Hunt 40 Limitless Gravel Aero: Lighter, Faster, and More Aerodynamic
The Hunt 40 Limitless Gravel Aero wheelset is 220g lighter, more aerodynamic, and offers carbon spoke options. Pre-orders available now starting at $1,849.
Hunt Wheels has released its latest innovation for gravel riders—the Hunt 40 Limitless Gravel Aero wheelset. This updated wheelset is 220g lighter than its predecessor and features cutting-edge technologies such as carbon spokes and CeramicSpeed bearings. Designed for serious gravel cyclists, it offers significant performance gains, combining lighter weight, enhanced aerodynamics, and increased durability.
A Lighter, More Efficient Ride
One of the standout features of the new Hunt 40 Limitless Gravel Aero wheelset is its weight. At just 1,380g for the premium version with carbon spokes and CeramicSpeed bearings, it shaves off 220g compared to its predecessor. Hunt achieved this by incorporating technology from its road-focused Sub50 Limitless Aero Disc wheelset, particularly in its hubs and spoke design.
Carbon Spokes for Weight Reduction and Comfort
Hunt offers carbon spokes as an option, which not only reduces the overall spoke count but also provides lateral stiffness and better vibration dampening. With 20 carbon spokes (down from 24 on the steel-spoked version), these wheels offer superior strength without compromising ride comfort. Carbon spokes also transmit less vibration, improving comfort on rough gravel terrains.
CeramicSpeed Bearings for Durability and Speed
Opting for the CeramicSpeed bearings increases smoothness and durability, reducing rolling resistance and further enhancing performance. While pricey at £2,449 / $2,989, the combination of these bearings with carbon spokes creates one of the lightest and most efficient gravel wheelsets on the market.
Aero Optimization and Performance
Hunt has taken extensive measures to ensure that the 40 Limitless Gravel Aero wheelset is not just lightweight but also highly aerodynamic. Through wind tunnel testing and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations, the brand optimized the wheels for 40mm and 45mm Schwalbe G-One tires, some of the most popular choices among gravel cyclists.
Optimized Rim Profiles
The new aero rim profiles are designed specifically for gravel use, with a 40mm deep front wheel and a slightly deeper 41mm rear wheel. The front wheel has an external width of 36mm, while the rear wheel is 35mm wide, both featuring an internal width of 26mm to accommodate wider gravel tires. These dimensions ensure better handling and stability in crosswinds, while the deeper rear wheel reduces drag, taking advantage of the turbulent airflow behind the rider.
Hookless Bead Design
The 40 Limitless Gravel Aero also features a hookless bead design, which optimizes the tire profile for better performance. This design results in straighter tire sidewalls, reducing the risk of pinch flats and offering a more consistent manufacturing process. It also conforms to ETRTO standards, ensuring compatibility with most modern gravel tires.
Head-to-Head: Performance Versus Competitors
Hunt claims that its new wheelset is nearly as aerodynamic as the 3T Discus 45 / 40, the only wheelset to outperform it in wind tunnel testing. However, when factoring in the 3T Discus's extra 314g weight, the Hunt 40 Limitless Gravel Aero becomes the top contender in terms of weight-to-aero ratio. Tested in the GST Windkanal wind tunnel at speeds of 40–45 km/h, the 40 Limitless Gravel Aero shows exceptional performance across yaw angles, making it ideal for competitive gravel racing.
Price and Availability
The Hunt 40 Limitless Gravel Aero wheelset comes in three configurations to suit different budgets:
- Premium model: £2,449 / $2,989 / €2,898 (CeramicSpeed bearings, carbon spokes, 1,328g)
- Mid-tier model: £1,849 / $2,279 / €2,279 (steel bearings, carbon spokes, 1,328g)
- Base model: £1,479 / $1,849 / €1,849 (steel bearings, steel spokes, 1,431g)
The wheelset is available for pre-order now, with limited deliveries expected in late November.
Final Thoughts
The Hunt 40 Limitless Gravel Aero wheelset delivers impressive weight reduction, advanced aerodynamics, and superior performance for gravel riders. Whether you opt for the premium model with CeramicSpeed bearings or the more affordable steel-spoked version, the wheelset offers top-tier performance, making it a worthy investment for serious cyclists.
