Wide rims update
Here is my update after 1 year months and 5000+ miles riding on wider rims. Here is my feedback.
Baseline: Older wheelset used for 5 years
Rims: Sun Venus
Spokes: Sapim DB
Num of spokes: 24 Font radial laced 28 Rear 2 cross both sides
Hubs: Bitex
Nipples: Aluminum
Tires: 23 mm high end Continental and Vredestein
Pressure: 100psi
Weight: 1488
New wider rim wheelset:
Rims: Kinlin XC279
Spokes: Sapim CX-Ray
Num of spokes: 20 Font radial laced 24 Rear 2 cross both sides
Hubs: Bitex
Nipples: Aluminum
Tires: 23mm high end Continental and Michelin
Pressure: 90 psi
Weight: 1490
Terrain: Roads in the greater Philadelphia area.
So what there a difference:
The new wheelset is 2 grams heavier.
The new rims are 4mm wider.
The same tire measures 1-1.5mm wider on the new wider rims
The wheels feel smoother but I think that’s from being able to run lower pressure.
Better cornering grip.
More aerodynamic but that is because the new wheelset has 8 less spokes and the spokes are bladed.
I have really enjoyed the wider rim wheelset this past year. I had the opportunity to swap out and ride on my older wheels during the year and I would immediately notice how much soother the ride ride felt but more importantly how much better the wider rims cornered. I believe it all has to do with the larger contact patch and the profile of the tire. (I discussed this in my earlier article)
So while it’s nice to go a little faster It’s the smoother ride and better cornering make the wide rim design a no brainer.