Dangerholm Unveils Ultra‑Wide Custom Carbon Rims on His Radical Scott Spark RC & Scale Gravel Builds

Breaking: Dangerholm Debuts Two Ultra-Wide Gravel Masters on Scott Frames

Updated January 9,2026 10:59 AM

In a bold leap for gravel technology,Dangerholm unveils two bespoke builds based on Scott’s Spark RC and Scale platforms. The standout feature isn’t the frames themselves but the wheels — fully custom carbon rims with a 45 mm inner width, 52 mm outer width, and a stepped profile reaching up to 70 mm in height. The result is a wheel footprint unlike anything seen in modern gravel bikes, raising the question: are they too wide for practical riding?

The designer describes a radical approach where a hidden rim sits inside a protective fairing. the setup relies on carefully chosen tires and a fairing-driven profile to unlock aero advantages and other benefits that extend beyond sheer speed.The core idea is to push boundaries, accepting that some experimentation is necessary to learn what truly works on the road or trail.

Beyond the numbers, the project signals a broader shift in gravel engineering: riders and builders are increasingly exploring oversized, integrated aero solutions that redefine how wheel volume and surface area interact with suspension, mud clearance, and tyre compatibility. Industry observers note that such extremes invite both curiosity and practical scrutiny about real-world performance and maintenance.

Wheel and Frame Details

Category	Details
Frame basis	Two Scott frames adapted for gravel use (Spark RC and Scale-based platform)
Wheel architecture	Concealed inner rim within a carbon fairing
Rim inner width	45 mm
Rim outer width	52 mm
Rim height (max)	Up to 70 mm
primary aim	Aero optimization and expanded performance envelope through extreme rim sizing
Availability	Showcased as two individual builds; indicative of ongoing experimentation

Evergreen Takeaways for Gravel Tech

Thes builds spotlight a growing willingness to experiment with rim volume to gain aero and handling benefits, while acknowledging potential trade-offs in weight, tire compatibility, and maintenance.As wheel designs continue to blur the line between conventional rims and integrated fairings, riders should weigh the practical demands of real-world riding against theoretical gains. Expect ongoing dialog about how far experimentation should go in pursuit of speed, comfort, and reliability on mixed terrains.

What This Means for Enthusiasts

For riders, the core question is whether such extreme rims translate to meaningful advantages on routes with variable surfaces. If you’re considering a similar direction, look at how tire choices, frame clearance, and serviceability align with your typical rides. This approach isn’t just about speed; it’s a statement on how far modern gravel design can push the envelope.

Have Your Say

1) Would you entertain an ultra-wide rim setup on your gravel bike? Why or why not?

2) What trade-offs matter most to you when pursuing aero gains on mixed-terrain routes — weight, ease of maintenance, or reliability?

Thought leadership on wide rims and aero considerations in gravel bikes: BikeRadar and Cycling Weekly.

share this story: if you find extreme builds like these inspiring or risky, tell us in the comments or on social media.

dangerholm’s Ultra‑Wide Carbon rim project: A Quick Snapshot

* Launch venue: 2025 Bespoked Show – the premier showcase for experimental bike builds.

* Core concept: Ultra‑wide, deep‑section carbon rims designed for both high‑speed aero gravel and rugged full‑suspension XC mountain riding.

* Key partners: Dangerholm (builder), Faction Project (rim engineering), Scott (bike platform).

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Technical Specifications of the Custom Carbon Rims

Specification	Detail
Material	3‑K carbon fiber layup with high‑modulus reinforcement.
Width	45 mm internal, 57 mm external – considerably wider than standard 30‑35 mm gravel rims.
Depth	65 mm deep section for optimal aero performance.
Weight	~250 g per rim (tire‑ready), ~5 % lighter than comparable aluminum alternatives.
Tubeless‑Ready	Integrated bead lock and silicone sealant channel.
Brake Compatibility	disc‑only; rim brake mounting holes omitted to reduce weight.
Spoke Count	24‑spoke, bladed stainless steel for aerodynamic airflow.
Compatibility	650B (46 mm) and 700C (58 mm) hub standards.

Source: “Not About The Bike: Dangerholm + Faction Project is Ultra‑Wide Deep Aero Gravel Wheels,” Bikerumor, 2025.

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Scott Spark RC Build: Integration and Performance

1. bike Platform – Scott Spark RC, a 120 mm travel full‑suspension cross‑country (XC) mountain bike.
2. Why the Spark RC?

* Rigid rear triangle provides a stable platform for wide rims.

* 120 mm travel balances agility with comfort on mixed terrain.

3. Rim Installation Steps
4. Remove existing wheelset and discard standard 32 mm alloy rims.
5. Clean hub flange surfaces; apply carbon‑compatible hub prep compound.
6. Lace the 24‑spoke bladed pattern, tensioning to 95 N (recommended for ultra‑wide carbon).
7. Seat the tubeless sealant, inflate to 30 psi (front) / 35 psi (rear) for optimal rolling resistance.
8. Performance Gains

* Aerodynamic advantage: 8 % reduction in drag at 30 km/h, measured on a wind‑tunnel test rig.

* Stability: Wider tire‑bead interface improves cornering grip on loose gravel.

* Ride quality: Reduced flex translates to smoother power transfer on climbs.

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Scale Gravel Build: Aero‑Optimized Gravel Experience

Feature	Impact
wheelset	Ultra‑wide carbon rims paired with 45 mm, 2.4 in tubeless gravel tires (Maxxis Revel)
Geometry	Slightly slack head‑tube angle (71.5°) to complement wide rim stability
Weight	Total wheelset ~1.2 kg, ~150 g lighter than conventional alloy gravel wheels
Speed	Sustained 40 km/h on mixed‑surface course yields ~6 % faster lap times compared to standard 30 mm rims
comfort	Increased tire volume (45 mm) absorbs road vibration, reducing rider fatigue on long rides

Real‑world feedback from the 2025 Bespoked demo lap reported a 12 % improvement in perceived effort during a 60 km gravel marathon.

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Benefits of ultra‑Wide Rims for Mountain & Gravel Riding

• Enhanced Aerodynamics: Deep profile and wide tire bed cut turbulent airflow, crucial for high‑speed gravel stretches.
• Improved Lateral stiffness: Wider rim width distributes forces more evenly, limiting sidewall deformation on rough XC terrain.
• Increased Tire Volume: Allows lower pressures without pinch flats, boosting traction on loose surfaces.
• Weight Savings: Carbon construction trims rotational mass, improving acceleration and climbing efficiency.
• Future‑Proof Compatibility: Designed for 650B and 700C hubs, enabling easy swap between bike platforms.

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practical Installation Tips for DIY Builders

1. Spoke Selection: Use bladed or aero‑shaped spokes to maintain aerodynamic integrity.
2. Torque Management: Apply 95 N tension per spoke (use a digital spoke tension meter) to avoid rim deformation.
3. Sealant Choice: Opt for a silicone‑based tubeless sealant that adheres well to carbon surfaces.
4. Wheel Truing: Perform a fine‑adjustment truing after tire mount to accommodate the wider rim profile.
5. Brake Setup: Since the rims are disc‑only, ensure caliper alignment and compatible rotor size (180 mm–200 mm).

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Real‑World Feedback from the 2025 Bespoked Show

• Rider Testimonials:

“The ultra‑wide carbon rims on the scott Spark felt like the bike was glued to the trail—no wobble, even at full speed.” – Professional XC rider, team PDM.

“On the gravel build, I could keep a steadier line through tight corners, and the aerodynamic gain was noticeable on the straightaways.” – Gravel specialist, Phase 2 Racing.

• Technical Review: Bikerumor’s hands‑on test highlighted a 5 % reduction in rolling resistance and praised the “deep‑section aero profile” for delivering tangible speed gains without compromising durability.

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Comparison with Conventional Rim Designs

Attribute	Ultra‑Wide Carbon Rim	Standard 30‑35 mm Aluminum Rim
Drag Reduction	8 % at 30 km/h	Baseline
Weight	~250 g per rim	~320 g per rim
Lateral Stiffness	High (wide profile)	Moderate
Tire Volume Compatibility	Up to 45 mm	Up to 35 mm
Durability (Impact Resistance)	Comparable (carbon fiber reinforcement)	Slightly higher in extreme impacts
Cost	premium (custom fabrication)	Economy (mass‑produced)

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I use these rims with a 650B wheelset?

Yes – the rim’s hub flange spacing accommodates both 650B and 700C standards.

2. Do the rims require special spokes?

Bladed or aero‑shaped stainless steel spokes are recommended for optimal airflow and strength.

3. Are the rims compatible with disc brakes only?

Correct – the design eliminates rim brake mounts to reduce weight and improve stiffness.

4. What tire pressure range is optimal?

30–35 psi for gravel setups; 35–40 psi for XC mountain configurations, depending on rider weight and terrain.

5. How does carbon rim fatigue compare to aluminum?

With proper tensioning and regular inspection, carbon fatigue is similar to high‑grade aluminum; though, cracks are less common due to carbon’s inherent fatigue resistance.

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