CADEX AR 35: Giant’s All-Terrain Carbon Wheels

The CADEX AR (All Road) series is Giant’s carbon wheel product line built for all-terrain riding. The AR 35 balances aerodynamics and comfort with a 35mm rim depth, while the 25mm internal rim width supports a wide range of tire widths, making it an ideal wheelset choice for Gravel and Endurance road bikes.

Product Specifications

The Design Philosophy of the AR Series

AR stands for “All Road”—every road. The design goal of the CADEX AR 35 is not to be the best on any single surface, but to perform exceptionally on all surfaces. This philosophy is reflected in the following design choices:

25mm Internal Rim Width

The 25mm internal rim width is the most important specification of the AR 35. This width allows it to perfectly support everything from 28c road tires to 45c Gravel tires, covering the vast majority of use cases.

35mm Rim Depth

The 35mm rim depth is the golden balance point between road bike lightness and Gravel comfort. It is more comfortable and stable than a 40mm rim depth, while offering greater aerodynamic advantages than a 28mm rim depth.

Carbon Fiber Spokes

Even in the Gravel-oriented AR series, CADEX still uses carbon fiber spokes. This not only reduces weight (1,350g is extremely light among Gravel carbon wheels), but also enhances comfort on gravel roads through the vibration-damping characteristics of carbon fiber.

Durability of Carbon Spokes in Gravel Environments

Many riders worry about whether carbon fiber spokes can withstand the harsh conditions of gravel roads. CADEX has addressed this with several design considerations:

Protective Design

The junction where carbon spokes meet the rim has been reinforced to withstand impacts from flying gravel. The spoke cross-section design also accounts for resistance to lateral impacts.

Usage Recommendations

While CADEX states that the AR 35 is suitable for all-terrain use, it is still recommended to ride cautiously in extremely harsh gravel conditions (such as sections with large rocks or boulders). Carbon spokes are less resistant to point loads than steel spokes, and if damaged, they can only be replaced at the factory.

Hubs and Drive System

The CADEX R1-C carbon shell hubs provide excellent spinning quality. The 36T star ratchet engagement is more than sufficient for Gravel riding—the cadence in Gravel riding is typically steadier than in road racing, so extremely fast engagement response is not required.

Real-World Riding Experience

Road Sections

On asphalt, the AR 35 performs so well that you forget it’s a Gravel wheelset. The 1,350g lightweight construction combined with the aerodynamic efficiency of the 35mm rim depth makes it ride like a lightweight road carbon wheelset. If your Gravel routes include long stretches of pavement, the AR 35 offers no compromise on the road.

Gravel Sections

Once you hit gravel, the comfort advantage of the carbon fiber spokes immediately becomes apparent. High-frequency road vibration is effectively filtered out, leaving only useful road feedback. The 25mm internal rim width gives 40c Gravel tires a perfect supporting shape, with excellent grip and handling.

Climbing

At 1,350g, this is top-tier lightweight performance among Gravel carbon wheels. The acceleration response when climbing is comparable to road carbon wheels, completely dispelling the stereotype of Gravel wheelsets being “heavy and sluggish.”

Long-Distance Comfort

The vibration damping of the carbon spokes makes the AR 35 particularly outstanding on long Gravel rides. After 6-8 hours of riding, fatigue in the hands and saddle area is noticeably lower compared to the experience with steel-spoke wheelsets.

Comparison with Competitors

Pros and Cons Analysis

Pros

• 1,350g extreme lightweight (Gravel carbon wheelset class)
• Comfort and weight savings from carbon fiber spokes
• 25mm internal rim width supports a wide range of tires
• 35mm rim depth balances aerodynamics and stability
• Giant’s comprehensive service network in Taiwan
• Outstanding performance on both road and gravel

Cons

• High price point (NT$65,000+)
• Carbon spokes are inconvenient and expensive to service
• Requires cautious use on extremely harsh gravel roads
• 36T engagement is not the fastest for racing scenarios
• Carbon spokes cannot have tension adjusted

Purchase Recommendations in Taiwan

Who Is It For?

• Riders who ride both Gravel and road bikes
• Gravel enthusiasts seeking lightweight performance
• Giant/Liv Gravel bike owners (ideal pairing)
• Riders with ample budget seeking a top-tier experience

Where to Buy

Available for order at all authorized Giant dealers across Taiwan, with the most convenient after-sales service.

Conclusion

The CADEX AR 35 is a top-tier carbon wheelset that blurs the line between road and Gravel. The extreme lightweight of 1,350g combined with the unique comfort of carbon fiber spokes means it holds its own against dedicated road carbon wheels on pavement, while delivering excellent vibration damping on gravel roads. If you’re looking for an all-terrain wheelset that “never needs to be swapped out,” the AR 35 is one of the best choices currently on the market.

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