can find more information on this topic in my dedicated article!

Spokes

In my chart, I focus on the type of spoke used to build the wheelset. This factor must be considered alongside the number of spokes used for the build. Both the spoke count and the material will affect the wheel's weight, stiffness, and durability.
There are several spoke manufacturers, but the most well-known is SAPIM comme le sapin (l'arbre) mais avec un 'M' donc rien à voir.

Sapim offers a fairly focused product range:

Carbon spokes: RC1 and CX-CARBON (these offer the best power transfer but the least comfort)
Aero spokes: CX-DELTA, CX, CX-SPRINT, CX-RAY, CX-RAY PRO, CX-SUPER
Butted spokes: LASER, D-LIGHT, SPRINT, STRONG, RACE, BLACK STEEL RACE, E-LIGHT, E-STRONG, E-RACE
Standard spokes: LEADER, BLACK STEEL, and ZINC

For racing, you should aim for the carbon or aero models.
There are so many different models because there is a vast array of hubs—and consequently, a wide variety of wheel builds...

Hubs and Bearings

The bicycle hub is the central part of the wheel, connected to the rim via spokes. It allows the wheel to rotate around the axle (smoothly, ideally) while supporting the drivetrain (power transmitted via the cassette) and the braking system (the hub must not shift during emergency braking).

Here’s a "fun fact" that isn't particularly fun: a bicycle wheel has two hubs, and they are not constructed in the same way.

There are several types of hubs.

Standard hubs
These hubs use traditional bearing systems—either cup-and-cone or cartridge bearings. Reliable and easy to maintain, they are found on most entry-level and mid-range road bikes.

Ratchet-system hubs
Advanced hubs, such as those from DT Swiss, use ratchet mechanisms for near-instant engagement.

Sealed-bearing hubs
Designed to keep out dirt and water, sealed-bearing hubs require less maintenance.

How do you recognize a good hub when you see one?

Bearing quality
High-quality hubs use high-quality bearings. If you are choosing between two wheels and one features a hub from a well-known brand, go for that one.

Engagement speed
Particularly important for rear hubs, engagement speed refers to how quickly the hub reacts when you start pedaling. A high number of engagement points allows for a faster response and smoother climbing or sprinting. This is the figure—such as 36, 54, or 60—that appears in our comparison tool.

Weight
Lighter hubs help reduce rotational mass. For racers and climbers, saving a few grams on the hub can make a noticeable difference, especially on lightweight wheels. Compatibility Ensure the hub matches your bike's axle standards: thru-axle, quick-release, or Boost spacing for mountain bikes.

Spoke Hole Count
Most road hubs feature 20 to 28 holes, whereas gravel and endurance hubs may use 32 for greater durability. Your choice of wheel should suit your riding style and the terrain.

Compatibility
Ensure the hub matches your bike's axle standards: thru-axle, quick-release, or Boost spacing for mountain bikes.

Value for Money

An investment suited to your type of riding and, above all, your budget.

This criterion evaluates the price of the wheelset in relation to the wheels' average rating across the other criteria.