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Carbon wheel depth


JulienR

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I am toying with the idea of getting some carbon road wheels. I have a Canondale super six with rim brakes and it has some basic aluminum rims at the moment.

 

It seems like an aero set is best but I am a little confused in what depth to get - I understand the cons of deep wheels in strong winds but not sure how strong our winds are in joburg.

 

I mostly ride in a group over weekends.

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I am toying with the idea of getting some carbon road wheels. I have a Canondale super six with rim brakes and it has some basic aluminum rims at the moment.

 

It seems like an aero set is best but I am a little confused in what depth to get - I understand the cons of deep wheels in strong winds but not sure how strong our winds are in joburg.

 

I mostly ride in a group over weekends.

50mm best all-round, plenty aero but quite a few lightweight options still. If you are ordering and can get a custom set, 50mm front and 60mm rear is my fav.

 

I've lived in Joburg and the Kaap, strong winds are basically non-existant in Jhb. In Jhb I would not hesitate to go full aero if that's what I wanted to do - as in 64mm front and 80mm rear. That's IF you wanted to go full aero, this setup would be quite heavy and maybe not as aesthetically pleasing depending on how extreme your taste is. It would kill on a flat course, though.

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50mm is a good all rounder

...unless you live in a windy town, in which case +/- 35mm would be better imo.
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Current 50mm wheels are affected less by wind but can still be a challenge in the Cape's south easter.

Most budget friendly options unfortunately come with a weight penalty.

Having had wheels as deep as 60mm, I'm quite happy now on 30-45mm.

I place more value on the build quality and make up of the wheel (hubs, rims, spokes) than the depth.

My preference currently is also tubeless rims.

Edited by Thomo
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I am toying with the idea of getting some carbon road wheels. I have a Cannondale super six with rim brakes and it has some basic aluminium rims at the moment.

 

It seems like an aero set is best but I am a little confused in what depth to get - I understand the cons of deep wheels in strong winds but not sure how strong our winds are in joburg.

 

I mostly ride in a group over weekends.

 

If you are looking for lighter weight, more stiffness, a bit more robustness and better aero effects, be prepared to spend some money

Don't get carbon for the sake of carbon.

 

Deep section adds weight, and unless you are a breakaway specialist, the aero effect isnt worth it. For most of us, sitting in the bunch, the aero effect is minimal and our body creates the most drag anyway.

 

On my new Trek, I got the 35mm Bontrager Aeolus 3 carbon wheels and really like them compared to the American Classic Argent tubeless I had on my previous bike, which were really soft and felt quite bendy.

They are both tubeless compatible with a similar width and a similar weight even and I much prefer the Bontragers. 

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No problems with 60mm in joburg. More importantly I like the look and the brand.

 

And the faster you feel you faster you go. Science.

 

yep. can go deep in JHB. would not try in in the Cape. 

my 454's are great in JHB and a nightmare in CT

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