Argonaut Cycles D33 Gravel Wheels Review
“The D33 Gravel Wheels feature a 33mm rim depth and an impressive 28mm internal rim width, designed to accommodate larger tires. This design enhances traction and compliance on gravel roads or trails. The wider rims also ensure the tire sidewall aligns perfectly with the rim’s edge, reducing the risk of tire roll during cornering or navigating obstacles, thus improving stability and maintaining directional control.” – Argonaut Cycles
“Engineered for use with wider tires at a low volume, pairing the hookless D33 wheel with a tire between 45-50mm removes trail chatter, providing a stiff package where it matters.”
Argonaut Cycles D33 Gravel Wheels First Look Video
Alternative Video Link for those reading via email subscription
In this video, JOM of the Gravel Cyclist crew provides a comprehensive real-world, no BS review of Argonaut’s D33 Wheelset.
Continued from Above:
Specifications
- Tire Range: 35-50mm
- 33mm Rim Depth
- 28mm Internal Width
- Weight: 1269g – Pair
- Hookless Rim
- Carbon-Ti Hubs
- DT-Swiss Aerolight Spokes
- Built in Bend, Oregon
- MSRP: $2,800
Written Ride Experience (or see the video)
These D33 wheels by Argonaut, a brand better known for their frames, are light, durable, and a little boring; in that they aren’t slathered with decals, but simply offer excellent performance without a bunch of marketing mumbo jumbo. No crazy rocket science parts except for internal nipples, and in my prior experience, Carbon-Ti hubs have proven reliable over the long haul. They’re also somewhat exotic, being manufactured in Italy, and with 56 points of engagement, will cover most of your riding and freewheeling needs.
The shallow 33mm rim depth is something I prefer, you don’t experience crosswind buffeting as with a wheel featuring a deeper rim. The hookless rims aren’t for everyone, but at the appropriate tire / tyre pressure, see my handy recommended pressure chart, you’ll simply enjoy the ride. The wide internal rim profile does lend true to aiding with traction, as the 45mm wide Panaracer Gravelking SK’s on this wheelset stretched out to 48mm. Lower tire / tyre pressure helps immensely with comfort, but this wheelset isn’t overly stiff, and at the same time, its not a flexy noodle.
Weight, durability and price are three things where something is a compromise for a wheelset, and in this case, that would be the price. $US 2,800 is a lot of coin, for a wheelset that is pretty much brand new to market from Argonaut. Whilst I rode the review wheelset a good amount, it’s still a little unproven to the masses.
The wheels remain as round as true as the day I received them, and being of a spritely light weight, they respond to any of your acceleration efforts, in or out of the saddle. This is a good thing, because those straight pull DT aerolite spokes feature internal nipples, certainly not a trait for every rider. I put those into the category of marginal gains. Just bear in mind, if you do break a spoke, you’ll need to remove rim tape, which is a total PITA. Definitely procure a spare spoke or two.
Warranty on this wheelset is unknown, but I expect it provides coverage to the original owner by argonaut’s standard warranty. However, I couldn’t find any details on what that meant.
There is no denying this is a top flight wheelset with premium parts, but it finds itself in a crowded spot in the market. It offers versatility, reliability, and simple good looks, but the price point is a tough one being relatively unproven. As a standalone purchase, you’re taking a chance. Argonaut, please clarify the warranty, but I wouldn’t hesitate to spec one of Argonaut’s fine gravel bikes with this wheelset. The price may end up be a little better too.
Reminder: ALWAYS BE A STEWARD FOR GRAVEL CYCLING: Respect the roads, respect the locals, respect the land, respect your fellow cyclists.
Learn more at the Argonaut Cycles Website
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Links of Interest:
- Argonaut Cycles Website
- Tour of Argonaut Cycles: Bespoke USA-Made Carbon Bikes
- How to Create Amazing & Fun Gravel Routes!
- Gravel Cyclist’s Route Library
- Gravel Bike Tire / Tyre Pressure Recommendations
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