Today WTB announced a new gravel wheelset designed to deliver speed, comfort, and durability in equal measure. Featuring deeper carbon rims with a generous internal width and WTB’s advanced Frequency 7X hubs, WTB CGR i28 wheels are engineered to maximize the performance of modern wide gravel tires while providing the confidence to ride fast across everything from smooth gravel roads to rough, technical terrain.
World Cup-Proven Hubs with Bigger Balls (Bearings)
At the heart of CGR wheels are WTB’s new race-tested and World Cup-proven Frequency 7X hubs. These state-of-the-art hubs have been performing at the highest level throughout 2026 at the hands of Cannondale Factory Racing and feature a patent-pending hub/ratchet interface that sets a new standard in performance and reliability.
All WTB ratchets use a DLC (Diamond-Like Carbon) coating to deliver greater hardness and significantly lower friction than traditional hard chrome-plated drive systems. To build on this durability, the inner (hub side) ratchet ring keys into place with splines rather than threads, allowing the hubs to withstand over twice the torque of traditional designs without requiring specialist tools for servicing.
Frequency 7X hubs use larger than industry-typical Enduro bearings throughout, including durable freehub bearings that increase the load rating by up to 38% compared with competing rear hubs. This creates a stiffer axle assembly, improving reliability and reducing maintenance intervals. The hubs are fully sealed and rigorously tested to keep dirt and moisture out, making the Frequency 7X hubs ready for long days and demanding conditions.
Rims That Deliver
WTB’s innovation doesn’t stop at the hubs. CGR carbon rims are purpose-built for modern gravel, combining a 40mm-deep profile with a strategically tuned 28mm internal width.
The mountain bike world has landed on i30 rims as the optimal width for 60-62mm (2.4”/2.5”) tires, whereas modern wide gravel tires call for a slightly different approach. An internal rim width of 28mm provides the ideal platform for 45-54mm gravel tires, balancing tire stability with the desired profile for traction, suppleness, and rolling efficiency. Wider rims can square off the tire, compromising its ability to perform as intended.
CGR i28 carbon rims also feature an asymmetric profile that helps balance spoke tension, while 4D spoke drillings and internally reinforced spoke beds optimize load distribution and overall wheel strength. Patented TCS technology completes the package, providing exceptional air retention for reliable tubeless performance.
Better Together
WTB’s CGR i28 is a gravel wheelset designed to complement the growing trend toward wider tires and rims, giving riders a stable and durable foundation for everything from fast gravel racing to long-distance adventures. Pair CGR i28 with WTB’s new aerodynamically optimized Byway RS 50, Course 52, Macro 54, or slightly narrower 45mm tires to unlock a new level of gravel performance.
Ride With Confidence
From burly enduro to lightweight gravel, WTB backs its carbon rims with our Ride With Confidence Guarantee. If you break a WTB carbon rim while riding, as long as you’re the original owner, we’ll send you a replacement for free. No exceptions.
Availability
WTB CGR i28 carbon gravel wheels are available at authorized WTB dealers, and at WTB.com for North America, and WTB.eu in Europe. The MSRPs are as follows:
USD: Front $850 / Rear $950 / Wheelset $1,800
EUR: Front €727.45 / Rear €822.45 / Wheelset €1,549.90
GBP: Front £563 / Rear £636 / Wheelset £1,199
