32-inch wheels have set the gravel world alight, to the dismay of some consumers – but with brands such as Scott and Salsa adopting bigger wheels, it looks like 32″ has found something of a foothold. However, 30.5-inch wheels, although not as talked about, have been spotted in and around the off-road race scene, with a Cube Fritzz recently seen sporting the odd wheel size. Newmen is embracing the expansion of wheel sizes with its new STREEM G.48 gravel wheels, offering them in 30.5 and 32-inch sizes… as well as your standard ’28-inch’ (more commonly known as 700c) option.
Newmen’s STREEM G.48 is built as an all-rounder wheelset while boasting figures that are usually seen on aerodynamic and race-focused options. As such, there’s a 27mm internal width and a 45mm external width. However, compared to the very racy G.62, released a few weeks ago, this wheelset dons a shallower rim depth of 48mm, as its name suggests.
The move towards a 27mm internal width promises plenty of support for modern and wide gravel tyres while allowing for lower pressures, which boosts comfort and traction. Confusingly, Newmen states that the G.48 comes with a rounded profile, which apparently helps absorb high-frequency chatter while minimising the impact of sidewinds. That rim uses a hooked profile, too, and of course, is tubeless-ready.
As for spokes, there are two models available, one using steel spokes and the other using carbon spokes. The former is set to weigh 1,550g whereas the latter is 1,400g, although the brand doesn’t state which of the sizes that applies to. Though both models benefit from Newmen’s aerodynamic valve system, which saves half a watt, apparently.
Is Newmen getting ahead of itself with three sizes?
So yeah, the STEEM G.48 is available in 28-inch, 30.5-inch and 32-inch sizes, which for now, at least, seems mental. However, Newmen seems convinced that all three sizes are going to become more of a thing in the future.
The brand states, “The introduction of 30.5″ is particularly noteworthy, as this wheel size is still relatively unfamiliar within the gravel segment. With this expansion, NEWMEN is responding to the growing interest in larger wheel sizes and offering riders more choice across its gravel range.”
Now, I’m not sure if more wheel sizes is the right way to go, but we are seeing more pop up. For example, Cube’s Actionteam rider Zakarias Johansen was seen riding 30.5-inch wheels at the Enduro World Cup. This was in something of a mullet setup with a 30.5-inch wheel at the front combined with a 29-inch hoop at the rear. Apparently, this setup brought more speed on the straights while balancing maneuverability in the corners. Though we’re yet to really see this hit the gravel scene. Yet, Schwalbe has committed to developing the wheel size.
As for 28-inch… that’s 700c, so don’t worry!
