![scribe wheels scribe wheels](https://cdn.road.cc/sites/default/files/styles/main_width/public/scribe-aero-wide-38-wheels-rim.jpg)
But they’ve stood up well, with the only evidence being tiny, superficial marks to the finish. Whilst I haven’t bottomed out the tyres on any square-edged hits, I have been hearing the hollow ‘thunk’ of rocks bouncing up and smacking against the profile of the rims as they ping out from under my tyres. The hills of South Wales have been a pretty brutal testing ground, with the terrain being quite loose and rocky in sections.
![scribe wheels scribe wheels](https://cdn.road.cc/sites/default/files/styles/main_width/public/scribe-aero-wide-38-wheels-rim-2.jpg)
Even with a set of much wider tyres, the total system weight of the Scribes was still lighter – making the bike quicker to accelerate and easier to handle – while also providing the benefits of increased comfort and grip. Of course, the difference being that I was travelling further and faster per pedal stroke with the Gravel Wide++ wheels.Īgainst a set of Miche Carbo Graff gravel wheels – which sit about as far over a grand as the Gravel Wide++ sit under – the difference was still very marked. The sensation of setting off was like being in a significantly lower gear, needing that much less torque at the cranks to get the wheels spinning.
![scribe wheels scribe wheels](https://i.imgur.com/nBiEVul.jpg)
Immediately from the first pedal stroke, the acceleration was instantaneous. Although naturally not particularly light, they didn’t deaden the ride or ever feel like a drag.Įven so, it was like night and day coming to the Scribe Gravel Wide++ wheels.
![scribe wheels scribe wheels](https://lfgss.microco.sm/api/v1/files/40772bbb6c8fc4fe0e79ba22533d68a1edaae747.jpeg)
I’d be finding these perfectly fine: durable and robust, I had no qualms or reservations about ploughing them through the winter. The bike I swapped these wheels into was previously running a set of alloy DT Swiss gravel wheels. There might be some tyre combinations that don’t play well but those Schwalbes tend to work well on most rims, so that is a good sign. I did use tyre levers to mount the G-One Bites, but that was more out of laziness rather than any particular need. Setting up the wheels, they’ve proved a good match with both a set of Schwalbe G-One Bites and a pair of American Classic’s new Krumbein tyres. That said, there are plans to release a 54t ratchet later in the year that will bring this down to a snappy 6.7 degrees. The angle of engagement is 10 degrees, which typically works well for gravel bikes and their larger-than-MTB gearing. The freehub uses a ratchet system that’s exclusive to Scribe, employing a single ratchet disc and leaf spring to reduce the moving parts to just the one. The hubs are centre lock, but the wheels come shipped with 6-bolt discs adaptors. With different end caps they can be set up for quick release, 12mm thru axles and there’s also the option for a 15mm thru axle on the front – if you’re running a particularly burly fork. In terms of compatibility, these rate quite well. Let’s start at the hubs and work our way out. At 1,306g for this set, they’d count as impressively light for even just use on the road – but built for the rigours of gravel, they’re really quite head turningĬoming with a three year warranty against material and workmanship defects – as well as a generous Lifetime Crash Replacement service – Scribe certainly has a lot of confidence in the durability of these hoops. The Scribe Gravel Wide++ sit firmly within that category of top-tier gravel wheels, with the focus being on keeping the weight low. Scribe is a Belfast-based direct-sales outfit, part of that new breed of wheel brands – including the likes of Parcours and Hunt – that are significantly undercutting those more established manufacturer on price, whilst still promising top performance