Boyd Cycling introduces new Jocassee gravel wheelset

Boyd Cycling introduces new Jocassee gravel wheelset

Aero, wide 27.5in gravel carbon wheels

Russell Eich / Immediate Media

Published: June 22, 2017 at 2:00 pm

Since 2009, US-based Boyd Cycling has been offering carbon wheels at a more reasonable price tag. After mainly focusing on road wheels, the company has expanded its line up with the gravel-specific Jocassee wheels.

The 27.5in rim is tubeless and the bead is hookless Russell Eich / Immediate Media

Boyd Cycling Jocassee specs

  • Carbon
  • 27.5in diameter
  • 36mm rim depth
  • 2.9mm spoke offset
  • 24mm inner rim width
  • 430 grams weight
  • Tubeless ready
  • Hookless bead
  • 1,550 grams with Boyd Quest hubs wheelset weight
Boyd's hubs feature swappable endcaps for quick release and thru-axle compatibility Russell Eich / Immediate Media

650b for 700c

How does 650b result in 700c? Well I'm not going to try to explain the confusing French hieroglyphics of wheel sizing, Boyd does suggest that a fat 650b tire, in the realm of 45 to 50mm wide, equates to roughly a 700c in diameter.

Depending on your frame and fork, the Jocassee wheels and fat tires might be an easy swap on your normal 700c road machine.

In addition to providing much more cushioning, the Jocassee rims are claimed to be aerodynamic with a 36mm depth. Founder Boyd Johnson mentioned: "Aero comes into play as the speeds are often high enough for an aero advantage."

Rim width sits at a healthy 24mm internal Russell Eich / Immediate Media

Regarding the width and ability to roll 40mm or larger tires, Johnson noted: "Blazing down those same hills, you'll need larger tires to accommodate cornering at 40+ mph on loose packed gravel roads."

Boyd Jocassee pricing and availability

Getting your gravel fix is easy as the rims and wheels are available now.

  • Pricing for a carbon rim: £452 / $575 / AU$759.
  • For the wheelset with Boyd Quest hubs: £1,298, $1,650, AU$2,180.