Speed through string: my Gravel Worlds test of Berd's new Sparrow 50 Gold wheels

Is viscoelasticity the key to speed and comfort on gravel? Berd thinks so. Its new Sparrow 50 Gold packs two enticing promises: aero speed with a deep rim and a smooth ride with vibration-damping polyethylene spokes. I raced the new wheels at Gravel Worlds in Lincoln, Nebraska, then spoke to Berd founder Charlie Spanjers about the science. Speaking of science, here is his white paper, Vibration Damping in Cycling, which includes topics like his new term of the coefficient of vibration reduction: https://berdspokes.com/pages/sparrow5... -- The Ride is supported in 2026 by: BikeTiresDirect: https://tinyurl.com/yc7vxujh (save 10% with code 'RIDEWITHBEN') Castelli clothing: https://www.castelli-cycling.com/US/en/ Perc coffee: https://tinyurl.com/fjr7nurr (save 15% with code 'ride15') POC helmets & sunglasses: https://poc.com/ Feedback Sports stands & tools: https://bit.ly/3S9Dq8r Saris racks: https://saris.com/collections/racks# (save 15% with code 'ben15') Silca maintenance: https://silca.cc/ Lezyne radar & lights: https://tinyurl.com/4z5e3e9u The Cyclist Lawyer: https://www.thecyclist-lawyer.com/ Shimano shoes: http://tinyurl.com/ye274tep -- Want to see what I'm testing and where? Follow me on Strava:   / strava   on Instagram:   / ben_delaney