Gravel Bike Wheels: How to Choose the Right Set for Any Terrain

Gravel cycling brings freedom. Whether you're rolling over smooth dirt roads, rocky trails, or broken tarmac, your wheels can make or break the ride. Choosing the right wheelset is one of the most important decisions for comfort, speed, and reliability. It’s not just about rim size or tyre width — the inner tube you use matters just as much. At Eclipse TPU, we specialise in ultralight, ultra-durable inner tubes that help gravel riders get the most from every adventure. Let’s explore how to pick the perfect wheelset for every type of terrain.

Key Takeaways

• Wheel size matters: Choose 700c for speed and efficiency on smoother surfaces; go with 650b for comfort and control on rougher, more technical terrain.

• Every component counts: From rims and hubs to spokes and tyres, each part of your wheelset affects performance, durability, and ride feel.

• Tyre and tube pairing is crucial: Wider tyres offer more grip and comfort but require compatible rims and reliable inner tubes.

• TPU inner tubes outperform traditional options: Eclipse TPU tubes are lighter, more puncture-resistant, and recyclable — ideal for all gravel conditions.

• Terrain dictates setup: Tailor your wheelset and inner tube choice to your typical riding surface — from smooth tarmac to rugged trails or long-distance bikepacking.

Gravel riders: switching to TPU inner tubes could save you over 70g per wheel.
Lighter, stronger, and 100% recyclable.
Small change. Big difference.

Gravel Wheel Sizes Explained: 700c vs 650b

Gravel bikes typically come with either 700c or 650b wheels. Here’s what that means and how to choose the right one for your rides.

700c Wheels

• Diameter: About 622mm
  

• Why Choose 700c:
  

• Rolls faster on smooth and mixed terrain
  

• Better for longer rides where efficiency matters
  

• Ideal tyre widths: 35–45mm
  

If your rides are mostly tarmac and well-packed gravel, 700c wheels will give you that zippy road-bike feel.

650b Wheels

• Diameter: About 584mm
  

• Why Choose 650b:
  

• Fits wider tyres (47–50mm) for extra grip and comfort
  

• Great for technical trails and bumpier rides
  

• Better for smaller riders or bikes with tighter clearances
  

650b gives you more cushioning and traction, making it a popular choice for bikepacking or more adventurous terrain.

What to Consider

• Your Height: Shorter riders may prefer 650b for easier standover clearance.
  

• Your Bike’s Geometry: Some bikes are optimised for only one size.
  

• Your Terrain: More road = 700c. More rocks = 650b.
  

• Your Tyres: Wider tyres mean more comfort, but they need the right rims.
  

Whichever size you pick, we’ve got a TPU inner tube that fits it perfectly.

What Makes Up a Gravel Wheelset?

Let’s break down what your wheelset includes and why each part matters.

Rims

• Aluminium: Affordable and reliable
  

• Carbon: Lightweight and better at absorbing vibrations
  

• Internal Width: Affects tyre shape. Wider rims = more volume and grip.

Hubs

• Engagement: Faster engagement means quicker power transfer when you pedal
  

• Sealing: Important for keeping mud and water out
  

• Compatibility: Make sure your hubs match your groupset (Shimano, SRAM, etc.)

Spokes

• Lacing Pattern: Affects strength and flexibility. Three-cross is popular for gravel.
  

• Material: Most use stainless steel for its strength and rust resistance.

Tyres

• Tread Patterns:
  

• Slick: Fast on roads
  

• Knobby: Grippy on dirt and mud
  

• Semi-slick: A great all-rounder
  

• Tubed or Tubeless: Tubeless offers fewer flats, but tubed is simpler to set up and fix.

Inner Tubes

This is where Eclipse TPU comes in. Our inner tubes are:

• Up to 70% lighter than butyl tubes
  

• Highly puncture-resistant
  

• 100% recyclable
  

• Compact and easy to carry as spares
  

• Compatible with both 650b and 700c sizes
  

Small change, big difference. Try one and you’ll feel it.

Matching Your Wheels to Your Terrain

Different surfaces call for different setups. Here’s what we recommend:

Smooth Gravel and Tarmac

Go light and fast. Choose 700c wheels with slim tyres and our lightest TPU tube (like the Road Endurance model). It’s perfect for long days with minimal climbing and stable surfaces.

Mixed Terrain

When you’re not quite sure what the ride will throw at you, 700c or 650b with semi-slick tyres gives you the best of both worlds. Pair it with our Gravel TPU tube for a dependable all-round setup.

Technical Off-Road

Think rocky descents, loose dirt, and singletrack. You’ll want wider tyres (47mm+), strong 650b rims, and our burliest inner tube: the Off-Road TPU. It’s tough, flexible, and built for abuse.

Long Rides and Bikepacking

When you're hauling gear across unpredictable terrain, you need durability above all. That’s where our GT (Gran Turismo) inner tube shines. It balances weight, strength, and reliability for the long haul.

Why Inner Tubes Really Matter

It’s easy to focus on wheels and tyres, but the tube inside them plays a bigger role than most people realise.

Comparing Your Options

Butyl Tubes

• Heavy (around 100g)
  

• Cheap but prone to flats
  

• Poor air retention

Latex Tubes

• Lighter than butyl
  

• Better rolling resistance
  

• Leaky and fragile

TPU Tubes (That’s Us!)

• Lightest option (as little as 19.5g)

• Excellent puncture resistance
  

• Holds air well over time
  

• Compact and eco-friendly
  

Our tubes aren’t just lighter — they help your wheels spin more freely, absorb more impact, and survive rougher terrain. Once you try TPU, you’ll never go back.

Maintaining Your Wheelset

Gravel riding can be hard on gear. Here’s how to make your wheels last.

Do Regular Checks

• Inspect rims for cracks or dents
  

• Check spoke tension with your fingers — if it feels loose, it probably is
  

• Spin your wheels and listen for grinding or clicking from the hubs

Keep Things Clean

• Use a gentle brush and warm water after muddy rides
  

• Don’t blast hubs or bearings with high-pressure water
  

• Dry thoroughly to prevent rust

Tyre Pressure Tips

• Lower pressure = more grip and comfort
  

• Higher pressure = less rolling resistance
  

• Use a pressure gauge and adjust depending on your weight, tyre width, and surface

Inner Tube Care

• Always check that your TPU tube is seated properly inside the tyre
  

• Don’t over-inflate — max pressure will vary depending on tyre size
  

• Carry a spare: they weigh less than 70g, so you’ve no excuse

When to Upgrade Your Wheelset

If you’re starting to feel like your bike isn’t riding as smoothly or quickly as it used to, your wheels might be the culprit.

Signs It’s Time

• Cracked rims or worn braking surfaces
  

• Loose or broken spokes
  

• Hubs grinding or not engaging properly
  

• You want to switch from tubes to tubeless, or vice versa
  

• You’re carrying more gear or riding more aggressive terrain
  

Even a small upgrade — like changing your inner tubes to TPU — can bring a big boost in comfort and speed.

The Eclipse TPU Difference

We’re not just another bike brand. We’re specialists in one thing: advanced inner tube technology.

What Makes Us Unique

• Patented TPU Design: We invented the ultralight TPU inner tube and have continued improving it since 2011
  

• Sizes for Every Ride: From road to gravel to MTB, we’ve got you covered
  

• Eco-Friendly Materials: All our tubes are 100% recyclable
  

• Made in Europe: Designed, tested, and manufactured to the highest standards
  

• Trusted by Pros: Our tubes are used in pro races and epic adventures alike
  

We believe even the smallest part of your bike should perform at the highest level.

Conclusion: Gravel bike wheels

Choosing the right gravel bike wheels — and the right components to go with them — can transform your ride. From the rim size to the tread pattern to the inner tube, each element contributes to how your bike feels and handles on different terrain.

At Eclipse TPU, we’ve designed our products to support every kind of gravel adventure — with ultralight performance, unbeatable durability, and planet-friendly materials. Whether you're racing, bikepacking, or just exploring your local trails, there’s an Eclipse TPU inner tube ready to make every ride smoother.

Discover the difference a premium inner tube can make — explore Eclipse’s ultralight, puncture-resistant TPU tubes for every ride.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What’s the main difference between 700c and 650b wheels?

700c wheels are larger in diameter and generally roll faster, making them ideal for smoother surfaces and longer distances. 650b wheels are smaller and allow for wider tyres, offering more grip and comfort on rough or technical terrain. The choice depends on where you ride most and how you like your bike to handle.

Are TPU inner tubes really better than butyl or latex?

Yes, TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) inner tubes offer several advantages:

• Up to 70% lighter than butyl tubes
  

• Better puncture resistance
  

• More compact and easier to carry
  

• 100% recyclable
  

• Superior air retention compared to latex
  

Eclipse TPU tubes combine all of these benefits in a durable, race-ready product.

Can I use Eclipse TPU tubes with both 700c and 650b wheels?

Absolutely. Eclipse TPU inner tubes come in a variety of sizes to fit both 700c and 650b wheels. Just choose the right model for your tyre width and wheel size — it’s all clearly listed on our website and packaging.

Are Eclipse TPU tubes compatible with tubeless-ready rims?

Yes, they are. While tubeless setups don’t use tubes, many tubeless-ready rims can still be used with inner tubes if you prefer simplicity or are in between tubeless repairs. Just make sure your tyres are also tube-compatible.

Can TPU tubes be repaired if punctured?

They can, though due to their resistance to punctures, it's rarely needed. Eclipse TPU tubes can be repaired with special TPU-compatible patches — not the same ones used for rubber tubes. We recommend carrying a spare tube on long rides just in case.

How long do Eclipse TPU inner tubes last?

Our tubes are built to last. With proper care, they’ll outlast traditional tubes several times over. Because they resist punctures and don’t degrade as quickly, they’re ideal for high-mileage riders and bikepackers alike.

What tyre pressures are safe for TPU tubes?

Always follow the pressure range printed on your tyre sidewall. Our TPU tubes are incredibly durable but still require proper inflation. Never exceed the recommended maximum — and if in doubt, aim for lower pressure off-road and higher pressure on tarmac.

Are Eclipse TPU tubes suitable for competitive riding?

Yes — and they’re used by professional athletes for precisely that reason. Their ultralight weight and performance under pressure make them ideal for gravel racing, endurance events, and multi-day rides.

How should I store spare TPU tubes?

Keep them out of direct sunlight and away from sharp objects. Because they’re so compact, they fit neatly into a jersey pocket, saddlebag, or frame bag without taking up much space.

Where are Eclipse TPU products made?

All Eclipse TPU inner tubes are designed, tested, and manufactured in Europe to the highest performance and environmental standards.

Further Reading

• Gravel Bike Tyre Pressure Calculator: An interactive tool that calculates recommended tyre pressures based on rider weight and tyre dimensions, aiding in achieving optimal ride comfort and control.