Gravel Grinder News: WTB Introduces CGR Gravel Wheelset

 NOTE: All images and information in this article were provided by Wilderness Trail Bikes. "Comments" are Guitar Ted's opinions. NOTE: UPDATED 10/2/26 to reflect that the CGR Light rims are hookless. 

Today WTB has released information on its newest and fastest gravel wheel set, the CGR i28. If you are at all familiar with WTB's naming convention, you already know the internal rim width is a nice, wide 28mm. 

However; this is only a small fraction of what is going on with these new wheels. WTB has built these wheels up around the new, World Cup proven Frequency 7X hubs which are incredibly light, strong, and feature larger ball bearings for improved axle stability and durability. 

Frequency 7X Hubs:

Starting off with the hubs we have the patent-pending ratchet design of the free hub which is over-sized and coated with what WTB calls "DLC" which is an acronym for Diamond-Like Carbon. This coating is claimed to lend a slickness to the ratchet which is said to "significantly lower friction" between the ratchet parts over traditional hard chrome plated ratchet parts. WTB also employs a splined inner (hub side) ratchet ring over the traditional threaded type ring. WTB claims this gives the Frequency 7X rear hub an ability to handle twice the torque of a threaded in ring.  WTB says this keyed ratchet ring requires no specialist tools to service it. 

WTB is also using larger than typical Enduro bearings which they claim increases the load rating by a margin of 38% over competing rear hubs. This is claimed to create a stiffer axle assembly. This also lessens the amount of times the hub would need servicing, theoretically. 

WTB claims the hubs are weather sealed and have been "rigorously tested" to show that these hubs keep dirt and water out.  

The hubs are laced to the new CGR Light rims with 24 straight pull spokes. The Frequency 7X hubs come with a choice of Shimano HG or MicroSpline free hub or a SRAM compatible free hub. 

CGR Light Rims:

The new deep section CGR Light rims feature an offset spoke bed design to help achieve a more balanced spoke tension for the 24 spokes used on each wheel build. The spokes also sit in WTB's 4D, internally reinforced spoke beds. This design keeps the spokes from exiting the rim perpendicular to the hub axis and instead better aims each spoke to its corresponding hub flange.  

The new rims are 40mm deep and feature a 28mm inner rim width chosen to allow tires from 45mm - 54mm in width to perform their best. WTB believes that this width is ideal to allow for the best balance of tire stability, traction, suppleness, and rolling efficiency. 

The CGR Light rims are hooked and feature WTB's patented TCS tubeless design for simple, easy tubeless tire set ups. NOTE: After sending an email to clarify the hook or hookless feature I received a reply on 10/2/26 that the CGR Light rims are hookless. I apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused.) As of this time, neither the rims or hubs are sold separately. So, wheel weights and pricing will reflect current wheel assembly options offered by WTB. 

Weights & Pricing:

 USD:  Front $850 / Rear $950 / Wheelset $1,800
EUR:  Front €727.45 / Rear €822.45 / Wheelset €1,549.90
GBP:  Front £563 / Rear £636 / Wheelset £1,199

Ride With Confidence Guarantee. If you break a WTB carbon rim
while riding, as long as you’re the original owner, we’ll send you a
replacement for free. No exceptions.

Front Wheel: 644 grams

Rear Wheel Weight: SRAM XDR 729 grams, Shimano MicroSpline 729 grams, Shimano HG 740 grams

All hubs utilize Shimano CenterLock rotor mount standard.

For availability see your authorized WTB dealer or check out the wheels at wtb.com 

 Comments:

I saw this wheel set in the release for the WTB aero gravel tires which are on review here. I was informed these would be coming, so it was with some anticipation that I awaited this news. I have to say that I am a little bit surprised by the inner rim width choice and thoughts behind this. I know it will seem unlikely to readers here, but I had an article written up before the press release landed concerning this very subject, and that will appear here tomorrow. 

This new wheel set also falls right into line with current gravel trends for deep section wheels, wider internal rim widths, and light overall weight, which - honestly - when have light weight wheel sets not been a thing?  

At a bit under 1,400 grams for both wheels (1,373), this isn't bad for a deep section wheel set. In fact, it is quite good. I'm a little surprised WTB did not go for a carbon spoke, or a fiber spoke option to lower weight even further, but given the price at well under 2K, maybe WTB did not want to go there. Carbon or fiber spokes would have raised the prices significantly. And who knows? Maybe this will be an upgrade for a future CGR wheel. 

 Beyond this, I will say that I am not at all surprised WTB designed a wheel set to compliment its tire release. It makes sense to do this, since WTB has traditionally done complete wheel systems and tires since the early 2010's.

Press Release: Teravail Introduces 32"er Tires and Rim.

 Note: All information and images were supplied by Teravail to Guitar Ted Productions. Comments in Comment section are Guitar Ted's.

Teravail announces 32" tires and rims today. The buzz around this new tire size caused quite a stir last year and now the choices are expanding. Teravail will now offer the following tire models in 32" size. 

Camrock 32" X 2.4" (Available as of Today)

Cannonball 32" X 2.2" (Coming June 2026)

Plus, Teravail will be offering its 32" version of the Circos Wide carbon fiber rim. (Available this Summer)

Features: 

Both 32" models will feature Teravail's "Superstructure" casing which has extra-strong, fine Nylon fibers which provide a stronger baseline tire. The rubber compound on both tire models will be the new "Fast Pus", Teravail's fastest rolling rubber compound yet. Both tires will come in black or tan sidewalls. 

The Circos Wide rim will have front and rear optimized spoke hole patterns and will be front and rear specific with the rear rim having a 28mm internal width and the front a 29mm internal rim width. 

The Circos is designed to support high-volume gravel tires from 50mm - 60mm in width. Circos will be available in 28 hole or 32 hole options. The Circos weighs 400 grams for the front and 420 grams for the rear. 

Teravail 32" Cannonball in skin wall and black wall. 

Circos also has hookless sidewalls and the spoke bed is reinforced and optimized for spoke washers. Complete wheels with DT Swiss 350 hubs are also available. (Complete wheel sets weigh approximately 1,700 grams for the set.)The Circos rims have a Lifetime Warranty. 

Comments: Obviously this goes along with the Fargo 32"er as QBP owns both brands. It is interesting to note in the feature list how Teravail states the Circos is designed for "high volume gravel tires". Perhaps other brand's high volume gravel tires? Which means there would be more 32" gravel bikes as well. 

 QBP is pretty ubiquitous across the USA, so anyone with a hankering for 32" rubber and rims should find getting a set easy to do. 

Press Release: LOOK G85 Cezal Bike

 Note: LOOK Cycle provided all information and images in this article. Comments in Comment section are Guitar Ted's

The LOOK G85 Cezal 

Look Cycle  is showing its new gravel bike, the G85 Cezal, today at Sea Otter which will also be raced in the Sea Otter gravel event by Russel Finsterwald. The G85 Cezal features all the latest gravel tech for 2026.

The LOOK carbon frame is manufactured by LOOK in its french facility so all the technical and design details can be controlled carefully. LOOK went with a progressive geometry, featuring a short wheel base and a slack, 70° head tube angle. Tire clearance is 50mm in the rear (1X drive train only), and up to 57mm in the front with up to 60mm suspension fork travel being an option for the G85 Cezal rider. 

Of course, all cables route internally. There is ample storage in the down tube, and this storage space comes with a pouch for easy retrieval. LOOK also designed the stack and reach of the G85 Cezal so that various rider positioning set ups are possible. 

The frame uses a 27.2mm seat post, which is nice from a versatility standpoint. LOOK also utilizes a 3D Wave Flex System for the seat stays where LOOK claims a tube's shape dictates flexability LOOK employs a wavy shape to the seat stay which LOOK claims is 15% more flexible than a straight tube using exactly the same carbon layup schedule. 

Riders can choose one of two handlebar/stem combinations when picking out their G85 Cezal. One option utilizes LOOK's LS3 stem and Deda Superzero gravel bars which is a lean toward the more adventurous side. Serious racers may want to choose the LOOK fully integrated stem/handlebar option which adds about $940.00USD to the price tag. 

Two models exist in the range for the G85 Cezal. One is the Speckled Purple/Neon Orange SRAM 1 X 13 speed which features SRAM Force XPLR and Fulcrum Soniq Carbon 2WF wheels. This bike retails for approximately $7,650.00USD. 

The Shimano equipped model is the Speckled Sand/Black Shimano GRX Di2 2x12 bike. This one also features those wavy Fulcrum wheels and goes for approximately $6,755.00USD. 

There is also an all black Shimano GRX 800 1X12 mechanical shifted bike with Fulcrum Lite GR2WF traditional wheels and comes in at $4,115.00USD. Finally, a frame set with frame, fork, and through axles in black is available. This frame set is priced at $2,940.00USD. 

Comments:

A sleek looker here. I think LOOK has an interesting take on gravel racing with this bike.The slacker head tube angle being notable with the capability to handle a big 29"er XC racing tire. This speaks to how LOOK sees gravel racing world-wide, and not just a North American based sport anymore. World wide, courses are becoming more than just unpaved roads. So, things like up to 60mm travel gravel suspension forks and big rubber in a road bike racer package are probably going to be more commonplace than not, especially from the European brands. 

Press Release: Hot Bars Heated Handlebar

Note: All images and information was provided by Hotbars.com. Comments in Comment section are Guitar Teds.

Keeping hands warm in Fall, Winter, and Spring can be a challenge. Clayton Wambichler of Hotbars saw this and helped create a solution called Hotbars, of course. 

Hotbars is a battery pack and handle bar combination which has heating elements in the handlebar which can be adjusted for intensity. The heat radiates through your grips, and in many cases, this can eliminate the need for pogies. However; when it is really cold, Hotbars can be paired with your favorite pogies and increase the ability for the rider to keep the hands warm in extremely cold conditions. 

Heat is selectable in three levels. Run time is around 2-3 hours depending upon level selected and the ambient air temperature. When the Hotbars need recharging you can plug them in via USB and the fast charge system will replenish the battery in less than 3 hours, even if the battery is fully depleted. 

Hotbars are available in 35mm or 31.8mm stem clamp diameters and also feature 8° of backsweep and 5° of upsweep. The 35mm bar has a rise of 35mm and a stack of 60mm. the 31.8mm bar has a rise of 25mm and a stack of 50mm. 

Hotbars' battery pack can be removed for Summertime riding, or whenever you don't need the warmth. There are two plugs included with Hotbars to cover the ports for the wires running to the heating elements. 

Since the bars cannot be cut down due to the heating elements, Hotbars offers the bars in lengths from 700mm, 740mm, and 750mm in 31.8mm. The 35mm bars come in lengths from 750mm, 760mm, 770mm, 780mm, and 800mm.  

Hotbars are made with unidirectional carbon fiber and glass fibers made in such a way as to reduce vibrations. Hotbars are tested for impacts and pass for use in Enduro settings.  Of course, they can be used on gravel bikes and for commuting. Preorders are being taken now for a Fall 2026 delivery. Hotbars are priced at $395.00 USD and will be available to US customers only for now. See www.hotbars.com for more information.

Comments: I tested some heated grips back a decade or longer ago once. The idea has legs and Hotbars would be a great idea for anyone with cold-sensitive hands. Of course, you'd have to be all-in on the shape. The rise, the backsweep, etc. But if flat bars are your jam, these would be pretty cool.  

Gravel Grinder News: Shimano Releases 1 X 12 GRX Wireless

 Note: All information and images provided by Shimano.

The new 1 X 12 wireless GRX rear derailleur

Shimano announced today, on the heels of their XTR wireless announcement, a new GRX variant. This is in addition to the partially wired GRX 2 X 12 speed group and has an entirely new GRX rear derailleur.

Like its XTR sibling,the new GRX features the new low profile design with "skid plate" and resetting functionality after a strike to it. These features are for better "survivability" in rougher, less than ideal conditions.

Like XTR, this derailleur has a removable battery, which is housed in the derailleur's more rounded form factor which should allow this derailleur to be less prone to catching on grass, or being knocked out of shape. 

The rear derailleur comes in a long cage only and costs $565.00 USD. Don't forget the battery charger which costs $45.00 USD. Extra batteries are $55.00 USD each. 

The other bit which is new is a "dummy" left lever for the 1X set up. This lever still retains the extra "bonus" button of the GRX Di2 group. This means a rider can assign this button to act as a Bluetooth trigger, or a shift lever, or as a compliment to the right lever functionality. This left lever costs $385.00 USD. (The right lever is $595.00 USD.) 

The left lever still features a "Bonus Button" function. 

 Additionally, the wireless factor brings in a host of options to the rider as GRX wireless is compatible with Di2 12 speed Dura Ace, Ultegra, XTR, and Deore controls. Obviously, the previously released GRX Di2 is also compatible with this new rear derailleur.

Shimano is carrying over the same 1X GRX crank it introduced with Di2 GRX and the cassette recommended is the 10-51T 12 speed MicroSpline model.

Shimano also took this opportunity to release a budget friendly aluminum wheel set with a 25mm internal rim width. The rims are hooked, and the cassette free hub body is easily exchanged from MicroSpline to an HG type covering bases from 1 X 12 to 12 speed, and many 11 and 10 speed cassettes. This wheel set weighs in at just over 2,000 grams and costs $285.00 USD.  

Comments: Somewhat curious timing here, but if Shimano did not want to tip its hand by releasing this at Unbound, which would have signaled what XTR was going to be, then I understand. But this begs the question: "Why do we still have a 2X 12 partially wired group? A front derailleur may be sitting waiting on a shelf, (which I would 100% bet money on), so perhaps this portends a new GRX 13 speed group to come which would have a 2X wireless set up.

It is hard to say since Shimano's GRX can be tied to both road and mountain bike technologies. One would assume then that a 13 speed GRX wireless group would not precede, say, a 13 speed wireless Dura Ace group. (The Tour is starting soon though, so.....???

It is also interesting to note that Di2 isn't different for MTB, Gravel, or Road. There is no "cable pull", and 12/13 speeds limits differentiation based upon use because the spaces are so tight now. My belief is the future will be marked by what is or is not supported by software updates. So, if Shimano wanted to, let's say, eliminate 12 speed Di2 GRX at some point, it could cease supporting the hardware with software updates. (Which is what they did to 10 speed Di2) OR it could make 13 speed backward compatible with previous 12 speed by a simple update to the lever.

Currently there still is a mechanical 12 speed GRX, but does this survive a move to 13 speed. Does SRAM introduce a budget mechanical 13 speed XPLR group, which forces Shimano to introduce a 13 speed gravel group? 

The future will be interesting....