
I've been partial to HED wheels for a few years now, and for my new gravel bike I looked first to HED. The Emporia GA Pro are really solid wheels, that are light weight, and look sharp. They were easily setup tubeless, and I had no issue mounting tires. Another great set of wheels from HED!
I can only comment on their appearance as I'm waiting for availability of Di2 12 speed to finish building my "All Road" bike. They look great and it's my third set of wheels with HED rims. My other 2 wheel sets were custom builds but at this price couldn't resist buying this wheelset.
Understated and clean looking wheelset. Love the look of their new decals. Tubeless setup was straightforward and reliable. Immediately replaced the provided valve core with a Stan's brass based valve core. The provided tape (Rebranded Stan's in a 28mm width) was a good fit. Tire choice can be complicated when tire manufacturers and wheels manufacturers are not on the same page. Rim width is ideal for 42mm+ gravel tires depending on tread pattern. For slicker tread without side knobs then 32mm+ is what I would recommend. Currently running 38mm and 40mm tires since that's what I already have but plan to go wider eventually. Also wish I would have caught these on sale such as the Black Friday sale.
I've had HED Ardennes on my road bike for a couple years and they have been bulletproof. I've only had a couple rides on these, but they are a nice upgrade over the stock wheels in terms of weight and aesthetics, and have matched some fairly brutal routes that really called for a mountain bike.
The only downside is they don't come with lockrings for the rotors which seems a bit penny-pinching. Plan on shelling out for a pair, or buy Shimano rotors which I believe come with lockrings included.
Went with the Pro version primarily to get HED's best hub. This Emporia Pro set was an upgrade for my lower end Diverge with the cheap Specialized stock wheel set with low end hubs. Noticeable improvement in rolling speed using the same tires. Also like the wider rim width. About as good as it gets in an aluminum gravel wheel set and beats a low end carbon set with cheaper hubs for my use.
Fast light wide gravel wheels. Nearly as light as many carbon options at a far better price. Have easily set up tubeless with multiple Panaracer and Schwalbe tire options I've tried from 30-43mm and have had no issues with rocky trails, catching air and even riding down stairs. Never had a tire burp, even running 25 psi with larger tires..