Hunt Aero Wide 34 Disc SL

£499 Weight 1,572g (with tubeless valves, rim tape and lockrings) Depth 34mm Width 20mm internal, 26mm external

The UK-based brand

claims this wheelset’s “the fastest alloy disc brake wheelset in the world” (though the test was run by Hunt in 2019). While most brands have largely concentrated on developing carbon rim technology instead of alloy since then, there are a few new contenders in this test.

Hunt has used knowhow from its Aerodynamicist range of carbon wheels for these wide alloy road rims. They say a 25c tyre is most efficient, but we’ve tested it with a 28c tyre.

The alloy used is 6069-grade aluminium, which Hunt says delivers 69 per cent more tensile strength than 6061 alloy, meaning they can use less of it. Spokes are Pillar Wing 20 aero-bladed stainless steel, which attach to the rim via alloy nipples, and to Hunt’s Sprint SL hubs. The

Shimano freehub delivers a fast 7.5˚ engagement angle, via three pawls. The same hub internals and 6066 aluminium body can be found in many of the brand’s more expensive carbon wheelsets. This new, quieter freehub has buzz-reducing pawl teeth, signified by the ‘LN’ (low noise) print on the body.

The rims come with tubeless tape fitted, and supplied with tubeless valves and Shimano brake-rotor lockrings, and tubeless set-up was easy. Hunt also supplies four spare spokes. The maximum system weight (rider, bike and all) is 115kg. Annoyingly, you have to opt in to Hunt’s H_CARE crash replacement policy for an additional £39.

I’ve been impressed by the Hunts’ flat-terrain speed. Having also tested shallower wheels here, the deeper Hunts felt a little easier to hold at speeds of 30kph-plus on flatter roads. Only the 40mm-deep Ere on test is better at this, but that heavier wheelset is slower to react and less good on steeper ascents.

It’s a perfectly capable and satisfying wheelset for climbing hills and significantly lighter than the rest of its test mates. It feels reactive and taut, and I’ve had no qualms about using it for shorter climbs. I’d also be happy using it on longer mountain passes. The freehub’s fast pick-up helps when working hard on climbs, too. It’s noisy, even in this quietened-down

version, though. Hunt says this can be a sign of dry pawls, and can be remedied by adding extra grease.

Overall, I’ve been mightily impressed by this wheelset. It’s proven to be one of the best on test in terms of ride quality and smoothness, and has an admirable blend of flat and climbing speed. The Ere Research has wider, deeper dimensions, but the build of the Hunt feels solid, and able to deal with road buzz relatively effectively. I’d prefer a quieter freehub, and for the wheelset to be automatically covered by Hunt’s H_CARE programme, but otherwise it’s a good-value package that’s hard to fault. Verdict Light, responsive and great value

The Good

Aero credentials; light and responsive feel; contemporary rim design; good ride quality

The Bad

Noisy freehub