Different rim widths between front and rear wheels

[saverin]

I recently picked up a Dura-ace WH-7801 front wheel for a rather small amount of money, and i am in the process of putting together a build for a corresponding rear wheel. Since it is proving very difficult to find a matching Dura-ace rim, I have been considering the H Plus Son Archetype - 23mm Wide Clincher Rim as an alternative.

My question is: Using 25c tires on the front and rear, what would be the advantages/disadvantages to running a ~20mm wide rim up front with a 23mm wide rim in the rear?

Perhaps someone out there has had experience with this....

[eric]

I've done something similar when situation warranted. I could not tell the difference in handling.

Motorcycles all have wider rear rims (and tires) than front. It works there.

[Marin]

The rear tire will be a bit wider, which is fine.

[wheelsONfire]

Enve SES is the opposite...

[kulivontot]

Is this any different than running mismatched tires, different width tires, or slightly different pressures between front and rear?

[eric]

I think that's the maximum rim width but not the width at the bead hooks.

[em3]

Ur overthinking it....ur going to get a bit more cush on rear with wider rim and 25c tire, but I doubt u will notice or yield any discernble advantage/disadvantage

[Dez33]

My question is: Using 25c tires on the front and rear, what would be the advantages/disadvantages to running a ~20mm wide rim up front with a 23mm wide rim in the rear?

I always run 23 on the front and 25 rear (same rim widths though), it's a little more comfortable on the long rides with no performance loss. I only run 25's on the font on my old hack bike where I'm nor really worried about max speed.

Would never run 20mm on a road bike again.