EXAR GR45 Pro: a 1490-gram carbon gravel wheelset
Contents
In short
- The EXAR GR45 Pro is a carbon wheelset for gravel and mixed terrain.
- 45 mm deep HI-MOD carbon rim, 32 mm external and 25 mm internal width.
- 1490 grams (claimed, without tape and valves).
- Undrilled rim bed: tubeless-ready even without tape.
- Steel spokes, 36-tooth ratchet, 100/142 mm thru-axles, 249 900 Ft.
What is the EXAR GR45 Pro?
The EXAR GR45 Pro was born where endurance meets performance: a carbon wheelset designed for gravel that's both light and tough. The balanced design, the wide rim and the gravel-tuned hubs give you efficient power transfer on any surface while smoothing out rough roads.
EXAR's philosophy is the same here too: rim, spokes and hub are designed together as one system.
Key features
Wide rim, low pressure
The 32 mm external and 25 mm internal width supports wide gravel tyres well, so it corners stably and precisely even at low pressure. Lower pressure means more grip and comfort on loose gravel and rooty forest trails.
Tubeless without tape
The rim bed isn't drilled, so the wheel is tubeless-ready without tape. That means less fitting work and fewer potential leak points. Tubeless valves are in the box.
Steel spokes for damping
The GR45 Pro is built with Pillar Wing 20 steel spokes, which according to the brand damp vibrations better and handle off-road loads well. The self-locking nipples don't come loose.
UCI-tested carbon
EXAR wheelsets pass the UCI impact test: the rim takes a 40-joule impact and the deformation stays within the limit. On gravel, where a rock or root can deliver a serious hit, this matters a lot.
Specifications
| Feature | EXAR GR45 Pro |
|---|---|
| Brake | Disc brake |
| Rim depth | 45 mm |
| Weight | 1490 g (±3%, without tape and valves) |
| External / internal width | 32 mm / 25 mm |
| Rim material | HI-MOD carbon |
| Spokes | Pillar Wing 20 |
| Lacing | Front 24H 1:1, rear 24H 2:1 |
| Ratchet | 36T, replaceable |
| Axle | 100/142 mm thru-axle |
| Freehub | Shimano 11-speed (XDR and N3W sold separately) |
| Tyre | Clincher and tubeless, from 28c |
| Max. pressure | Clincher 120 psi, tubeless 110 psi |
| Price | 249 900 Ft |
Compatibility
The wheelset is made for frames with 100/142 mm thru-axles and disc brakes, the standard on most modern gravel bikes. It comes with a Shimano 11-speed freehub as standard; for a 12-speed SRAM cassette you need an XDR freehub, for Campagnolo an N3W freehub, both sold separately. Before ordering, check which cassette and rotor mount you use, and if you're unsure, drop us a message.
What does the press say?
According to the review by Australian Cyclist magazine, the wide rim supports lower pressures and the grip of tyres over 35 mm well, and the aero profile gives extra control. They highlighted that tubeless valves are included and that the undrilled rim means you don't need tape. The tester expects race-level performance from the wheels at a competitive price and finds the price hard to beat. They noted that you should only use an inner tube when necessary: this wheel is designed for tubeless.
GR45 Pro or a road EXAR?
If your bike mostly rolls on tarmac, the EXAR Carbon Fiber Pro or the Ultra is the better choice, with a narrower rim and lower weight. If gravel, mixed terrain and bikepacking are your main playground, the GR45 Pro's wider rim and steel spokes suit you better. Many riders keep two wheelsets for their gravel bike: one with road tyres and one with off-road tyres.
Who is it for?
- Gravel riders who want to upgrade from stock aluminium wheels to carbon.
- Gravel racers and bikepackers for whom weight and durability matter.
- Riders who run tubeless and want easy fitting.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Carbon gravel wheelset under 1500 grams
- Wide rim, tubeless-ready without tape
- Great price compared with wheelsets of similar capability
Cons
- SRAM 12-speed needs a separate freehub
- Optimised primarily for tubeless use
Why buy from Premiumbike?
We ship in-stock wheelsets within 2–4 working days, and for the GR45 Pro shipping is free because its price is above the 75 000 Ft threshold. You have a 14-day right of withdrawal, and we're happy to help with any compatibility questions.
Check out our EXAR brand page, all wheelsets and gravel bikes, or order the EXAR GR45 Pro wheelset now.
