Minnesota’s Berd Spokes has been in the news lately with their launch of longer spokes to get ready for the 32″ wheel “revolution” that seems to be right over the horizon. Well today they are at it again with the launch of the new HAWK30 Gold wheelset. Berd says it’s the “lightest 30mm cross country wheelset from any major manufacturer.” And if the claimed weight is true… it very well might be.

Photos / Berd Spokes)

Let’s get right to the details!

Ground Up Engineering & New Hubs

When Berd set out to build this wheelset, they had one goal: to create the highest-performing cross-country wheels on the planet. Every component was selected to minimize overall weight while maintaining durability.

The 30mm internal rim width is the standard for modern tire support and improved sidewall stability. When you have good sidewall support, you can ride at lower pressures and use a wide range of tire widths, from 2.1″ to 2.7″.

The hubs are the core of this wheelset, so Berd collaborated with Belgian manufacturer Erase Components. Together, they created the Talon ESL hubset for the HAWK30 Gold wheels.

Weighing just 333 grams for the pair, these hubs are 71 grams lighter than Berd’s previous Talon hubs. They use a 70-tooth ratchet system for quicker engagement when pedaling. Despite the weight reduction, the hubs still use full-size 7mm wide bearings and the proven ratchet design for durability.

One of the key features of the Talon ESL hubs is their Equal Spoke Length (ESL) technology. This tech uses varying hook flange widths to ensure identical spoke lengths across different wheel configurations. This simplifies wheel building and makes field repairs much easier since you only need to carry one spoke length.

The new hubs use a titanium freehub body that resists cassette wear and is compatible with SRAM XD, Shimano Microspline, or Shimano Hyperglide drivetrain systems.

All New Carbon Rim

The HAWK30 Gold uses an entirely new rim design in collaboration with an Asian carbon manufacturing partner. The hoop only weighs 270g per rim. It also has enhanced impact resistance when compared to the standard HAWK30 model.

This new hoop joins Berd’s existing lineup alongside models from their established partner We Are One, which continues producing rims for all-mountain, trail, enduro, and downhill applications.

World Cup Winning Spokes

The HAWK30 Gold wheelset is built using Berd PolyLight spokes. And it’s no secret that Berd’s spokes have won two Olympic Gold Medals, two Olympic Bronze Medals, and over 50 UCI World Cup cross-country podiums in the last two seasons.

Hand Laced & Trued by TRUDI

The HAWK30 Gold wheelsets are assembled by hand at Berd’s Minnesota facility. Each wheel goes through precision truing using their automated TRUDI system. I’ve seen TRUDI in action at last year’s MADE Show, and wow! It’s damn impressive. Hand-built craftsmanship combined with TRUDI’s automated precision ensures consistent wheel performance.

Each wheelset includes a limited lifetime warranty, giving riders some long-term peace of mind. Berd also offers a free crash replacement program, which covers riders if their wheels are damaged in accidents.

HAWK30 Gold Retail & Detail

Just how light are the HAWK30s? Claimed weight for a wheelset without tape and valves is 1,022g. That’s not for a road wheelset, that’s for a 29″ MTB-rated wheelset with a 30mm inner rim width. Wow.

Retail: $2,395

• Whelset Weight: 1,022g (without rim tape and valve)
• Front Wheel Weight: 463g (without rim tape and valve)
• Rear Wheel Weight: 560g (without rim tape and valve)
• Internal Rim Width: 30mm
• Rim Depth: 22mm
• Rim Material: Carbon Fiber
• Wheels Size: 29″ (622mm)
• Hubs: Berd Talon ESL (2026), by Erase Components (Belgium)
• Freehub: Titanium, 70-tooth ratchet; SRAM XD, Shimano MicroSpline, or Shimano HG
• Spokes: 24 Berd PolyLight spokes, 285mm, two-cross front and rear
• Nipples: Sapim Aluminum Double Square Secure Lock
• Tire Compatibility: 2.1″ – 2.7″ tubeless ready (tape and valves installed)
• Max Tire Pressure: 35psi (2.41 bar)
• Weight Limit: 280lbs/127kg
• Warranty: Limited Lifetime Warranty & Free Crash Replacement

BerdSpokes.com

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