Zipp, Specialized and Enve be Scared - XM Carbon Speed Wide Aero Gravel Wheel Review
MAE Bikr
March 30, 2026
Less than half the price…..
Under the weather but gotta get this review out before someone finds out I am buying more bike stuff😊……
WHEELS:
https://xmcarbonspeed.cc/collections/325mm-internal-width
RIMS:
CS-D53CU-41 Disc brake carbon hooked gravel rims 32.5mm internal width
https://xmcarbonspeed.cc/products/cs-d53cu-41-disc-brake-carbon-hooked-gravel-rims-325mm-internal-width
#Gravelaero #gravelbike #xmcs #xmcarbonspeed #widegravel #zipp #enve #specialized #terraaero #clx3 #chinesecarbon #gravel #gravelbike
00:00 Intro
01:55 Packaging
02:34 Purchase
04:37 Accessories
06:45 Weights
07:23 Hubs
09:07 Build Review
12:11 Tire Install
15:23 Comparison
16:21 Wrap up
Choice Day / Outdoor Fun
WheelsXMCS 32.5mm IW 53mm depth T1100 carbon 700C 41mm external width gravel wheelsets with Sapim cx-ray steel spokes
Created: March 30, 2026The reviewer unboxes and evaluates a set of carbon gravel wheels from XM Carbon Sports (which they sometimes mistakenly call 'Carbon Sports' or 'Carbon Speed'). They detail the ordering process, cost, specifications, and initial build quality assessment. The wheels are described as massive and wide, with solid rim beds, Sapim CX-Ray spokes, and a claimed weight of 1,400g ±25g, which they verified. They praise the communication during ordering, the finish, the accurate weight, and the solid rim bed. However, they critique the packaging, note low spoke tension on the rear wheel's non-drive side, find the valve stems subpar, and wish for a deeper center channel in the rim for easier tire installation. They plan a long-term review after 500km of riding.
AI-Summary
Pros
- Communication during ordering process was 'fantastic' and 'great'.
- Wheel weight (1,378g total) is accurate and 'exceeded expectations'.
- Rim finish is 'great' and comparable to other brands like Elite Wheels.
- Solid rim bed is a 'pure pleasure' and eliminates worry about rim tape.
- Rim dimensions are 'as advertised'.
- Front wheel was 'well in true' with excellent dish and runout.
- Spoke tensions on the front wheel were 'excellent' and uniform within 10%.
- Spoke tensions are uniform on both sides of the rear wheel.
Cons
- Packaging is criticized and given a 'D' grade; the cardboard dividers were crushed.
- The rear wheel's non-drive side spoke tension is noted as 'quite low'.
- The included valve stems are criticized: they are 'not sure if they're up to the quality of other valve stems', have inconsistent internal machining, and one leaked air during a test.
- The rim's center channel is not deep enough for the reviewer's preference, making tire install/removal harder.
- The hub design (symmetric) may contribute to low non-drive side tension; an asymmetric design is suggested.
- The ordering/shipping process (30 days total) is slower than some bigger manufacturers.
- There is no grease between the end cap and bearing (but this is easily fixed).
- The packaging for the spare freehub obscures its text.
Key Points
- Brand: XM Carbon Sports (referred to as XM).
- Model/Type: Gravel wheelsets.
- Rim Material: T1100 carbon (inferred from product name in prompt, though not explicitly stated in transcript).
- Rim Specs: 32.5mm internal width, 41mm external width, 53mm depth, 700C.
- Rim Feature: Solid rim bed (no spoke holes).
- Spokes: Sapim CX-Ray steel spokes.
- Hub: Features a DT Swiss-type knockoff freehub with 36-tooth star ratchet.
- Weight: Claimed 1,400g ±25g; measured 754g (rear) + 624g (front) = 1,378g.
Where to Buy
XMCS 32.5mm IW 53mm depth T1100 carbon 700C 41mm external width gravel wheelsets with Sapim cx-ray steel spokes