DUKE RIM SIERRA ÆRA 56

Sierra Æra 56 is the fastest standard profile in the Sierra Æra range: an aero gravel rim designed for rear-wheel use and for courses where average speed stays high, often above 30 km/h.

With its 56 mm depth and 35.9 mm external width, it clearly targets sustained speed rather than absolute versatility. The deeper profile brings useful inertia, helps hold pace on fast tracks and supports long, steady efforts where accelerations are less frequent.

Its signature Æra relief, developed using CFD, reduces drag by up to 10% compared with a smooth rim of the same depth. Used at the rear, the rim is less exposed to direct crosswind forces, allowing a deeper profile to be exploited without heavily compromising overall bike stability.

Built with the SLR5 process, Sierra Æra 56 combines Toray T1100 fibres, aerospace-grade resin and a high-precision lay-up. At 410 g, it remains very light for a 56 mm gravel rim, while delivering the stiffness and reliability expected for race use.

DRC (Dynamic Response Comfort) limits vibration and stabilises behaviour at high speed, especially on fast but imperfect tracks. SpokeCore moulded spoke holes ensure a homogeneous, durable structure; AntiPinch beads help preserve safety when the terrain requires gravel-appropriate pressures.

With 28 mm internal width, Sierra Æra 56 keeps the tyre volume modern gravel demands. It works particularly well with 40 to 45 mm sections to combine efficiency, grip and comfort, while delivering a faster, more taut feel than a shallower profile.

As a rear wheel paired with an Æra W48 front, Sierra Æra 56 forms our reference high-speed gravel race setup. As a matched 56/56 wheelset, it is aimed at racers who want to maximise speed on rolling courses, with limited elevation and high average speeds. A wheel built to hold pace and exploit every fast section.