BERD HAWK30 Gold Wheelset - Claimed Lightest 30mm Wheelset In The World

Berd HAWK30 Gold Wheels: How did BERD make the lightest 30mm wheelset in the world? 

We are not new to BERD spokes, being an early adopter many of us here have spent multiple seasons on the BERD PolyLight spoke systems. But BERD is back with their new BERD HAWK30 GOLD wheelset, claimed to be the lightest 30mm internal measurement wheelset on the market today. Berd took their already fast HAWK30 platform, went on a full weight loss mission, and built a modern XC race wheelset around one goal, make the lightest 30mm wheelset on the market. 

That is a bold statement, but the numbers behind it are equally bold. We are talking 30 mm internal width, a deeper 22 mm rim profile, and a claimed 1,022 gram wheelset weight. (without rim tape or valve stems) That is the kind of spec that makes your scale nervous.

Specs

The HAWK30 Gold is a purpose built XC race wheelset that blends a modern rim shape with Berd’s unique spoke tech and a new hub platform that is all about efficiency. The headline story is weight, but the details are what make it interesting: ESL (Equal Spoke Length) technology to simplify service, a titanium freehub driver, a 70 tooth ratchet for quick pickup, and a rim shape that is clearly designed around today’s wider XC tires and lower pressures.

Notable specs and details

• Claimed wheelset weight: 1,022 g (listed without rim tape and valves)

• Rim internal width: 30 mm

• Rim depth: 22 mm

• Wheel size: 29 inch

• Spoke count: 24 front, 24 rear

• Spokes: Berd PolyLight

• Hubs: Berd Talon ESL hubs, developed with Erase Components

• Engagement: 70 tooth ratchet, 70 points of engagement

• Hub set weight: 333 g (claimed)

• Freehub: Titanium driver

• Freehub body options: HG, Microspline, XD

• Brake interface: Centerlock

• Max tire pressure: 35 psi (listed with a 2.4 inch tire)

• Suggested rider weight limit: 280 lb

• MSRP: $2,395

• Warranty: Lifetime warranty and free crash replacement on rims
  
  

What ESL actually means

ESL stands for Equal Spoke Length, meaning the entire wheelset uses one spoke length. Berd pairs that with an ESL hub design that balances tension by using different drive and non drive hook widths. The practical upside is simple: fewer unique spares to stock, less confusion when you need a replacement, and fewer “wait, which spoke is this?” moments when you are trying to get back on the trail.

On Trail Performance

I got one ride on the HAWK30 Golds over the weekend, and the quick takeaway is pretty straightforward. They feel like Berd wheels, just noticeably lighter.

If you have spent time on Berd wheelsets before, the ride feel is familiar. There is a calmness to the way the bike tracks through chatter and small hits, and the wheels tend to take some of the sting out of trail noise without feeling vague or floppy. The HAWK30 Gold does not reinvent that sensation. It keeps that same character, then turns the volume up on the part everyone actually cares about when the stopwatch is running: how quickly the bike responds when you put power down.

Out of corners, over little rises, and on those short punchy climbs where you are half sprinting and half regretting your life choices, the HAWK30 Gold feels eager. It is the kind of “instant speed” feeling that makes you check if your rear tire is secretly on a treadmill. One ride is not a lifetime review, but the first impression is clear. If you already like the Berd feel, this is that, just with more snap. 

If you want a deeper long term take on Berd’s spoke feel and durability, check out our previous Berd wheel reviews. The HAWK30 Gold is not a totally different experience, it is the same recipe with a much more aggressive weight target.

The Goods

• Ridiculous weight for a 30 mm internal wheelset

• Modern rim shape.

• Fast engagement

• Titanium driver

• ESL serviceability

• Warranty and crash replacement

The Bads

• Price

• Centerlock only

• Not for everyone (280 lbs weight limit)
  

What’s Worldwide’s Takeaway?

So back to the big question: Are the lightest 30 mm XC wheels actually faster? After the first ride, the answer is yes in the way that matters most for XC. They make speed easier to access. The HAWK30 Gold keeps the familiar Berd ride feel, then adds a very noticeable jump in responsiveness that shows up anytime the trail asks for acceleration.

Our take is simple. If you are building a no excuses XC race bike, chasing PRs, or you just want the kind of wheelset that makes your bike feel like it got upgraded overnight, the HAWK30 Gold is absolutely in that top shelf category. Just be prepared for the side effect where every other wheelset suddenly feels like it is wearing a weighted vest.