Reserve takes off-road aerodynamics to the extreme with its new 48|53 GR wheels

Competition wheels for gravel continue to approach the aerodynamics of solutions used on the road, but adapted to increasingly wider tires and much more demanding terrains. The new Reserve 48|53 GR are one of the latest examples of this trend, with differentiated profiles of 48 and 53 mm, an external width of no less than 44 mm, and compatibility with tires up to 57 mm.

Reserve takes aerodynamics in gravel to the extreme with its new 48|53 GR wheels with up to 53 mm profile

Reserve presents the 48|53 GR as the fastest off-road wheels it has manufactured so far. To achieve this, the brand has combined its experience in aerodynamics with some of the solutions developed for the wheels used in the Tour de France, while maintaining the strength needed to withstand the demands of gravel competitions.

Mullet profile to combine stability and aerodynamics

One of the most important details of the new Reserve 48|53 GR is in its very name. The front wheel uses a 48 mm profile rim, while the rear depth increases to 53 mm.

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This configuration follows a philosophy that Reserve already employs in some of its road wheels. The shallower depth of the front wheel aims to achieve a more predictable behavior when crosswinds blow, especially important on a gravel bike that can travel at high speeds over uneven terrain.

At the rear, where the rim profile has much less influence on the bike's direction, Reserve has increased the depth to 53 mm to improve aerodynamic efficiency.

All of this is combined with the brand's Turbulent Aero technology, developed to study the behavior of wheels in wind conditions closer to those a cyclist encounters in real situations.

44 mm external width and 30 mm internal

But probably the most striking feature of the Reserve 48|53 GR is not its depth, but its width. The new rims have 30 mm internal width and reach 44 mm externally. Dimensions specifically designed for the new generation of competition gravel tires. Reserve recommends using tires between 40 and 57 mm.

The 30 mm internal width allows the tire to adopt a wider shape over the rim, increasing the contact surface with the ground and improving, according to the brand, grip, stability, and control.

At the same time, this measure aims to avoid the so-called "bulb" effect that occurs when a very wide tire is installed on a narrow rim. In these cases, the sidewalls become excessively closed compared to the widest part of the tire, which can reduce the tire's stability on uneven terrain.

The 44 mm external width has a different objective. Reserve claims that it allows for a more progressive transition between the tire and the rim to improve airflow and reduce aerodynamic drag.

The new Hollow Hook construction allows for reduced material and weight

Achieving such a wide rim without increasing weight has forced Reserve to develop a new construction called Hollow Hook.

The design eliminates unnecessary material in certain areas of the rim's interior to reduce the weight of a structure that must support considerably larger dimensions than those used just a few years ago.

Reserve claims that this solution maintains structural strength and protection against impact punctures.

The new 48|53 GR use a hook design and are compatible with tubeless systems. The brand sets a maximum pressure of 80 psi or 5.5 bar for its gravel rims, always respecting a lower limit if specified by the tire manufacturer.

The rims have a declared weight of 445 grams for the 48 mm front and 465 grams for the 53 mm rear.

Two versions with DT Swiss hubs and up to 1,433 grams of weight

Reserve markets the new 48|53 GR in two main configurations. The entry-level option uses DT Swiss 350 hubs and has a declared weight of 1,528 grams for the complete set. Its price in Europe is 1,799 euros.

Above it is the version equipped with DT Swiss 180 hubs. In this case, the weight drops to 1,433 grams and the official price in Reserve's European store rises to 2,799 euros.

Both configurations use 24 spokes and are available with XDR and HG-EV hubs, 12x100 mm front and 12x142 mm rear axles, and Centerlock disc mounts.

Reserve also maintains details aimed at facilitating maintenance, such as the use of external nipples and conventional Sapim spokes.

Wheels that confirm the direction of competitive gravel

The Reserve 48|53 GR arrive at a time when major manufacturers are rapidly increasing both the depth and width of their gravel-specific wheels.

Zipp, ENVE, Newmen, and Hunt already have models that follow this philosophy, where aerodynamics is becoming increasingly important and rims are designed around considerably wider tires than those traditionally used.

Reserve now takes this trend to a combination of 30 mm internal, 44 mm external, and profiles of up to 53 mm, trying to bring together aerodynamic speed, stability, and strength in a single set of wheels.

The new Reserve 48|53 GR are already listed in the brand's European catalog and come with a lifetime warranty.

Specifications and prices of the Reserve 48|53 GR wheels

• Use: competition gravel
• Diameter: 700c
• Front profile: 48 mm
• Rear profile: 53 mm
• Internal width: 30 mm
• External width: 44 mm
• Recommended tires: 40 to 57 mm
• Number of spokes: 24 front and rear
• Hubs available: DT Swiss 350 and DT Swiss 180
• Hubs: XDR and HG-EV
• Discs: Centerlock
• Weight with DT Swiss 350: 1,528 g
• Weight with DT Swiss 180: 1,433 g
• Price with DT Swiss 350: 1,799 €
• Price with DT Swiss 180: 2,799 €
• Warranty: lifetime