Cycling Tech and Performance | Insights + Innovation – HED Cycling Products

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Gravel Wheel Buying Guide

How to choose gravel bike wheels: internal rim width, tire clearance, tubeless setup, and carbon vs. alloy — explained by the hand-built wheel makers at HED.

Andrew Hed September 24, 2026

Ratchet vs. Pawl Hubs: What’s the Difference?

Learn how ratchet and pawl hubs work, how their engagement systems differ, and what to consider when choosing a bicycle hub for road, gravel, or performance riding.

Andrew Hed September 14, 2026

Bike Technology

How Hookless Rims Work and When to Choose Them

Hookless rims remove the traditional bead hook and rely on precise tire fit, compatible dimensions, and correct pressure. Learn how hookless rims compare with hooked rims, where they work best, and what to know about tire compatibility, pressure limits, and safety.

Andrew Hed September 14, 2026

Bike Wheel Technology

Presta vs. Schrader Valves: What's the Difference?

Presta and Schrader valves do a similar job, but they differ in size, design, pump compatibility, and where they’re commonly used. Learn the key differences and which valve is right for your bike.

Andrew Hed September 14, 2026

Bicycle Maintenance

Ceramic Bearings Explained: Cost, Speed, and Durability

Ceramic bearings can reduce friction and offer excellent durability, but the real-world gains over premium steel bearings are often small. Learn how ceramic and steel bearings compare for speed, cost, maintenance, and racing use.

Andrew Hed September 14, 2026

Bike Bearings

Aerodynamics and Road Wheels: What Really Makes You Faster?

Above roughly 20 mph, air resistance is the biggest force working against you, and your wheels sit right in that airflow. The right aero wheels shave real time without a single extra watt of effort.

Andrew Hed August 26, 2026

aero wheels

Cycling Rolling Resistance: How Tires, Pressure, and Wheel Setup Impact Speed

Rolling resistance is one of the two main forces slowing you down, along with aerodynamic drag. It shows up at every speed; it never fully goes away, and it is one of the easiest places to find speed without training harder.

Andrew Hed August 26, 2026

carbon wheels

Time Trial Bike Aerodynamics: How Equipment Impacts Speed

At time trial speeds, most of your effort goes toward pushing air out of the way. That one fact shapes every design choice on a time trial bicycle, from the shape of the tubes to the depth of the rear wheel.

Andrew Hed August 26, 2026

aero wheels

Gravel Bike Races: Training, Gear, and Race Day Tips for Riders

Gravel races cover long distances on dirt and gravel roads, so endurance training, terrain-ready gear, and steady pacing decide how the day goes. Build the fitness, set the bike up for rough surfaces, and fuel from the first hour, and the finish line takes care of itself.

Andrew Hed July 20, 2026

bike gear guide

Parts of a Bike Wheel: Rim, Hub, Spokes, and More Explained

A bike wheel is built from a rim, hub, spokes, nipples, axle, and bearings. Each one shapes tire fit, handling, comfort, and speed in its own way. Knowing what they do makes it easier to find the right replacement part or decide which upgrade is actually worth it.

Andrew Hed July 20, 2026

carbon wheels

Road Bike Tubeless: Benefits, Setup, and Maintenance

A clincher tire uses an inner tube and a bead that hooks into the rim. A tubeless tire seals directly to the rim and runs on liquid sealant instead. Tubeless lets you drop pressure and take fewer flats. Clinchers stay simpler to set up and faster to fix on the road.

Andrew Hed July 20, 2026

carbon wheels

Slowtwitch Reviews the HED Gravel Wheel Line

Slowtwitch tested HED’s gravel wheel lineup, from the alloy Emporia Series to the carbon Stillwater G50 and Lancaster G25. Read the highlights.

Andrew Hed July 17, 2026

Emporia

How to Measure Bike Rim Size: Tips for Accurate Sizing

A rim is defined by two numbers: its bead seat diameter and its internal rim width. Diameter tells you what tire size will fit, while internal width tells you how that tire will ride. Get both right, and the tire performs the way it was designed to.

Andrew Hed July 8, 2026

bike fit

Disc Brakes vs. Rim Brakes: A Comprehensive Guide for Cyclists

Disc brakes deliver stronger, more consistent stopping power in all conditions and have become the standard on most new bikes. Rim brakes stay lighter, simpler, and cheaper, and still make sense for certain riders and budgets.

Andrew Hed July 8, 2026

carbon wheels

Tubeless-Ready Rims: Everything You Need to Know Before Making the Switch

A tubeless-ready rim is built to seal a tubeless tire without an inner tube, but it isn't actually tubeless until you add tape, a valve, and sealant. Underneath, the rim design (especially hooked versus hookless) decides which tires you can run and at what pressure

Andrew Hed July 8, 2026

cycling tips

Carbon vs. Aluminum Bike: Which One Should You Buy?

Carbon bikes offer a lighter, smoother ride, while aluminum bikes deliver strong value and responsive handling. Compare both frame materials to find the right bike for your budget, riding style, and performance goals.

Andrew Hed June 5, 2026

carbon wheels

650b vs. 700c Gravel Wheelsets: Which Is Faster, Which Is Smoother

700c wheels roll faster on smooth gravel, while 650b runs wider tires at lower pressure for more grip on rough terrain. Compare both to find the right wheel size for your bike.

Andrew Hed June 5, 2026

bike gear guide

How to Choose Gravel Tire Pressure Based on Rim Width + Tire Size

Gravel tire pressure depends on rim width, tire size, rider weight, and terrain. Find your ideal PSI range and dial it in for better grip, comfort, and rolling speed on any surface.

Andrew Hed June 5, 2026

bike gear guide

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