deep sectioned rims vs normal rims

Generally, I think the difference is aerodynamics (of the aero rim) versus the weight of a standard. An aero rim (generally deeper than 30mm) can provide a significant aerodynamic advantage. But, these rims generally weigh more. I have read that at speeds above 13-15 mph the aerodynamic benefit outweighs the weight disadvantage. But, deep-dish aero rims (~50mm or greater) can prove tricky to handle in cross winds.

As for which to keep, you may also want to consider the rim material (e.g., are the aero wheels carbon, which can be more fragile that aluminum), the number of spokes (more spokes generally equals a more durable wheel), and what you will be using the wheels for.

xxamr_corpxx said:

What are the advantages of deep sectioned rims vs normal rims? Am deciding which ones to keep.

Deep section rims are stiffer and share the load over more spokes. Stiffness and sharing load over more spokes generally results in more durability.
Did you watch the TdF?
I know that the wheels they ride are not for every day rides or riders, but deep section rims were the order of the day for even mountain stages.

piping in a bit late.

I'd keep the deep section rims unless there was something wrong with them. if you deal with really windy conditions, get a box section front wheel for your wheel arsenal.

deep section rims are stronger - they use spokes to place the hub more than to make the wheel stronger. a strong deep section rim (not a faired rim) typically supports a couple hundred pounds on its own. a box section rim would be hard pressed to do so.

deep section rims, for me at least, tend to be stronger, hold true better, and generally perform better (reliable, fast).

as pointed out deep section rims are usually a bit heavier (some carbon one are light though). at speeds over 20-25 mph though deep section rims become invaluable - by my own experiments, Spinnergy RevX, the aluminum original Shamals, Cosmic Carbons, Zipp 440's (original deep dish Zipp), Tri Spoke all show significant increases in top speed compared to a very lightweight 28 spoke box section tubular (all had same brand/model tires, same road, same day, same rider, same bike, and my experiment took place on the same loop of road). Interestingly enough I found the shallow dish Zipp (the 330 back in the day) was the slowest of all the "aero" wheels, barely faster than the box rim. I have not tested or ridden the newer Zipps, new Spinnergys, the new deep dish Campy wheels, or any of the Ksyrium type Mavic wheels.

regarding wind - if you train on the wheel, you'll get used to it. before my experiment I used to avoid using deep section rims/wheels in any kind of wind. after my experiment I decided to use aero wheels whenever possible. depending on whether weight was important or not I'd use the Tri Spokes or the 440's (and now Reynolds DV's). I used the Specialized/HED trispoke/s in training and racing for several years in wind gusts up to 40+ mph with no problems. I do put on a different front wheel when expecting fast (50+ mph) descents in windy or tight conditions. I don't do hilly road races (hill = anything more than 1/2 mile) but I feel comfortable descending at 50 mph in a group if the road is wider than a goat path.

good luck
cdr