Brand Overview & History
Berd is a US wheel and component company founded in Hopkins, Minnesota, best known for reviving and industrialising UHMWPE (ultra‑high molecular weight polyethylene) polymer spokes under the PolyLight name. The concept of “string” spokes has existed for decades, but Berd’s combination of materials, lacing methodology, and hook‑flange hub interfaces pushed the idea into mainstream high‑performance use—helped by podiums across elite XC and gravel. In 2023, Berd introduced Talon hubs with a proprietary hook flange to simplify build and service for its loop‑end spokes. The hubs run a dual‑sprung ratchet (36t or 54t) and were conceived to halve wheelbuilding time compared with modified conventional hubs.
The past year has seen Berd move from just spokes to fully integrated wheel systems. In 2025, it rolled out the HAWK27 (27 mm internal) in partnership with We Are One (Canada), targeting XC/trail with extremely shallow (18 mm) rims and tuned radial compliance. In Feb 2026, Berd launched its lightest flagship to date, the Hawk 30 Gold (30 mm internal), claiming the lightest published 30 mm XC wheelsetat 1,022 g, built around Erase Components’ Talon ESL hubs and 24 PolyLight spokes.
Berd’s positioning is crystal clear: category‑leading weight reduction and vibration damping from polymer spokes, with an emphasis on ride quality and impact durability. Independent reviews and long‑term tests have increasingly validated the concept’s strengths—and its limitations—across road, gravel, and MTB.
Rider feedbacksentimentreviews
Praises
Enthusiasts like the exceptional small‑bump damping and “quiet” ride feel, particularly on rough gravel/MTB terrain. Weight weenies and racers celebrate dramatic gram savings and fast acceleration, while wheel builders appreciate Berd’s dedicated hook‑flange hubs that avoid risky hub modifications.
Concerns
Common concerns include higher cost, longer build times (for non‑hook hubs), potential abrasion sensitivity of polymer fibres, and aero compromises versus bladed steel spokes. Some riders note spoke length “creep” and bedding‑in requirements, plus cosmetic fraying over time.
Overall
Across forums and pro tests, Berd is seen as legitimate, race‑proven tech with clear upsides in comfort and mass—best on rougher surfaces and lightweight builds. It’s less compelling for pure aero road use or those who want set‑and‑forget steel simplicity at lower cost. The consensus: if your priority is lowest mass and compliance with good support/warranty, Berd delivers on its promise.
Latest Products Showcase
Source: Company/brand website. Image source: company product website.
Berd Hawk 30 Gold (2026)
- What it is: Flagship 29er XC wheelset, 30 mm internal, 24 PolyLight spokes, Erase Talon ESL hubs, 1,022 g claimed.
- Target rider: Elite XC racers and gram counters wanting a race‑day set that’s still impact‑tested.
- Lineup fit: Replaces the previous XC25/HAWK30 tops, extending the brand’s ultralight narrative into the 30 mm category.
- Tech/Features: Hook‑flange hub interface, titanium freehub, 70‑tooth ratchet, shallow 22 mm rim depth, 35 psi max, 127 kg systemlimit; limited lifetime warranty with free crash replacement on rims.
- Price: US$2,395; indicative ~A$3,650 (direct USD‑to‑AUD conversion; check local distributor).
Professional Industry Reviews
Escape Collective tested polymer vs bladed steel back‑to‑back on matched wheels, reporting superior rough‑surface comfort, notable weight reduction, and strength against common failure modes—tempered by higher cost, labour/time to build, non‑aero penalties, and a need to manage abrasion. The review positions Berd as best‑in‑class where comfort and mass trump absolute aero.
Canadian Cycling Magazine’s long‑term gravel test likewise praised year‑round durability and the muted ride that encourages speed over chatter, with high‑profile wins (Pidcock, Ferrand‑Prévot, Hatherly) accelerating confidence among early adopters.
On the MTB side, Pinkbike’s first look at Hawk 30 Gold scrutinised the weight claim (1,022 g) and spec (Erase ESL, 70t ratchet), comparing against Roval’s featherweights while noting rim width caveats; The Radavist highlighted Berd’s crash replacement and podium pedigree, framing Hawk 30 Gold as its most competitive XC package.
Alternatives?
Head-to-head comparison of a few products and brands
Where Berd wins?
Weight‑to‑width ratio at 30 mm internal, comfort, and a strong warranty/crash‑replacement promise. Where it can trail: Aero on road applications, abrasion care, and upfront price. For Brisbane riders racing Gap Creek/MTB XC or gravel at Mt Nebo, the comfort and acceleration are compelling; for TT/flat road aero obsessions, steel‑spoked deep sections still dominate.
Brisbane Cyclist Perspective
On Brisbane’s chattery fire roads and rocky XC loops, Berd’s damping and low weight reduce fatigue in the heat, and the crash‑replacement safety net is a welcome backstop. If your priorities are snap out of corners, comfort over corrugations, and an ultralight race day wheel, Berd’s Hawk 30 Gold or HAWK27 are right in the zone. If you mostly smash Wynnum Esplanade tailwinds or chase aero gains on the Gateway, stick with deep, steel‑spoked aero wheels.
For the XC/Gravel crowd, though, Berd is a seriously fast—and noticeably smoother—way to fly.
