Scribe Gravel 40 Wheelset Review: Lightweight Performance with BERD Spokes

The Scribe Gravel 40 wheelset offers a compelling blend of lightweight design and enhanced comfort for off-road cycling, primarily due to its innovative use of BERD Polylight spokes. This wheelset boasts exceptional vibration damping and a remarkably low weight, making it a strong contender for gravel riders. While its distinct appearance might not appeal to all, its performance attributes, including easy tubeless setup and robust construction, present a significant upgrade for those seeking a high-performance and comfortable riding experience on varied terrain. Despite a higher price point compared to standard options, its unique features justify the investment for dedicated gravel enthusiasts.

A notable feature of the Scribe Gravel 40 wheelset is its construction, particularly the BERD Polylight spokes. These spokes, made from Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE) or Dyneema, contribute significantly to the wheelset's impressively low weight. The manufacturer's claimed weight for the pair is 1,317 grams, but actual measurements showed an even lighter 1,286 grams, positioning them as exceptionally light for durable, deep, and wide gravel wheels. The inherent strength and vibration-damping properties of Dyneema, a material familiar from high-strength applications like rock climbing slings, ensure durability. BERD's Polylight spokes are 15 times stronger than steel by weight, offer a pull strength of 300kg (compared to 175kg for steel), and provide 200% better vibration damping. These spokes are laced into the rim using standard-sized nipples, with a threaded metal insert bonded into the cord. Scribe ensures a ready supply of spare spokes, which can be replaced with standard j-bend spokes if necessary. The rims themselves are 700c, 40mm deep, with a 24mm internal width and 30.5mm external width, constructed from Toray T700 and T800 carbon. They feature a ramped rim bed for easy tubeless tire seating and are hookless compatible. The hubs are made from alloy with endurance bearings and a double-disc ratchet design for immediate engagement, compatible with various freehub types and axle configurations.

During testing, the Gravel 40s proved their mettle on diverse terrains. The review highlighted the aesthetic appeal of the deep carbon wheels, noting that the white spokes, while distinctive, complemented the test rider's black Cannondale Topstone gravel bike. An accidental impact with a stout stick, mimicking BERD's metal rod test, demonstrated the spokes' resilience, with no visible damage or compromise to wheel true. The reduced weight of the wheelset significantly enhanced the bike's responsiveness, particularly on technical off-road climbs and when navigating obstacles, where quick acceleration and agile handling are crucial. The bike felt more lively and nimble, a combined effect of the lighter wheels and the inherent 'springiness' of the BERD spokes, without any noticeable lateral flex. The benefits were particularly evident on long, arduous rides, where the cumulative advantage of a lightweight wheelset was greatly appreciated. A 100km gravel tour in freezing conditions underscored the wheels' robust performance, even when ridden with low tire pressures to maximize grip on icy surfaces. Despite encountering numerous impacts with rocks and roots, the rims remained undamaged and true. The 24mm internal rim width perfectly accommodated 45mm tires, ensuring an excellent tubeless setup with easy inflation and consistent air retention throughout the test period.

While the Scribe Gravel 40 wheelset, priced at £1,449, is not an entry-level option, it offers competitive value when compared to other high-end gravel wheelsets on the market. For instance, Roval’s Terra CLX II wheels are more expensive at £2,200 but only slightly lighter, while Fulcrum’s Rapid Red Carbon wheels are similarly priced but significantly heavier. Scribe also offers a more budget-friendly 1,449g gravel wheelset with steel spokes for £899. The Gravel 40s stand out by providing a compelling combination of deep, wide carbon rims optimized for off-road use, a reliable ratchet hub design, and an extremely low weight, all backed by excellent customer service. The added advantage of BERD spokes' superior vibration damping further enhances its value proposition. Although their unique aesthetic and advanced technology may not appeal to everyone, for riders seeking a high-performance, comfortable, and distinctive gravel wheelset without an exorbitant price tag, the Gravel 40s represent an excellent choice.