Strada Gravel Aero Plus 2 Wheelset: Speed, Control, and Comfort for Gravel Riding

Unleash Your Speed: The Strada Gravel Aero Plus 2 – Engineered for the Ultimate Gravel Adventure

The Quest for Speed: How Aero Gravel Wheels Are Redefining Off-Road Cycling

The burgeoning field of gravel racing has transformed into a relentless pursuit of speed, driving innovation across all facets of cycling gear. From helmets to frames, every component undergoes rigorous research and wind-tunnel testing to shave off precious seconds. Among the most impactful and cost-efficient upgrades for performance enhancement is investing in a superior set of gravel bike wheels, a principle that holds true across all cycling disciplines, including gravel riding.

Introducing the Strada Gravel Aero Plus 2: A Handcrafted Solution for Demanding Terrains

While industry leaders like Zipp and Parcours pioneered the aero gravel wheel concept with their offerings, Strada Wheels, based in West Sussex, has made a significant entry with their own high-performance gravel wheelset: the Strada Gravel Aero Plus 2. These aren't merely off-the-shelf components; they are meticulously designed and custom-built by Strada to deliver enhanced speed, superior control, and unparalleled comfort on the most challenging and rough gravel paths. Initial trials across diverse conditions, from traditional gravel routes to mountain bike trails, have yielded exceptionally promising results.

Innovative Construction: Crafting the Strada Gravel Aero Plus 2 for Peak Performance

The Strada Gravel Aero Plus 2 wheels boast a cutting-edge unidirectional carbon fiber construction, adhering to contemporary design benchmarks. They feature a distinct front/rear rim height of 40/45mm, paired with a generous 30mm internal rim width, positioning them competitively between the Parcours FKT (27mm) and Zipp 303 XPLR SW (32mm) wheelsets. Recognizing the demands of gravel terrain and the potential for tire bottoming at reduced pressures, these wheels incorporate hookless uprights and a robust 3.5mm impact zone. Similar to other leading gravel wheels, the reinforced, flattened rim edge effectively disperses stress, bolstering impact resistance and ride compliance.

The front and rear wheels are distinguished by their uniquely tailored rim profiles and carbon layups, acknowledging the differing aerodynamic forces, impact points, and stresses each wheel endures. While both share the same internal and a 36.5mm external width, the front rim is crafted from T700 carbon fibers, whereas the rear utilizes stronger T800-grade carbon. A key innovation lies in the advanced viscoelastic resin matrix binding these fibers, which Strada claims actively absorbs vibrations, boosts durability, and markedly enhances the overall ride sensation.

Versatile Compatibility and Precision Engineering: Adapting to Diverse Gravel Setups

Optimized for tires ranging from 40-45mm, the Gravel Aero Plus 2 wheelset demonstrates remarkable versatility, accommodating widths from 35mm up to an expansive 62mm (2.4 inches). This wide compatibility ensures seamless integration with a new generation of gravel bikes that support larger tires, such as the BMC Kaius, Factor Sarana, and Open Wi.De 2.0. Both wheels are expertly laced with 24 aero-bladed Alpina spokes—Ultralite for the front and Extralite for the rear—and can be customized with various hub options from renowned brands like Hope, DT Swiss, ExtraLite, and Tactic. Our test model, equipped with DT Swiss 240 EXP hubs, offered a responsive 10-degree engagement angle, courtesy of its 36T ratchet.

Aesthetic and Weight Analysis: Subtle Design Meets Performance Efficiency

The wheelset's design is both understated and impactful, featuring a stealthy appearance that complements most gravel bike aesthetics. While our test pair came with black-on-black decals, a white decal kit is included for riders preferring a more prominent visual statement. Though not solely focused on minimal weight, the Strada Gravel Aero Plus 2 tipped the scales at an actual 1,465g (680g front / 785g rear, including rim tape and valves), slightly above the claimed 1,426g. Nevertheless, this still positions them lighter than competitors like the Parcours FKT (1,500g) and Zipp 303 XPLR SW (1,496g), highlighting a favorable power-to-weight ratio.

Real-World Performance: Navigating Diverse Terrains with Confidence

Despite formidable competition, the Strada Gravel Aero 2 wheels deliver an impressive performance that feels anything but inferior. In actual riding conditions, they proved as capable and swift as rival wheelsets from Zipp and Parcours, often exhibiting superior control on uneven surfaces and in blustery conditions. Riding at approximately 62kg, I paired these wheels with 45mm Vittoria Terreno T30 tires, inflated to 25psi. This slightly lower pressure, combined with tire inserts (essential after my Gravel Burn experience), the wide internal rim width, and tall hookless beads, instilled complete confidence throughout my testing period. The front wheel's precise control on my Cannondale SuperX Lab71 was exceptional, enabling maximum traction through rapid, eroded corners, while the overall ride quality felt both supple and responsive.

Beyond the Numbers: Experiencing Ride Comfort and Stability

While the subtle effects of the viscoelastic resin matrix weren't immediately obvious, the ride never felt harsh or jarring, even on corrugated and choppy terrain. Unlike other wheels I've encountered, I didn't experience the sensation of fighting the bike or being bounced off the pedals. While reduced upper-body fatigue can partly be attributed to lower tire pressures, there are limits to how much pressure adjustments can mitigate high-frequency vibrations. Crucially, the wheels never felt like a hindrance in these challenging situations.

The 40/45mm rim depth strikes an ideal balance for gravel riding and racing, offering sufficient aerodynamic benefits without excessive vulnerability to crosswinds. Throughout the testing phase, the wheels maintained impeccable tracking on high-speed descents, instilling the confidence necessary for aggressive off-road riding. Climbing was similarly effortless; though not the absolute lightest, their moderate weight allowed for quick acceleration and smooth navigation over undulating landscapes. The rapid engagement of the rear hub ensured fluid progress without hesitation. Only on extremely steep ascents did precise weight distribution become crucial to prevent wheelspin.

Conquering Technical Trails: Durability Meets Smoothness

To further assess their capabilities, the wheels were tested on technical mountain bike singletrack, which forms part of my regular gravel routes. These trails, characterized by small drops and sandy corners, were handled with remarkable ease by the Stradas. They even appeared to smooth out some of the step-downs and bumps, a truly impressive feat. This demonstrates their robust design and ability to maintain composure across highly varied and demanding surfaces.

Assessing Value: A Competitive Edge in the Aero Gravel Market

In a segment brimming with high-quality aero gravel wheelsets, personal preference and brand allegiance often dictate choices. However, the Strada Gravel Aero 2 wheels are a compelling recommendation. While they are £250 more than the base-spec Parcours FKT, they are £100 less expensive than the Zipp 303 XPLR SW. More significantly, they outperform both rivals in terms of weight and the breadth of compatible tire widths. (Pricing adjusts based on hub selection.)

As an impartial and objective reviewer, I was genuinely impressed by the performance and stability offered by the Strada Gravel Aero 2 wheel platform. They not only feel swift across all types of terrain but also exhibit exceptional reliability and durability—qualities paramount for demanding gravel events and multi-day stage races. They effortlessly absorbed washboard surfaces and maintained high average speeds on flat gravel roads. While definitively claiming superiority over rivals remains challenging, their ability to accommodate super-wide tires positions the Strada Aero Gravel 2 wheels as a highly relevant option for the foreseeable future, at least until the implications of the 32-inch wheel trend become clearer.

Strada Gravel Aero Plus 2: Key Specifications

The Strada Gravel Aero Plus 2 wheelset combines high-performance features with practical design, making it a strong contender in the aero gravel market. Here are its detailed technical specifications:

• Price: £1,499 / $2,020 / €1,750
• Weight: 1,465g (actual, with rim tape and valves)
• Hubset: DT Swiss 240 EXP
• Freehub options: Shimano HG11/12, SRAM XDR, Campagnolo
• Rim depth: 40mm front, 45mm rear
• Rim width: 30mm internal, 36.5mm external
• Spoke count: 24 front/rear
• Rim: Hookless