Wheels

Bought these wheels to build my Spot Ryve XC bike. Wheels are a nice combination of price and weight, although they did come in at 40 grams over the published weight. The wheels look good and are relatively stiff. One minor issue is the rear hub centerlock spline was slightly oversize, causing me to have to file a little on the disc rotor splines. Talked thru this issue with Western Bike Works and they were very helpful with options to address this.

They call this 36mm size a climbing wheel, but with big Midwest crosswinds here, these wheels are the perfect choice for all around riding too. Light and fast on the transitions and rock solid. I ride 130 to 170 miles a week, and these wheels have livened up my solo workouts and group rides. I also use them on gravel running 32mm Continental 5000 TR tires at 50psi. These wheels are the perfect blend of size, quality and appearance (the subtle graphics really pop with transparent tires). I expect to be riding these wheels for many years.

This is my second set of HED Ardennes, and I love them! I had the Ardennes Plus SL, but when those did not survive a collision with a car, I replaced with these RA Black versions. Firstly, they look really great with the blacked out braking surface. Secondly, they really do have exceptional stopping power - startled me at first. You do have to get used to the whistling of the machined surface when braking, so if you can give up your dreams of stealthy stopping, you'll be impressed with the stopping ability of these wheels. As with other Ardennes Plus wheels, they ride really, really nice. These are some really great all around wheels! I do wish HED had finished these differently as the slightly textured finish attracts more dirt. I would like to give these five stars because the wheels themselves deserve it, but I received my set with the front wheel out of true, right out of the box. If I had not waited three months for the wheels, I would have sent them back for another pair. I need to ask WBW if they can true the up for me.

Ok, so this may be premature, as I've only ridden these once, but I'm a believer. I bought these 3 months ago and it took me quite a while in this pandemic to source the correct cassette and rotors.

I went out with some friends today and they all thought i had a new bike. I set these up on my 2020 rounds with some tan sidewall Enve ses tires. The bike is ridiculously faster. Switching over from the stock dt Swiss (which are great for stock) wheels, it's night and day. For the price, your can't get a better wheel. Love the feel, love the look, love the sound.