Light Gravel Wheels/Campagnolo Levante?

[Nomadmax]

I'm looking for a set of light gravel wheels to run 43-45mm tires on, and at this point, I still run tubes. I have a full Campy fleet, including wheels, save for my Lynskey gravel bike that runs GRX. I have a lot of confidence in Campy wheels but just don't know what else is out there. There is the possibility that I may run tubeless down the road but my gravel rides are infrequent due to the two plus hours drive to do it. So I don't really relish the idea of messing with it just to keep the sealant fresh and rotated.

Thanks

[oldpotatoe]

Originally Posted by Nomadmax

I'm looking for a set of light gravel wheels to run 43-45mm tires on, and at this point, I still run tubes. I have a full Campy fleet, including wheels, save for my Lynskey gravel bike that runs GRX. I have a lot of confidence in Campy wheels but just don't know what else is out there. There is the possibility that I may run tubeless down the road but my gravel rides are infrequent due to the two plus hours drive to do it. So I don't really relish the idea of messing with it just to keep the sealant fresh and rotated.

Thanks

PM me and I can design and build something specifically for you and your needs...

Like Bitex hubs laced to Velocity, DT or Kinlin rims....

[Nomadmax]

Originally Posted by oldpotatoe

PM me and I can design and build something specifically for you and your needs...

Like Bitex hubs laced to Velocity, DT or Kinlin rims....

Thanks OP

[Nomadmax]

I found the Shimano GRX carbon wheelset that compares to the the Campy. If I read the description correctly, the GRX wheels need taped to run tubeless and the Campy wheels don't because of the no spoke holes design. I don't know how much of a PITA spoke replacement is because I've never broke one in any of my Zondas, Boras and Bora WTOs.

[joeminglin]

Can't get much lighter than these:
https://www.lightbicycle.com/AR25-di...symmetric.html

[Gsinill]

Very similar situation for me, except that I am expecting more gravel than you, and my new build is Shimano-based.

I was planning to use tubulars, as with most of my other road bikes, but then I came across a set of Levantes on eBay.
The seller described them as "well used," which was reflected in the price he accepted. Helped that they already came with a Shimano FH.
Turns out they are in great shape, including the bearings.

I actually gave up on tubeless after a nightmare with Continental GP5000 on Mavic rims a few years ago.

To my surprise, setting up the Levantes with tubeless Specialized Pathfinders Pro 42 was a piece of cake.
It's probably been the easiest rim/tire combo to install ever; no need for levers.
I also like that the Levantes don't require taping.
Inflated them to 70psi, which they have been holding for a week.
I wouldn't consider myself a convert (yet), but so far, this has been a good TL experience.

I'm still finishing the build, so I can't speak on how they perform, but I settled on the Levantes because of the overall positive feedback.
In addition, my Hyperon Ultras tubular are my favorite wheels.

[madsciencenow]

Originally Posted by Nomadmax

I found the Shimano GRX carbon wheelset that compares to the the Campy. If I read the description correctly, the GRX wheels need taped to run tubeless and the Campy wheels don't because of the no spoke holes design. I don't know how much of a PITA spoke replacement is because I've never broke one in any of my Zondas, Boras and Bora WTOs.

Not having to deal w tape is a huge advantage in my opinion. Swapping between tires would be much less an issue for me on my ENVEs if they were designed like the Campy’s.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[AngryScientist]

Originally Posted by madsciencenow

Not having to deal w tape is a huge advantage in my opinion.

Agreed! Tape is easily the leading cause of failure with tubeless setups. Eliminate the need to tape and it's a big win.

[Nomadmax]

The Levantes are leading the pack at this point. One thing I didn't mention is I won't ride any hookless or semi hookless rim.

[prototoast]

Originally Posted by Gsinill

.
To my surprise, setting up the Levantes with tubeless Specialized Pathfinders Pro 42 was a piece of cake.
It's probably been the easiest rim/tire combo to install ever; no need for levers.
I also like that the Levantes don't require taping.
Inflated them to 70psi, which they have been holding for a week.
I wouldn't consider myself a convert (yet), but so far, this has been a good TL experience.

I'm still finishing the build, so I can't speak on how they perform, but I settled on the Levantes because of the overall positive feedback.
In addition, my Hyperon Ultras tubular are my favorite wheels.

42mm tires at 70 psi is a little extreme.

[Gsinill]

Originally Posted by prototoast

42mm tires at 70 psi is a little extreme.

Yikes, thought I read max. is 85 when I installed them, and I'd use 70 to check how they hold pressure.
Double checked, it's 65

Thanks for pointing it out.

[vespasianus]

Originally Posted by Nomadmax

I'm looking for a set of light gravel wheels to run 43-45mm tires on, and at this point, I still run tubes. I have a full Campy fleet, including wheels, save for my Lynskey gravel bike that runs GRX. I have a lot of confidence in Campy wheels but just don't know what else is out there. There is the possibility that I may run tubeless down the road but my gravel rides are infrequent due to the two plus hours drive to do it. So I don't really relish the idea of messing with it just to keep the sealant fresh and rotated.

Thanks

I have a set of Farsport carbon rims laced to DT240 hubs but recently test rode a set of Levante wheels. I liked them so much I ordered the Levante's for the new bike build. They roll so much better and feel so smooth as compared to the Farsports. And dead silent when compared to the DT240's.

[C40_guy]

I'm running Pirelli gravel tires on Levante rims, have about 60 days on them.

Stupid simple installation, no drama, wonderful riding wheels.

Would not hesitate to buy another set...

[Andy340]

Have Levante’s, do mostly road/some gravel - echo previous sentiments, great wheels. Bike24 have deals on them (but shipping/packaging is poor so beware of that.)

[fignon's barber]

I'd go with Campy Shamal Carbons. They are far better than Levante at doubling as a road tire, and it seems you'd benefit from that flexibility if you aren't going to do that much gravel. Cheaper as well.