U.S.-Based Wheel Company Releases Performance Level Carbon Wheel
The Emporia GC3 Performance is an all-carbon gravel wheelset, designed and produced by hand by HED in Minnesota. The rim design borrows heavily from HED’s Pro grade carbon gravel wheels, the Emporia GC3 Pro, but at a more accessible price point, $1,650 per wheelset.
When Steve and Anne Hed founded HED Cycling in 1984, they did so with a vision to make world-class cycling components that were both built in the U.S.A. and affordable. With the Emporia GC3 Performance, and all its Performance level carbon wheels, HED delivers on that original vision: creating wheels that are top-performing and available to a wide range of riders.
Taking design cues from the Vanquish RC Pro and Vanquish RC Performance series, the Emporia GC3 Performance features a 30mm rim depth. Additionally, to accommodate and improve the performance of gravel tires, the Emporia GC3 Performance has been designed with a 26mm internal width. The total wheelset weight is 1,545g and is available, starting June 15th, in a 700c option.
The Name
Many of HED Cycling’s most iconic wheels, like the Ardennes and Belgium, invoke a sense of place and history. They pay homage to cycling tradition. They are wheels that tell stories. When it came to naming our gravel line, we chose to lean into that idea.
It’s our opinion at HED Cycling Products that no one has done more to promote gravel riding and adventure culture than the people and city of Emporia, Kansas. From the creation of gravel racing’s most well-known events to introducing many of us to the beauty of the Flint Hills, Emporia has left its mark on American cycling and we’re excited to celebrate the city through the name of our gravel line.
Check out our full line-up of wheels at the HED Cycling Products website. Also, check out the Gravel Cyclist reviews of the Emporia GC3 Pro and Emporia GA Pro (Silver Edition) wheelsets.