Rider Profile
Name : Cameron
Information : 183cm, 68kg
Origin : New Zealand
Riding Type : Road, gravel, bikepacking ~10000km/year
Specifications
Bike
Frame : Santa Cruz Stigmata 2022
Crankset : Shimano GRX
Racing Frame Pack : Apidura
Tires : Vittoria Terreno Dry
Wheels
RIMS : WR45 Disc Standard Hook UD Matte Disc 24H External Hole With Drain Holes No Access Holes
HUB-F : DT SWISS 240 EXP Black 12 / 100mm Straight Pull Center lock 24H
HUB-R : DT SWISS 240 EXP Black 12 / 142mm Straight Pull Center lock 24H EXP 36 Shimano Road 11S
SPOKE : Sapim CX Ray Black Straight Pull
NIPPLE : DT Swiss/ Sapim Brass Black Universal External
A Near-Perfect Balance between Low Weight and Durability
After more than 10,000 km of riding on road, gravel, 4x4 track, and single track, it's safe to say these Light Bicycle WR45 Disc carbon rims – laced to DT Swiss 240 EXP hubs with Sapim CX-Ray spokes – have proven themselves as an exceptionally capable and versatile wheelset.
From the outset, the build quality appeared fantastic. At around 1470g, the wheels strike a near-perfect balance between low weight and durability. On the road, they feel lively and responsive, accelerating quickly and maintaining speed with ease. The DT Swiss 240 EXP hubs are as smooth and reliable as you'd expect, requiring minimal maintenance over time. Paired with the aerodynamic and strong CX-Ray spokes, the entire setup feels dialed – precise, efficient, and confidence-inspiring. Great quality-to-price ratio, in my opinion. A similar spec'd wheel from a big brand would likely cost double.
One of the standout features is the 25mm internal rim width. This modern profile makes these wheels incredibly adaptable across disciplines. On a road bike, running 28mm tyres results in a beautifully integrated setup, with tyres measuring closer to 30mm and creating a smooth, almost seamless transition between rim and rubber. The ride quality is noticeably improved—more comfort, better grip, and increased confidence in corners. Swap over to a gravel bike, and the same rims handle 45mm tyres with ease, offering excellent support and stability on rough terrain.
The Ultimate Performance Test: From Melbourne to Sydney
What really elevates these wheels, though, is their durability in real-world conditions. They've been put to serious use – not just casual weekend rides, but demanding bikepacking trips over mixed and often unforgiving terrain. A highlight was a 1200 km journey from Melbourne to Sydney, through Alpine and Kosciuszko National Park wilderness areas. The wheels were subjected to long climbs, fast descents, and rough, unsealed roads with an extra ~15kg of gear on the bike.
During one particularly intense unsealed descent, a moment stood out that truly tested the limits of the wheelset. Approaching at speed, a wide trench stretched across the track with no opportunity to stop or avoid it. The only option was to attempt a bunny-hop. The front wheel cleared cleanly, but with the added weight of bikepacking gear, I didn't quite manage to clear the rear. The impact was heavy and direct on the lip of the trench - the kind of hit that can buckle a rim.
Expecting the worst, I immediately turned to inspect the wheel. Incredibly, there was no visible damage - no cracks, no loose spokes, and still spinning smooth and true! It was a moment that cemented confidence in the build. "These wheels are BOMBPROOF!” were my actual words at the time. These wheels aren't just lightweight and fast, they’re genuinely tough.
Final Verdict: The Best Upgrade for Any Surface
Over thousands of kilometres, both tubed and tubeless setups have worked flawlessly, with easy tyre installation and reliable sealing. Whether climbing, descending, or cruising long distances, the wheels consistently deliver. In short, I've been super impressed with these wheels - the best upgrade I've made to my road and gravel bikes (so impressed I bought a second pair of LB wheels). I would (and have) recommend(ed) to anyone!
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May 19th, 2026 | Light Bicycle
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