A colossal wheel for gravel: 52 mm wide and 70 mm in profile is Dangerholm's bet for this modality

The Swedish creator Gustav Gullholm, better known as Dangerholm, has taken the evolution of gravel wheels a step further with an experimental project developed alongside Faction Bike Studio and LX Lab. The result is a set of aerodynamic rims with extreme dimensions that aim to rethink the relationship between tire width, aerodynamics, and riding behavior.

Dangerholm presents a new concept of aero rims for gravel alongside Faction Bike Studio and LX Lab

To provide context for this presentation, Dangerholm explains that in recent years, gravel has undergone rapid evolution: frames and tires are becoming wider, and aerodynamic solutions are more common. However, the increase in tire volume, which is now around 54-57 mm, has left conventional rims behind. This imbalance is what has motivated the new Aero Rim Concept, with which Dangerholm aims to explore the limits of current design.

A colossal rim: 52 mm wide and 70 mm deep

The result of this collaboration is a rim with an external width of 52 mm, an internal width of 45 mm, and a depth of 70 mm, designed for tires ranging from 2.1” to 2.25”. The carbon fiber construction is handled by LX Lab, which used 3D printed molds in PETG, while Faction Bike Studio took care of the design and visual engineering of the project.

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Although it is a prototype with no production plans for now, in tests conducted by Gullholm, it shows surprisingly stable and fast behavior on rough terrain, with aerodynamics optimized for wide tires and a notable improvement in traction, comfort, and control.

Faction had previously worked with Dangerholm on earlier projects, such as a rear derailleur with 3D printed titanium parts, but this time the goal was purely experimental. “We wanted to see how far we could go with a wide gravel rim without losing performance or aesthetics,” they explain from the Canadian studio.

For its part, LX Lab contributed its experience in advanced composite prototyping to bring to life a shape that has been unprecedented in the sector.

An experiment that could set a trend

The Aero Rim Concept does not aim to enter production, but rather to open a debate within the industry. Only four units have been manufactured, which will be mounted on two customized SCOTT bicycles.

With this project, Dangerholm invites reflection on the future of high-performance gravel and poses a question that many are already asking: How much can wide and aerodynamic rims transform the speed and behavior of a gravel bike?

Technical specifications

• External width: 52 mm
• Internal width: 45 mm
• Depth: 70 mm
• Material: carbon fiber
• Hubs: Extralite HyperSmart 3
• Tires: Schwalbe Thunder Burt (2.1” and 2.25”)
• Estimated weight (theoretical series version): 1,650 g