When most cyclists hear the name Chris King, they think of headsets or hubs. The lucky ones may have a matching set, but either way (pun intended), the company has an industry-leading reputation for making top-quality spinning bodies. The new GRD23 offers riders carbon rims, but unlike many other products on the market, they are completely recyclable.

Carbon fiber components are made in much the same way in the cycling industry as well as in aerospace, aviation, and automotive, all of which are made in much the same way. Carbon fiber is set in epoxy resin in various layers to produce the desired mechanical properties (see our guide on how bicycles are made for more information). Carbon fiber itself is inert and recyclable, but carbon fiber kneaded into epoxy resin is not. Perhaps a small portion could be used in silica sealants, but this would not be a solution to a global problem.

Instead of using epoxy resins, Chris King has adopted fusion fiber technology, in which nylon fibers are bonded in place of epoxy resins. Compared to conventional carbon fiber, damping is improved by 50%, and unless the overall ride is flatter (which, of course, is claimed not to be the case), it may work better on rough surfaces. It is not a Chris King-only technology, but not many other manufacturers use it.

Fully recyclable carbon is definitely to be applauded, as are claims of zero manufacturing waste, zero carbon dust, and ⅓ less energy use than other composite manufacturing.

As the final cherry on the cake of their approach to sustainable manufacturing, Chris King already has a recycling path in place rather than leaving it up to the consumer to dispose of the wheel if it breaks. If a wheel does break, it is covered by a lifetime warranty.

Naturally, the wheels come with Chris King hubs (24-hole R45D model), a set dedicated to discs. The internal width of 23 mm is one of the widest available for gravel. Tires fit 28-50mm, but 32-45mm is best, and it is positioned as an all-road or gravel wheelset rather than a road wheelset.

The rims, like most gravel wheelsets, are hookless and tubeless with tape and valves already installed. Sapim CXray spokes are used front and rear, and the wheels are available in nine hub colors. Compatible with Shimano and SRAM, fans of ceramic bearings can pay a little extra for the ultimate invisible upgrade.

If you want to take this set out on your next group ride, you'll have to pay $2,650.