Hunt 40 Limitless Gravel Aero: From the wind tunnel to the fastest gravel aero wheel?

The new Hunt 40 Limitless Gravel Aero wheels should save over 200 grams compared to its predecessor, the Hunt 42 Limitless Gravel Aero. Hunt's aim was to create the fastest gravel race wheelset with a medium rim height that is optimised for 40 and 45 millimetre Schwalbe G-One tyres.

Background: Development of the new Hunt 40 Limitless Gravel Aero wheels

For the development of the 40 Limitless Gravel Aero wheels, Hunt used a combination of CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics), 3D prototyping and wind tunnel testing. A total of 42 rim profiles were evaluated and narrowed down to the best shapes in a comprehensive process - the development took three years - involving around 2500 hours of CFD analysis.

These selected profiles were then 3D printed and assembled into complete wheels for wind tunnel tests. The aim was to develop an aerodynamically efficient wheel system for racing gravel bikes. A rim with a height of 40 millimetres and a width of 36 millimetres was developed for the front wheel, while the rear wheel was given a narrower profile with a height of 41 millimetres and a width of 35 millimetres in order to make optimum use of the disrupted airflow at the rear wheel, according to the manufacturer.

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Hunt 40 Limitless Gravel Aero: More aerodynamics, less weight

The aerodynamic performance of the previous model, the Hunt 42 Limitless Gravel Aero, has been improved in the new model and the weight reduced at the same time. The result of the three-year development process is a wheelset with hookless rim profiles for the front and rear wheels. With a 45 mm Schwalbe G-One AR tyre, the Hunt 40 LGA UD generates the second-lowest air resistance after the 3T Discus 45/40, according to Hunt.

The special rim shapes at the front and rear are designed to maximise aerodynamic efficiency while reducing weight at the same time. The dimensions: rim height 40 millimetres at the front and 41 millimetres at the rear, the external/internal width is 36/27 millimetres at the front and 35/26 millimetres at the rear. In addition, the widened rim flanges are said to offer better puncture protection compared to traditional designs.

The new wheels weigh 1328 grams with UD carbon spokes and 1431 grams with Aero Wing steel spokes. This results in a total weight reduction of 220 grams compared to the predecessor, according to the manufacturer.

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For better performance: Hunt wheels with new hubs and bearings

The Hunt hub set has a new double-sided toothed disc system with 48 teeth, which enables a quick engagement of 7.5 degrees. The hub body is made of an aluminium alloy. Hunt also offers a version with bearings from the Danish specialist CeramicSpeed for its UD Carbon Spoke variant.

The features of the new Hunt hubs and bearings at a glance:

• Low rolling resistance: Customised CeramicSpeed bearings should enable low rolling resistance
• Longevity: High-quality material and workmanship should ensure a long service life
• Customer supportSupport from Hunt before, during and after the purchase
• Free repair or replacement: As part of the in-house Hunt insurance, damaged 40 LGA wheels are repaired or replaced free of charge.
• The Hunt 40 Limitless Gravel Aero wheelsets are now available for pre-order. According to the manufacturer, delivery will take place at the end of November 2024.

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Hunt 40 Limitless Gravel Aero: Specs & Prices

Let's take a look at the technical specifications of the Hunt 40 Limitless Gravel Aero wheels, which come in three different versions.

Hunt 40 Limitless Gravel Aero Disc UD Carbon Spoke

• Weight: 1328 g per pair
• Inner rim width f/h: 27/26 mm
• Outer rim width f/h: 36/35 mm
• Spokes: TaperLock UD Carbon
• Number of spokes f/h: 20/20
• Hubs: Hunt H_Ratchet DBL, 48T, 7.5 degree engagement
• Bearing: CeramicSpeed Coated bearing
• Price: 2898 Euro

Hunt 40 Limitless Gravel Aero Disc UD Carbon Spoke

• Weight: 1328 g per pair
• Inner rim width f/h: 27/26 mm
• Outer rim width f/h: 36/35 mm
• Spokes: TaperLock UD Carbon
• Number of spokes f/h: 20/20
• Hubs: Hunt H_Ratchet DBL, 48T, 7.5 degree engagement
• Bearing: Double-sealed industrial stainless steel bearings
• Price: 2279 Euro

Hunt 40 Limitless Gravel Aero Disc Steel Spoke, Stainless Steel Bearings

• Weight: 1431 g per pair
• Inner rim width f/h: 27/26 mm
• Outer rim width f/h: 36/35 mm
• Spokes: Pillar Wing 20 Elliptical Aero
• Number of spokes f/h: 24/24
• Hubs: Hunt H_Ratchet DBL, 48T, 7.5 degree engagement
• Bearing: Double-sealed industrial stainless steel bearings
• Price: 1849 Euro