HED

Ardennes GP Clincher Wheelset

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. Joining the rims and hubs together are Sapim spokes and self-securing aluminum nipples. The front wheel has 20 straight-pull spokes laced radially, and the rear has 28 spokes laced in a two-cross pattern. 

The HED Ardennes GP Clincher Wheelset is available in both Campagnolo and Shimano/SRAM configurations. The rims are anodized Black and have machined brake tracks. The wheelset includes HED's steel-shafted skewers and HED rim strips. Please note that HED doesn't recommend this wheelset for riders exceeding 225 pounds.