The hubs and headsets from Chris King enjoy an excellent reputation. Perhaps the new wheels from the US component manufacturer do too? With the GRD23 and the MTN30, Chris King is launching two models. The GRD23 is a gravel and road bike wheelset that replaces King's current 700c wheels. The MTN30 is the mountain bike wheel, available in 27.5 and 29 inches.

Both wheel models are said to be characteristically in the middle of today's high-end carbon fiber wheels. This means that they are laterally stiff and powerful, but at the same time absorb impacts and vibrations better, which in turn should result in a smoother ride at high speeds. The damping properties are due in part to the FusionFiberTM technology used in the carbon rims, whereas most other manufacturers of carbon rims rely on epoxy resins. FusionFiberTM technology has the further advantage that, compared to epoxy resins, it is said to be far less toxic to produce and relatively clean and easy to recycle.

The MTN30 wheels are available in 27.5 and 29 inch sizes, the carbon rims have 28 spoke holes and 29 millimeter rim width, recommended for 2.3 to 2.6 inch wide tires. The MTN30 wheelset weighs 1746 grams in 29 inches.

Made in the USA
Chris King has created some independence in rim production by finding a US-based partner for rim production. This partner shares Chris King's vision of products that work well, last a long time and have as little negative impact on the planet as possible

Lightweight and comfortable, on the other hand, should not be a weak point. The rims have been designed in such a way that no compromises have to be made in terms of handling or durability. Chris King is serious about durability and offers a lifetime guarantee on the wheels.

These wheels should therefore last forever. But then someone manages to bring the supposedly indestructible to its knees. For these cases, the Chris King carbon rims should be 100 percent recyclable and thus save them from landfill. But the environmental impact that most carbon products entail was also drastically reduced during production. For example, the production of Chris King rims produces no waste, carbon dust or emissions, and compared to conventional composite parts, electricity consumption per rim is two-thirds lower.