Berd, renowned for its innovative PolyLight spokes and lightweight wheelsets, has unveiled the Sparrow50 Gold gravel wheelset, claiming it to be the lightest production 50 mm gravel wheelset globally. With 30 mm-wide, 50 mm-deep carbon rims and Berd’s PolyLight vibration-damping spokes, the Sparrow50 Gold is also touted as the fastest and smoothest gravel wheelset available today.
To substantiate these claims, Berd has released a comprehensive white paper detailing the engineering principles, equations, and field data supporting their assertions. Additionally, they’ve introduced a free “finish time calculator” on their website, allowing riders to assess how different wheels and tire widths might influence their ride times.
Sparrow50 Gold Wheelset Features
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Rims: The wheelset features 50 mm deep carbon fiber rims with a 30 mm internal width, compatible with tires ranging from 40 mm to 60 mm wide. The rims have been optimized in wind tunnel testing to be 14.3% more aerodynamic than the standard Sparrow model.
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Tires: Berd’s testing indicates that 45 mm Schwalbe G-One RS Pro tires offer the lowest drag and are fastest on smooth gravel. However, their finish time modeling suggests that 55 mm tires may be faster on rough gravel, despite slightly higher aerodynamic drag.
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Hubs: The Sparrow50 Gold wheels are equipped with Berd’s Talon ESL-R hubs, featuring a dual-sprung 36-tooth ratchet for quick engagement and a Tri-Coat aluminum freehub compatible with SRAM XDR, Shimano Microspline, Shimano HG, and Campagnolo N3W. The front hub is convertible between 12 and 15 mm axles with tool-free end caps.
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Spokes: Berd’s PolyLight spokes are known for their vibration-damping properties, reducing feedback and fatigue while enhancing ride smoothness and efficiency. Independent testing has shown a 5-watt savings at 30 km/h from vibration damping alone.
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Weight: The 700c (29”) wheelset weighs 1,298 grams, making it the lightest production 50 mm gravel wheelset on the market. The 32” version weighs 1,541 grams.
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Warranty: The Sparrow50 Gold wheels come with a lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects and a free crash replacement program.
Pricing and Availability
The 700c (29”) Sparrow50 Gold wheels are priced at $2,395, with the 32” version available for $2,495. The 700c wheels are in stock and ready to ship, with the first 50 orders receiving a set of Schwalbe G-One RS Pro 45mm tires. The 32” wheels are available for preorder, with an estimated ship date of September 21, 2026.
For more information or to purchase a set, visit Berd’s official website.