HUNT SUB50 Limitless Aero Disc review: Hunt once again ushers in a new era of design

Wide, comfortable, and matching the performance of premium options

Hunt Sub50
(Image: © Josh Ross)

Cyclingnews Verdict

Hunt has been a leader in technology for a long time but the brand also offers budget pricing and that sets an expectation of budget performance. With the Hunt SUB50 you still get better pricing than some but everything about the wheel feels premium and there are white papers to back up the aero credentials with 28-30mm tyres. Just as Hunt once led the pack in the move to disc brakes, now the brand is leading the pack in the move to wider tyres.

Pros

  • +

    Lightweight

  • +

    Redesigned hub minimises lost pieces

  • +

    Specifically designed around wider tyres

  • +

    Wide rounded rim edge minimises cut tyres

  • +

    Gorgeous graphics and design

Cons

  • -

    Less stable descending than previous generation

  • -

    There are still technically more aero options

You can trust Cyclingnews Our experts spend countless hours testing cycling tech and will always share honest, unbiased advice to help you choose. Find out more about how we test.

As I write this in 2024, most modern bikes are now running disc brakes. Although Shimano technically still sells rim brake groupsets, they aren't exactly easy to find. For all practical purposes, the shift from rim to disc is long since complete and the benefits are obvious. That hasn't always been the case though and it wasn't long ago that people were still asking why make the switch?

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Testing scorecard and notes
Design and aestheticsI still love the lines and adding both raw carbon and lots of typography is a gorgeous look. In terms of design Hunt dropped the weight of previous wheels while still keeping the external width the brand is known for and adding even more internal width.10/10
Ride qualityIt turns out that sound is a big part of the experience of a wheel system. The SUB50 is quiet and lacks some pizazz but the lightweight design is punchy and 23mm internal width makes for a comfy ride. 8/10
WeightThere’s a couple options out there that are lighter but the price of the Hunt wheels is impressive in the context of the weight. 9/10
HubsPrevious Hunt hubs survived the worst winter riding I could throw at them but were also overly complex with pieces that would fall out. The new design fixes the issues and lightens the design. There are still some that seem technically better though.9/10
ValueIt would be a stretch to call the SUB50 a bargain even when considering the carbon spokes and ceramic bearings. This time Hunt is merely hitting expected price points.8/10
OverallRow 5 - Cell 1 88%
Josh Ross

Josh hails from the Pacific Northwest of the United States but would prefer riding through the desert than the rain. He will happily talk for hours about the minutiae of cycling tech but also has an understanding that most people just want things to work. He is a road cyclist at heart and doesn't care much if those roads are paved, dirt, or digital. Although he rarely races, if you ask him to ride from sunrise to sunset the answer will be yes. Height: 5'9" Weight: 140 lb. Rides: Salsa Warbird, Cannondale CAAD9, Enve Melee, Look 795 Blade RS, Priority Continuum Onyx