1. I just ordered some HED wheels. What’s in the box?
While specific small parts vary from product to product, each box of HED wheels contains a few small part types:
– Skewers
– Rim Tape
– For deeper section carbon wheels: HED Valve Extenders or appropriate length HED Tubeless Valves
– For aero disc wheels: HED Valve Hole Cover
2. Can HED wheels be set up Tubeless?
Every wheel in HED’s current line up of wheels is tubeless compatible. For each of our wheels, HED experts focus on designing a consistent tire bed, making tubeless set up as consistent and straightforward as possible.
Whether you have a set of HED road, gravel, or fat bike wheels, you can set your wheels up tubeless. If you have specific questions about older models of HED wheels, please reach out to us through our Contact Form or the on-site chat feature.
Some older models, like the 23mm (external) wide HED C2, may not be safe to set up tubeless.
3. Do HED wheels and rims need tubeless tape for tubeless set up?
For HED road and gravel wheels, yes.
With each box of HED Cycling wheels, you will receive rim tape. If your box included HED ivory rim tape, apply two layers before tubeless. If your box included HED black rim tape, apply one layer before tubeless set up.
For HED fat bike wheels, no, you do not need to apply rim tape before tubeless set up. HED’s fat bike wheels utilize Inflatobam, HED’s patented tubeless technology for installing fat bike tires. The twin channel rim design provides a better per-inflation seal by trapping each tire bead against the rim, with no rim tape required for tubeless set up.
4. What is the best tire size for my HED wheels?
Deciding on the best tire size is going to vary by wheel, and the conditions you plan to ride the wheel in. In terms of speed, each carbon wheel is designed to be most aerodynamic with a specific tire width, which is listed on specific product pages under rim specs.
To summarize some of our findings: With a broader external width, HED Vanquish and Ardennes wheels roll most optimally with a 28mm (actual width) tire. For Jet wheels, we recommend 25mm (actual width) tires, but 28mm (actual width) tires are still an excellent choice. Unless a podium step hangs in the balance, the difference in the speed of the Jet, using a 25mm tire versus a 28mm tire, works out to only 0.05 kph. That’s approximately 3 – 4 seconds over 40km.
For gravel and fat bike wheels, the best tire, in terms of both width and tread pattern, is going to be largely condition-specific.
5. How do I know if HED wheels will fit my bike?
The short answer, yes.
If you have a road bike and a set of HED road wheels, they will fit. If you have a gravel bike and a set of gravel wheels, they will fit. Tires and clearance between them and the fork/seat stays will be more of a concern. If you are unsure about fit, measure your tire width with calipers – so that you have a starting point.
Then gauge the clearance that you have with your existing set up. Use a set of Allen keys as feeler gauges. Check clearance at the chain stays, fork crown, and rear brake bridge. When you find that one wrench fits and the next size up doesn’t, then you have your clearance number for the existing set up. On Plus wheels, most tires will measure 2-4mm wider than the labeled size, and they’ll be about 2-3 mm taller than the same tire on a narrower rim. You should have 3mm clearance minimum.
If you have an older bike frame (5-10 years ago, depending on the maker), your bike may not have the same degree of tire clearance common in more modern, contemporary frames.
6. What is the best tire pressure for my HED wheels?
Probably less than you think.
Where many people in the industry use to think higher tire pressure equates to lower rolling resistance, at HED, we recommend finding more a “sweet spot” in the tire pressure you use, high enough for low rolling resistance but also low enough to absorb any bumps or vibrations in the road. The aim is a fast, comfortable ride quality.
For specific tire pressure recommendations, check out the specific product page for your wheels, where we’ve listed our recommendations for tire pressures for various rider weights. Wheels that feature a 21mm internal width, like the Vanquish Pro & Performance series or Ardennes, have more air volume than they would on narrower rims. For road size tires the volume is about 25% higher than on a 17mm internal rims and 10% higher than 19mm internal rim. Increased air volume means lower air pressure, no increased rolling resistance, more comfort, more control and less body fatigue. Consult our PSI charts for HED’s recommendations.
7. If I’m replacing bearings, what bearings should I use?
Before replacing bearings, confirm bearing size – the number for the bearing size is listed on the rubber seal of the bearing of your wheels. Currently, HED front disc brake hubs use 6902 bearings and HED front rim brake hubs (with radial lacing) use 6900 bearings.
For wheels made prior to 2015, and any older front radial hubs, use 6901 bearings. For five pawl hubs and three pawl hubs dating back to 2013, use 6902 bearings. Three pawl hubs dating 2010-2012 use 1526 in the hub shell and 6902 in the cassette body. Numbers are on the rubber seal of the bearing, it is best to confirm size.
8. What is the maximum spoke tension for my wheels?
For road and gravel wheels max tension is 130 kgf on the rear drive side. Rear non-drive side should have even tension.
We do not specify a non-drive side tension because that side is completely dependent on the correct drive side tension – it cannot be adjusted independently. Front rim brake spoke tension should be 110 kgf. Front disc brake brake side tension should be 120 kgf. For Fat wheels tension should be 95kgf.
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