Sneak Peak: Clement’s new Ushuaia wheels

Clement is kicking off the Interbike party early this year with a gravel-inspired “Beehive Ride” from western Colorado toward Sin City. We were invited along on this three-day adventure through Utah’s remote rugged roads to test out some new gear from Clement as well as Merckx bikes, Bont shoes, and more.

Arriving in Grand Junction, Colorado, we were expecting to find the usual array of Clement’s X’Plor adventure tires like the burly MSO tubeless tires we tested earlier this year or the faster rolling USH tires. What we didn’t expect to find was Clement’s newest addition to the lineup: the Ushuaia tubeless-ready wheels.

The new aluminum wheels weigh a claimed 1,620 grams and are compatible with all axle types, including standard quick release, 12mm front, 15mm front, and 142×12 rear thru axle. They’re also available in both centerlock and six-bolt options.

The Ushuaia’s hookless design rims measure 23mm internal width, 26mm outer width, and are 25mm deep. They’re 28-hole in the front and rear and use double butted spokes and top hat style nipples for increased strength.

Both the front and rear wheels use sealed bearing hubs while the rear has a 36-point engagement, Shimano-style freehub (also available with XD driver body). They come with tubeless valves and rim tape and are priced at a competitive $650 for the set.

We got out for a quick spin on the new wheels and they feel promising: strong, responsive, and while we didn’t set the wheels up ourselves, we’d guess they set up pretty easily with Clement’s own tubeless tires. But the real test will come over the next several days of big rides over mixed terrain. Will the Ushuaia wheels stand up to the chunky gravel roads and demanding desert terrain? Check back for a full review after our #BeehiveRide through Utah.