Launched in October 2024 after three years of development, the Hunt 40 Limitless Gravel Aero wheelset marked a significant step forward in lightweight gravel tech. Now, six months on, the dust has settled, both literally and figuratively, giving us a better sense of how this wheelset performs out in the real world.
Dropping 220g compared to its predecessor and introducing features borrowed from Hunt’s Sub50 road range, the 40 LGA was built to meet pro-level demands: aero efficiency, low weight, and stable handling on rough, fast terrain. The carbon-spoke version comes in at just 1,328g, making it a serious contender for racers chasing gains on long gravel courses.
Built for speed, tuned for terrain
What distinguishes the 40 LGA most is its differential rim design. Up front, you have a 40mm deep, 36mm wide rim optimised around 40-45mm tyres like the Schwalbe G-One Allround – typical of what Hunt’s sponsored athletes run. The wide, shallower front rim is designed to cut drag and improve crosswind stability, something you feel when the wind picks up on open gravel sectors.
At the rear, the 41mm depth is paired with a narrower 35mm external width and 26mm internal. The aim is weight savings and responsiveness, as the rear faces less clean airflow. It’s a sensible split – and in practice, you’re likely to notice the improved stability and slightly snappier handling under power.
Hookless rims are now standard at this level, and Hunt uses ETRTO-compliant bead shapes to improve the tyre interface and reduce the risk of pinch flats. Tyres sit more securely, and the overall shape is rounder and more predictable in fast cornering.
Carbon spokes and a smarter hub
The carbon-spoked version uses Hunt’s 2.7g spokes – the same ones seen in the Sub50 road wheels – and allows a spoke count reduction from 24 to 20 per wheel. Less rotating mass and fewer points of aerodynamic disturbance are obvious benefits. Hunt also claims that these carbon spokes help dampen high-frequency vibrations, a welcome trait on rougher courses.
Crucially, the wheels retain standard spoke nipples, making tension adjustments straightforward without proprietary tools – ideal for privateer racers who maintain their own kit.
The H_Ratchet DBL rear hub is also a step up, ditching the pawl mechanism for a dual-sided ratchet with 48 points of engagement. Pickup is snappy, and the system weighs just 314g in its carbon-spoke configuration. Combined with the low spoke count, it contributes to the fast-feeling nature of the wheels on rolling terrain or out of corners.
Aero performance and testing insights
During its development, Hunt conducted over 90 wind tunnel tests and claimed that the 40 LGA wheelset outperformed most gravel wheels up to 50mm in depth. Their own data shows it was only slightly behind the 3T Discus in aero drag when paired with 45mm tyres, and still second-best when swapped to 40mm.
Crucially, it beat the 3T wheels on weight by a full 320g, which translates to noticeable benefits on longer climbs, accelerations, and course fatigue. Against other competitors like Zipp 303 Firecrest, Reserve 40/44, and DT Swiss GRC 1400, the 40 LGA proved both lighter and more aero in Hunt’s testing setups.
Verdict – premium gravel race wheels that deliver real-world gains
Six months after launch, the Hunt 40 Limitless Gravel Aero has shown it’s not just a theoretical upgrade – it delivers genuine performance on gravel courses. The mix of wide, shallow front and narrower, deeper rear rims feels stable yet punchy. The carbon spokes keep things light and lively without sacrificing comfort. And the aero performance stacks up well against more expensive competitors.
Starting at £1,479 with steel spokes and rising to £2,449 for the carbon-spoke and CeramicSpeed build, this wheelset sits at the premium end of the market – but still undercuts many rivals on both weight and price. With lifetime crash replacement included, it becomes a smarter long-term investment for riders racing tough terrain.
Recommended for: gravel racers and performance-focused riders who value a lightweight setup that doesn’t compromise on stability or speed. If you’re riding Unbound, The Traka, or the Dirty Reiver, or simply training hard on mixed terrain, the 40 LGA wheelset offers tangible benefits where it counts most.
