Wheels: different types....



scico

New Member
Jun 20, 2004
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Is there a thread on different kind of wheels, low profile, medium profile, etc. and their characteristics?
 
scico said:
Is there a thread on different kind of wheels, low profile, medium profile, etc. and their characteristics?
No replies??
Are there articles online about wheels differences?
 
scico said:
No replies??
Are there articles online about wheels differences?
Not really alot is just personal experience. Do you have a specific question about types of wheels.. Are you looking at buying some new wheels?
 
fluff said:
Not really alot is just personal experience. Do you have a specific question about types of wheels.. Are you looking at buying some new wheels?
Not a specific question...I'd like to know differences among medium, low high profile rims and pattern of construction.
 
Low, medium and high profile wheels refer to rim depth. These are all characteristics of the rim. Pattern of construction is independent of rim depth. Low profile rims use the least material and hence have the potential to weigh the least. High profile rims offer some aerodynamic benefit. The best way would be to read manufacturer descriptions about different wheels.

generalizations
low: lighter, less aero, some say less strong
high: heavier, more aero, some say stronger
 
I'll share some of my wheel experiences.

First off, if you're a heavier rider, stick to rims that have the brass grommets around the spoke holes. I've had some aero rims that were grommetless, and eventully the rim started to crack around the spoke hole. This has happened more than once, and usually on the drive side of the back wheel.

If you're a light rider, avoid rims that are too "deep" and aero. If you get a good cross-draft, you'll get blown across the road. Wheel weight means the more as it gets farther from the hub, so a "light" wheelset that has heavy rims and loses most of the weight in the hubs will still feel heavy when you ride them.

Have fun!