Wide is the new aero?

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TLN
Posts: 630
Joined: Wed Jul 12, 2017 4:50 pm

by TLN

I've recently bought a bike with CLX40 wheelset, in addition to existing bike with CL64. Surprisingly, that both were released same time, but one is 23mm wide external (16mm internal), and other is 29mm. Now I'm wondering: do I want to upgrade CLX40 to something wider or not? It seems that wider rims are the way to go, and I really like my CL64. I do appreciate improvements in ride quality, however not convinced in upgrade: in fact CLX40 is pretty damn good wheel

If so, what would you choose from the following wheelsets:
CLX32
CL(x)50
CL(x)64
Reynolds 46 Aero
Mavic cosmic pro
His: Orbea Orca OMX
Hers: Cannondale Synapse HM Disc

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TonyM
Posts: 3376
Joined: Thu Jan 22, 2015 4:11 pm

by TonyM

Yes you see that trend in some wheel manufacturers. Wider inner width of the rim and wider outer width of the rim.
It is supposed to be more aerodynamic. At least if you go for 25mm or 28mm tires.

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TLN
Posts: 630
Joined: Wed Jul 12, 2017 4:50 pm

by TLN

I have 26mm tires on CL64 now(29 external) - rides very nice. And I'm planning to use same tires on new bike (I mean same model obviously, not moving tire frrom existing wheel).
His: Orbea Orca OMX
Hers: Cannondale Synapse HM Disc

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IrrelevantD
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Location: Near DFW Airport

by IrrelevantD

I’d go wider for the better ride quality. More comfortable ride you’ll be less likely to be getting out of the saddle as much, maybe stay in the drops longer, thus allowing you to stay more aero over the long run than any difference in rim profile will give you.
* There is a 70% chance that what you have just read has a peppering of cynicism or sarcasm and generally should not be taken seriously.
I'll leave it up to you to figure out the other 30%. If you are in any way offended, that's on you.

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TonyM
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by TonyM

Not to forget, the heavier you are the better it is also to have wider tires (and therefore wider rims etc....).

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Lelandjt
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by Lelandjt

Buuuuuutttt, with 23mm tires isn't a 23-25mm rim the most aero and aren't 23mm tires more aero than wider tires? The OP's question wasn't about what's most comfortable for heavy riders on rough roads.
Yes, there are a lot of reasons for the recent popularity of wide tires and rims but if weight and aero are the priorities 23mm is still where it's at.

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TonyM
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Joined: Thu Jan 22, 2015 4:11 pm

by TonyM

Not only the tire is important but the combo tire/ rim...this why some wheel manufacturers give their recommendation in terms of aero.

Multebear
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by Multebear

If you want to follow the trend and buy into to the marketing talk, then go for the wider version. But 23 mm external is fine. Just remember that wider means heavier.

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TonyM
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Joined: Thu Jan 22, 2015 4:11 pm

by TonyM

Yepp.....

DT Swiss is explicitly stating that they now have wider rims/ wheels because “it is the trend”...

AJS914
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Joined: Tue Jan 28, 2014 6:52 pm

by AJS914

A while back I read an article showing how there is a diminishing return on going wider and wider. Basically, it was saying that 23mm external was a big jump up from older narrow rims. Going to 25mm hardly added any benefit. 29mm wide road rims strikes me as too wide for a racing bike though maybe great for an endurance bike that has the clearance for wider tires.

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TonyM
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by TonyM

Yes this is what the wind tunnel test show. And the body is still 80% of the aero.

The advantage of wider rims wheels is there but not significant - except in terms of Marketing! They have to find something....

To me also wider like 29mm is really for larger tires and this is more like endurance or gravel.

But let’s be honest: the majority of the road bikers would better fit an endurance geometry than a race bike with a slammed stem. They ride some nice race bike because it looks good and the marketing is very good. Look at the new Tarmac and the wide Roval....Specialized is by far the best company in terms of Marketing.

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IrrelevantD
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Location: Near DFW Airport

by IrrelevantD

Lelandjt wrote:
Sun Jan 21, 2018 7:22 am
Buuuuuutttt, with 23mm tires isn't a 23-25mm rim the most aero and aren't 23mm tires more aero than wider tires? The OP's question wasn't about what's most comfortable for heavy riders on rough roads.
Yes, there are a lot of reasons for the recent popularity of wide tires and rims but if weight and aero are the priorities 23mm is still where it's at.
My HED Jet+ are about the same width, if not slightly wider than my 25c Panaracers. Most comfortable wheel/tire setup I've run to date.
* There is a 70% chance that what you have just read has a peppering of cynicism or sarcasm and generally should not be taken seriously.
I'll leave it up to you to figure out the other 30%. If you are in any way offended, that's on you.

tabl10s
Posts: 754
Joined: Wed Aug 23, 2017 5:40 am

by tabl10s

TLN wrote:
Sat Jan 20, 2018 4:22 am
I've recently bought a bike with CLX40 wheelset, in addition to existing bike with CL64. Surprisingly, that both were released same time, but one is 23mm wide external (16mm internal), and other is 29mm. Now I'm wondering: do I want to upgrade CLX40 to something wider or not? It seems that wider rims are the way to go, and I really like my CL64. I do appreciate improvements in ride quality, however not convinced in upgrade: in fact CLX40 is pretty damn good wheel

If so, what would you choose from the following wheelsets:
CLX32
CL(x)50
CL(x)64
Reynolds 46 Aero
Mavic cosmic pro
I have both CLX versions of the 50 & 64. It's been said the '50 is a better wheel than the 40 and is considered the sweet spot in the line. Also, the 32's are more aero than your beloved CLX 40's.
Last edited by tabl10s on Mon Jan 22, 2018 1:36 am, edited 2 times in total.
2015 Pinarello F8: 13.13lbs/5.915kg(w/Roval 64's). Sold.
2016 Rca: 11.07lbs/5.048kg.
2015 Rca. 11.15 lbs(w/Roval CLX 32's)
2015 Rca/NOS(sold).
2018 S-Works SL6 Ultralight 12.03lbs(w/Roval CLX 50's)

tabl10s
Posts: 754
Joined: Wed Aug 23, 2017 5:40 am

by tabl10s

TLN wrote:
Sat Jan 20, 2018 4:22 am
I've recently bought a bike with CLX40 wheelset, in addition to existing bike with CL64. Surprisingly, that both were released same time, but one is 23mm wide external (16mm internal), and other is 29mm. Now I'm wondering: do I want to upgrade CLX40 to something wider or not? It seems that wider rims are the way to go, and I really like my CL64. I do appreciate improvements in ride quality, however not convinced in upgrade: in fact CLX40 is pretty damn good wheel

If so, what would you choose from the following wheelsets:
CLX32
CL(x)50
CL(x)64
Reynolds 46 Aero
Mavic cosmic pro
Just discovered a new player:

http://roadsailor.racing/en/
2015 Pinarello F8: 13.13lbs/5.915kg(w/Roval 64's). Sold.
2016 Rca: 11.07lbs/5.048kg.
2015 Rca. 11.15 lbs(w/Roval CLX 32's)
2015 Rca/NOS(sold).
2018 S-Works SL6 Ultralight 12.03lbs(w/Roval CLX 50's)

TLN
Posts: 630
Joined: Wed Jul 12, 2017 4:50 pm

by TLN

TonyM wrote:
Sun Jan 21, 2018 6:16 am
Not to forget, the heavier you are the better it is also to have wider tires (and therefore wider rims etc....).
That's a good point. Being a heavier rider that makes sense. Crosswind with deep wheels makes less sense AFAIK..
Lelandjt wrote:
Sun Jan 21, 2018 7:22 am
Buuuuuutttt, with 23mm tires isn't a 23-25mm rim the most aero and aren't 23mm tires more aero than wider tires? The OP's question wasn't about what's most comfortable for heavy riders on rough roads. Yes, there are a lot of reasons for the recent popularity of wide tires and rims but if weight and aero are the priorities 23mm is still where it's at.
I guess it depends:
32mm deep, 25mm wide with 24mm tires (will be 25 at least) is pretty aero and light.
or
64mm deep, 29mm wide with 26mm tires (will be 28mm on the wheel): even more aero, and even stiffer wheel.
tabl10s wrote:
Sun Jan 21, 2018 10:45 pm
I have both CLX versions of the 50 & 64. It's been said the '50 is a better wheel than the 40 and is considered the sweet spot in the line. Also, the 32's are more aero than your beloved CLX 40's.
I can see that CLX40 is one generation behind now, no doubts.
Wonder if there's a difference between CLX50 and CLX64? Shimano says 50 is faster, but is it really? I can't see the reason: i.e. both are 29mm wide, same profile and etc.
His: Orbea Orca OMX
Hers: Cannondale Synapse HM Disc

by Weenie


Visit starbike.com Online Retailer for HighEnd cycling components
Great Prices ✓    Broad Selection ✓    Worldwide Delivery ✓

www.starbike.com



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