Cannondale Factory Racing in Nove Mesto on Prototype Deep Aero Reserve Gravel Wheels

Cannondale Factory Racing made a striking equipment choice at the Nové Město World Cup by fielding their LAB71 Scalpel with a prototype set of Reserve 48|53 GR aero carbon gravel wheels. These deep-section rims, typically reserved for aero gravel or road bikes, are unprecedented in top-level cross-country (XC) racing, particularly on a short-track (XCC) course known for its high speeds. The wheels are not yet commercially available, marking a significant innovation as Cannondale appear to be the first to deploy aero gravel wheels in this discipline. The Reserve 48|53 GR wheelset features a 48mm deep front rim and a 53mm deep rear rim, with internal widths around 27mm, similar to Reserve’s existing shallower GR 40|44 aero gravel wheels. Unlike the 24-spoke configuration of those wheels, the prototype set uses 28 spokes front and rear, suggesting a bespoke build tailored to the rigours of short-track racing. The wheels were paired with Shimano’s new XTR Di2 drivetrain and Schwalbe Thunder Burt 2.1-inch tyres, underscoring the focus on speed and aerodynamic efficiency rather than traditional mountain bike ruggedness. This equipment choice reflects broader shifts in XC racing, where courses have become smoother, faster, and more draft-dependent, pushing teams to prioritise aerodynamics alongside weight and suspension tuning. The line between gravel and XC racing is increasingly blurred, with riders adopting gravel tyres and setups that favour sustained high speeds and rapid accelerations. Cannondale’s approach highlights how modern short-track racing demands a hybrid of efficiency and speed, prompting teams to experiment with unconventional gear that challenges established norms. Beyond the wheels themselves, Cannondale’s full bike build emphasises this philosophy, featuring components like a Fox Float SL rear shock with remote lockout, a Fox Transfer SL dropper post, and an aggressively low-profile FSA KFX carbon cockpit. The overall setup signals a deliberate move towards minimising aerodynamic drag and maximising power transfer, suggesting that aero considerations are becoming integral to elite XC racing. This trend is likely to influence other teams and riders as the sport evolves. The introduction of deep aero gravel wheels in XC racing could mark the beginning of a new era where aerodynamic optimisation gains parity with traditional mountain bike priorities. As speeds rise and courses smooth out, such innovations may become commonplace, reshaping equipment standards and race strategies. Cannondale’s pioneering use of these prototype wheels at Nové Město not only challenges conventional wisdom but also sets a precedent that other manufacturers and teams are expected to follow in the near future.