The Big Chungus Wheels Have a 32mm Internal Width – BIKEPACKING.com

Made by Ascent Bikes in Singapore, the Big Chungus gravel wheels are a made-to-order set of deep-dish carbon wheels that offer a massive 32mm internal width for gravel riders. Jokey name aside, these new wheels have some interesting specs that make them enticing for modern off-road cyclists…

Although I had to do a double-take when I saw the name, the Big Chungus wheels are real. Made to order by Ascent Bikes in Singapore, these deep-section carbon wheels feature a massive internal width for modern gravel tires. Suitable for tires from 45 to 60mm, the Big Chungus wheels have a 32mm internal width that will likely alter the handling of 2″ tires for the better. Having tested many 25 and 27mm IW rims, I can see the appeal of a modern gravel rim that goes as far as 32mm, especially given how many newly released gravel bikes have clearance for 2.25+ rubber.

The rims are 59mm deep on the front and 54mm in the rear. They are tubeless-compatible, have a hooked design, Sapim CX-Ray spokes with 24-hole rims, and use the brand’s in-house Ascent AR-01 Mk2 hubs. Interestingly, their hubs use NTN steel bearings and claim an incredible 96 points of engagement. Ascent offers the wheels in Shimano, XDR, and MicroSpline freehub bodies, with a claimed weight of 1,450 grams without rim tape.

For those skeptical of a company that would name a $1,850 set of wheels after an internet meme, Ascent offers a lifetime warranty and crash replacement for parts. The warranty covers production defects and crashes under normal use. “If you manage to damage Big Chungus while riding, racing, or even during an accident, we will replace or repair Big Chungus for you at zero parts cost.” The wheels also come with either white or stealthy black decals, so you can try to hide that interesting name.

For more on the Big Chungus wheels, visit Ascent-Bikes.com.

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