General
Wheelset Weight: From 955g ±30g
Max. System Weight: 100kg
Tire Width Compatibility: 28-71c
UCI Certification: Yes (All Models)
Intended Use: Road and Gravel Cycling
Rims
Rim Type: Tubeless Ready, Hooked
Rim Depths: 45mm, 52mm
Internal Rim Width: 25mm
External Rim Width: 32-32.8mm
Finish: Paint-Free Matte, Unidirectional
Hubs
Freehub Mechanism: Star Ratchet
Engagement: 36T
Bearings: SR1 (TPI Steel or Ceramic), AR1 (S&S Steel or Ceramic)
Brake Interface: Centerlock Disc
Material: Aerospace Aluminum
Spokes:
Spoke Type: 4th Gen 3.2mm Aero Carbon
Spoke Interface: Replaceable, Mechanically Secured
Front/Rear Spoke Count: 20/20
Front Spoke Lacing: 2X/2X
Rear Spoke Lacing: 2X/2X
*GCX Hyperlight wheels have 100kg system weight limits.
*Hyperlight series wheels typically have an order processing time of 1-2 weeks.
*SR1 hubs and ceramic bearings are for road use only and should not be used in gravel riding
*Extended 5-year and lifetime warranties only cover rims after the initial 3-year limited warranty.
Free Shipping
Our free shipping option is available for over 40 countries and territories. Taxes are pre-paid, so you do not need to pay them when your goods arrive. The following countries and territories as well as others have free shipping.
Asia: Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Macao, Malaysia, Oman, the Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, the UAE, and Vietnam.
Mainland Europe: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Slovenia, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the UK.
North America: Canada and the US (Except Alaska, Hawaii, and non-contiguous territories)
Oceania: Australia and New Zealand
Note: Certain islands and non-contiguous areas of these countries and territories might come with an additional fee. Examples include Italy (Sardinia, Sicily, Venice, etc.), France (Réunion, Île de Ré, etc.), Spain (Balearic Islands, Las Palmas, Canary Islands, etc.), as well as other locations in Croatia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Greece, Netherlands, Portugal, and Sweden.
Note: Free shipping is limited to wheelset orders only. If you order accessories along with your wheelset, they will be placed in the wheel box. Accessories ordered separately will require an additional shipping fee.
What about other countries and territories?
Customers who live outside of these countries and territories should contact our customer service about additional shipping and customs fees. Higher costs are the result of more expensive transportation costs and a lack of tax-included shipping options.
Processing Time
Rims that are in stock can typically be built into wheels and shipped in a week or less. We try our best to keep our Hyperlight, RCX 40/45/50, and GCX 40/45/50 rims in stock as they are our most popular options.
Wheels whose rims that are not in stock will require 10-15 business days (Monday-Friday) for processing before being shipped.
Orders placed from Monday-Friday will begin processed the same day. Any orders placed on Saturday or Sunday will start processing on Monday.
Shipping Time
Once your order has been shipped, we will send you the tracking number by email. Shipping times vary based on where you live, the chosen shipping method, time required in customs, etc. Understand that in some circumstances, shipping time may be outside of the range we provided. If you require faster shipping, please contact us.
Shipping time varies by region, with orders arriving within 3-10 business days in East and Southeast Asia, 10-15 business days in Europe, and 5-10 business days in the US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
Tracking Your Order
Once your order is shipped, we will send you a tracking number. You are welcome to track the shipping status using this link: https://www.17track.net/
*For orders shipped to Europe, tracking status typically will not change until 2-3 weeks after the order has been shipped. The tracking status only changes after the shipment has already passed through customs in Europe, at which point, will take only a few days to arrive.
Returns and Refunds
At Particle, we have a comprehensive return and refund policy. More information can be found at this link.
What is included in the box?
Wheels come with two spare spokes, tubeless valves, pre-installed rim tape, and re-usable minimalistic wheel bags.
What does the system weight limit include?
The rider weight limit includes the total weight of the rider, bike, gear, and any other accessories. Exceeding this weight will void the warranty. We offer wheelsets with different weight limits. Each wheelset weight limit is written in the product description. Hyperlight series wheels have weight limits of 90-100kg, while Ultralight, Light, and Team series wheels have weight limits of 100kg, 120kg, and 140kg respectively.
What tire pressures can I run?
We recommend you follow the tire pressures found here. While our road and gravel rims have been tested to 150psi, you should never exceed the tire pressure written on the side of your tire. Doing so will void your wheelset’s warranty.
How strong are your carbon spokes? Are they easy to replace?
The replaceable carbon spokes we use have significantly higher tensile strength than steel spokes. They are suitable for both road and gravel riding, and are mechanically secured, preventing them from dislodging. Just like steel spokes, it is possible for them to break if struck with a high force, such as from a collision. As far as replacement, they are as easy to replace as regular steel spokes.
What are the lines on paintless matte finish rims?
Most carbon rims are sanded by industrial sanders, which reduces costs but can damage the carbon fibers underneath. These rims are then painted and undergo more than a dozen steps to prepare them to be a finished product.
Our Hyperlight series rims feature paintless finishes that must be sanded by hand, which can take up to a few hours of extra labor per wheelset. The number of steps needed to produce this effect is reduced to just sanding and clearcoating, making paint-free rims much more environmentally friendly. Paint-free rims are unique in that the individual carbon fibers, joints between sheets of carbon fiber and blemishes are revealed. This gives each handmade rim its own unique look, as opposed to rims which are painted over.
How strong are your carbon rims?
Our of our carbon road and gravel wheels have all been designed to be more than twice as strong as the UCI Vertical Impact Test standard, which is required for professional racing. You can be confident in their durability.
Are carbon spokes under warranty?
Yes. Carbon spokes are under warranty.
If I order from the US, will I get taxed?
No. There are no additional taxes or custom duties with our free shipping option.
What does UCI approval mean? Are the wheels UCI approved?
Wheels that are UCI approved can be raced in UCI sanctioned races. All of our wheels have passed more than double the UCI Vertical Impact Test. Currently, seven of our GCX Ultralight and RCX Ultralight wheels have received UCI Approval. The remaining GCX Ultralight and Hyperlight, and RCX Ultralight and Hyperlight wheels as well as a few RCX Team wheelsets should receive their certifications at the end in late February or early March.
Why does each rim have a hole in the side?
Each of our rims comes with a drain hole, which is designed to evacuate water using centrifugal force while riding. They reduce the amount of water that can accumulate inside the rim when riding in wet conditions. These drain holes do not affect the structural integrity or balance of the wheels.
Do our wheelsets come with thru-axles?
While quick releases are standardized, thru axles come in many standards. For this reason, we do not provide them. Typically, frame brands should provide thru-axles with their frames. If you need one, we recommend you contact them.
Do I need a spacer for my cassette?
If you are using a Shimano 9/10-speed cassette, you will need a 1.85mm spacer. SRAM XD MTB cassettes also require spacers when paired with SRAM XDR freehubs.
Where can I get a replacement freehub?
You can purchase freehubs directly from us. Please do not use other freehubs on your hub due to potential compatibility issues.
Where can I get replacement bearings?
Bearings can be purchased directly through us. We strongly recommend that if you want to replace your bearings that you do so with the help of a professional mechanic. We advise against replacing freehub bearings. Instead we recommend you replace the entire freehub.
Is there a 6-bolt disc brake option?
Yes. We offer a converter for those wanting to use 6-bolt rather than centerlock.
Do you have safety information and a user manual?
Please visit this page.
On the Cutting Edge
GCX Hyperlight Wheels
Starting from just 955 grams for a 45mm-deep wheelset, the GCX Hyperlight truly represents the next generation of carbon wheels. They are the world's lightest UCI approved road/gravel wheels, surviving 2.5x the UCI Vertical Impact Test standard, making them as strong as XC MTB wheels.
Our lightweight rims are essentially unmatched when it comes to low inertia, significantly improving acceleration. Hyperlight wheels are some of our stiffest options, making them suitable for racing.
This was accomplished in part due to a cutting edge layup. While the exact grades of Toray carbon fiber we use are confidential, our lab data and pro team approval sheds no doubt on their strength and performance.
Hub Option #1
The SR1 (Road Only)
SR1 ratchet hubs are the pinnacle of hub design. They are made of aerospace-grade aluminum alloy, increasing stiffness, while reducing weight. Machining tolerances are just 0.003/0.005mm, making them among the most precise hubs commercially available.
They feature tight-tolerance TPI bearings with tight seals, reducing the likelihood of water and dust ingress. Their wave springs provide even pressure to the ratchets, guaranteeing smooth engagement under load.
The ratchets feature low-friction PVD ratchets, reducing rolling resistance, increasing longevity and eliminating the possibility of corrosion. The hubset weighs roughly 230 grams depending on the configuration.
Hub Option #2
The AR1 (Road/Gravel)
AR1 ratchet hubs are the best value hub option we offer. They are ridden by two of our sponsored UCI pro teams, and have won nearly a dozen stages and races. They have even been ridden in 6 WorldTour races.
The hubs feature low rolling resistance S&S bearings and come in different Just like the SR1, the AR1 hubs has machining tolerances of 0.003/0.005mm.
Performance Without Compromise
Replaceable Carbon Spokes
We believe that replaceable carbon spokes are the future. They are lighter, more fatigue resistant, and more aerodynamic than steel spokes. We offer both 3rd and 4th gen carbon spokes, allowing you to customize your wheelset.
Unlike earlier carbon spokes, ours are fully replaceable and can trued just like steel ones. Our also feature non-round spoke heads, preventing spoke twist, ensuring they are always in the most aerodynamic orientation.
They can withstand 4000 newtons of tension. Steel spokes break under loads of 2600-3200 newtons. Since our carbon spokes do not lose tension over time, they do not need to be re-trued like steel spoke wheels.
3rd Generation Carbon Spokes
Our 5.2mm 3rd gen carbon spokes are the stiffest and most aero option. They are just 0.9mm thick and weigh only 3.5g including nipples. They are 30% stiffer than steel spokes, allowing for us to reduce spoke count, improving aerodynamics without sacrificing strength and stiffness.
4th Generation Carbon Spokes
4th gen carbon spokes are designed to reduce weight and to offer improved compliance and comfort. They absorb vibration better, mimicking steel spokes. The spokes are 3.2mm wide, less than 1mm thick, and weigh just 2.1g including nipples. The are our most popular option, as they offer a 55g weight savings.
Hyperlight Rims
Beyond UCI Testing
At Particle, we think that a high-performance wheelset needs to be tested as thoroughly as possible before release. Our wheelsets need to pass more than two dozen tests before they are released.
Recently viewed
Great wheelset! 🔥
I’ve been trying out this wheelset and really impressed with its quick response, acceleration, and stability, especially when riding in crosswinds. The balance and handling feel very confidence-inspiring, making it enjoyable both on climbs and at higher speeds.
EXTREMELY, happy with my Hyperlight GCX 52s! These wheels weighed in as advertised. Smooth and stable even in strong crosswinds. I bought these for crit racing but they are so light I’m also climbing on them! Strongly recommended!
Great set of wheels. I have put 1000 plus miles on them and no complaint's. I could not believe how good they ride for carbon spoke wheel. The weight is impressive. I don't think you can beat the "value". You get a lot(performance) for not a lot(money).
Fantastic wheels for a fantastic climbing bike—a Wilier Verticale weighing 6.365 kg, including pedals and power meter. The GCX Hyperlight wheels are perfect on the climbs, with virtually no wind susceptibility on the descents. Great communication and packaging. See you soon for another pair of wheels!
Ruedas superligeras y fantasticas como ruedan , y muchas gracias a Patrick siempre muy atento , y te saca de dudas enseguida , nada que envidiar a una rueda de super gama alta de 3000 euros .
