What Are Hookless Wheels - And Should You Ride Them?

If you've been exploring new wheelsets, you've likely come across the term hookless wheels. But what exactly does that mean, and how does it affect your ride?

In short, a hookless rim has a straight inner wall instead of the traditional “hook” that curves inward to hold a tire bead. This seemingly small design change has big implications for performance, weight, and tire compatibility.

At Polymer Workshop, both the Enhance 50:52 and Venture 38:38 wheelsets are built with hookless rims to deliver the next level of speed, comfort, and durability for road and all-road cyclists alike.

Why Hookless? The Engineering Advantage

Hookless rims originally gained traction in mountain biking, but they’re now a high-performance standard in road and gravel cycling. Here’s why:

• Lower Weight
  By eliminating the bead hook, engineers can reduce material and simplify the carbon layup, resulting in a lighter, stronger rim structure.
  
• Improved Aerodynamics
  Hookless rims allow for a smoother transition between the tire and rim wall, especially when paired with wider tires, creating a more aerodynamic profile.
  
• More Stable Tire Shape
  The straight rim wall helps the tire bead sit securely and evenly, which means better cornering stability and lower rolling resistance, especially at lower pressures.
  
• Tubeless Optimization
  Hookless wheels are designed specifically for tubeless tires, which reduce puncture risk and allow for lower pressures and improved comfort.

Safety and Tire Compatibility: What You Need to Know

Hookless rims require tubeless-compatible tires that are E.T.R.T.O. compliant (European Tire and Rim Technical Organisation standards). Not every tire is certified for hookless use, so it's important to check the manufacturer's spec sheet.

Polymer Workshop recommends using tires labelled 28mm or larger, and only those confirmed to be hookless-approved.

General Guidelines:

• Minimum tire size: 28mm (labelled)
• Tire pressure limits: Do not exceed 5 bar / 72.5 psi
• Tire type: Tubeless-ready tires with hookless certification

Hookless at Polymer Workshop: Built into Every Set

Both the Enhance 50:52 and Venture 38:38 wheelsets use a precision-engineered hookless design to optimize ride performance.

Enhance 50:52 — Speed and Stability for Rolling Terrain

• Purpose: Aero performance for road cyclists
• Rim Depth: 50mm front / 52mm rear
• Internal Width: 23mm
• Tire Min: 28mm
• Weight: 1,488g (w/ SRAM body)
• Best For: Riders seeking aerodynamic efficiency without compromising handling on mixed terrain.

Venture 38:38 — All-Road Versatility with Hookless Strength

• Purpose: All-road comfort, control, and speed
• Rim Depth: 38mm front / 38mm rear
• Internal Width: 25mm
• Tire Min: 28mm
• Weight: 1,428g (w/ SRAM body)
• Best For: Riders who mix paved roads, light gravel, and rough surfaces in a single ride.

Common Myths About Hookless Rims

“Tires will blow off.” False, when used correctly with compatible tires and pressures, hookless systems are safe and proven, even in pro-level racing.

“They're not aero.” Hookless rims actually create a smoother tire-to-rim interface, reducing aerodynamic drag with the right tire pairing.

“Only good for gravel.” Hookless wheels are now a standard in high-performance road racing, thanks to weight savings, better ride feel, and tubeless optimisation.

Final Thoughts: Are Hookless Wheels Right for You?

Hookless technology isn’t just a trend—it’s a calculated evolution in wheel design. When paired with the right tires and pressures, hookless wheels provide real-world benefits: lower weight, better aero, and more comfort.

At Polymer Workshop, our Enhance 50:52 and Venture 38:38 wheelsets are engineered around this modern standard, offering riders cutting-edge performance for every kind of road.