Reserve offers two distinct wheelsets for gravel riders, each tailored to different needs, and that’s mainly because there are two distinct types of gravel riding happening these days. That said, let us start by letting you know that the intent here is not to sell you two sets of gravel wheels, only to explain the differences between the two gravel wheelsets we make and why. To further elaborate, we would say that with either of the Reserve gravel wheels we make, with the right tires for the application, you're covered 90% of the time. The obvious exceptions would be if you're racing and you need each watt to win, or if you regularly take your gravel bike into single track and have a knobby tire on one set of wheels.
So with that, let’s start with the 25|GR.
The 25|GR wheelset is designed with a shallow profile, making it ideal for the type of riding where the majority of the terrain is quite rough, rocky or rooty, and you're pushing the limits of what a gravel bike can do. For us in Santa Cruz, we ride our gravel bikes on this type of terrain most frequently (it’s basically just some of the smoother mountain bike trails that can be quite rough when you are on a rigid or front suspension gravel bike).
In these conditions, compliance as a means to enhance comfort and control are the primary features we are designing wheels for. The shallow depth allows for a more compliant ride, meaning it absorbs impacts from rougher terrain, maintaining comfort and good handling. This also makes the 25|GRs a good choice for bikepacking, where you may be carrying packs, water and food, and your bike and are not able to easily maneuver your bike around obstacles (basically, you are just hanging on through the rough stuff).
On the other hand, if you prioritize speed over everything else, the 40|44 GR is the wheelset for you. The 40|44 GR wheelset is built for gravel racing and, thanks to its deep-section design, is fast and aerodynamic. The deeper profile helps minimize drag, allowing riders to cut through the air more efficiently, making it perfect for fast, competitive gravel events or rides where speed is a primary concern.
The aerodynamic advantage becomes particularly noticeable when riding on smoother gravel roads or well-maintained paths where the terrain is less technical and the goal is to maintain high speeds over long distances. Ideal places to ride the 40|44 GR would be in events like the Dirty Kanza (now known as Unbound Gravel) or other competitive gravel races where the emphasis is on maintaining speed and efficiency.
You’d also find this wheelset beneficial in areas like the Midwest; where long stretches of smooth gravel roads enable riders to focus on speed while having the durability to handle the occasional rough patch. This wheelset is perfect for racers or speed-focused gravel riders who want the blend of aerodynamics without sacrificing the durability required for gravel surfaces.
One interesting differentiator between the two gravel wheelsets is that 25|GR rims have the same external spoke reinforcements as our mountain bike wheels. This is not surprising, as the overall shape and profile is based on our World Cup XC proved 28|XC rims. That’s not to say the 40|44 GR rims don't feature spoke reinforcements- they are just inside the rim to avoid any disruption they might cause as far as aerodynamics are concerned.
From a weight standpoint, because of the shallower profile, the 25|GR rims are about 50 grams lighter on average than the 40 or 44 GR rims. But because we offer more hub options for the 40|44 GR, you are able to achieve the same overall wheel weight if you up-spec the wheels to either the DT Swiss 240 or 180 hubs. In the end, both wheelsets are excellent in their respective domains and are backed by Reserve's lifetime warranty, ensuring long-term reliability for whatever gravel adventure you choose.