Campagnolo Zonda GT wheelset review

Campagnolo has launched the Zonda GT wheel alongside the EKAR GT, as an affordable alloy option as a step down from their carbon Levante option (1485g). Both sets of wheels are medium-sized, 29.5mm deep rims, but the Zonda GT is slightly over 1690g: far from light but not too expensive for the price point.

Aesthetically, the anodised finish fits in and looks at home alongside the EKAR GT drivetrain: after all, it's designed like a pidgeon pair.

Campagnolo has always been one to put their own unique spin on things and the Zonda lives up to their forefathers, featuring their unique Mega-G3 spoke pattern that is the brand's signature. This looks like 8 sets of 3 speakers from alternating sides of the hub. The combination of a spoke pattern around the Mega-G3 hub, with an upper flange to help with 'torsional forces', results in the desired increased stiffness.

Campagnolo also uses 'dynamic rim balance', removing valve weight by increasing the rim on the opposite side for better balance. As we were completing Campagnolo groupset testing, we used these with a free N3W hub, but they are available in Shimano and XDR options for those looking for a gravel wheelset without a full drivetrain commitment.

Their two-way fit allows you to use tubeless or tubular tires depending on your preference, making tubeless a breeze. It's almost as if many manufacturers on the road have been stealing technology from mountain biking.

With an inner diameter of 23mm they are capable of handling hard rubber or fatter gravel tires. This was tested with the mixed terrain of the Pirelli Cinturato stone at 700×40. What was immediately noticeable was how stiff they were, and how the aero rim could be 30mm deep, something I hadn't noticed before riding these. I enjoyed this extra speed in soft, windy conditions; tail wind or cross tail really increased speed (and attitude).

But like all things, it comes at a cost; I've seen more feedback and discussion than we're used to with our existing shallow rims. Although this could be mitigated a bit by tire selection including size and pressure, its sheer stiffness remained noticeable.

While I didn't notice any lateral flex with these wheels, it remains to be seen if a heavier rider would find this.

Married to the EKAR GT drivetrain, they sing beautifully in a fast, smooth ride. But when things got higher we noticed their weight, which required more effort to climb and maintain speed when climbing.

The price reflects the product: $1179 is not steep for a stone wheelset, especially with the Campagnolo logo attached. Compared to a similar wheel, the Easton EA70AX (1760g) which retails for $899, is on the low end of a premium alloy gravel wheelset. But that reflects the nature of Campagnolo's premium brand in general: you don't go to a car dealership with money for a Ford Focus and expect to find a Porsche Macan. Not that there is anything wrong with either of these, they are just different levels of product.

If you're looking for a clean-looking premium alloy wheel at a reasonable weight then definitely consider the Zonda GT: whether it's part of the full Campagnolo package with the EKAR drivetrain, or mated to the other two major component manufacturers, it's been a fun ride in fast conditions, as long as if you are not chasing watts per kilogram.