If you want to ride fast, your road bike could do with deep-section aero wheels. Deep-section wheels are more aerodynamic than standard box-section road bike wheels. Simply put, this will make you faster for the same amount of effort. As well as making you faster, there is no road bike out that doesn't look cooler with aero wheels.
Shallow section VS Deep section
Traditional road bike wheels are commonly referred to as box-section. These wheels do not offer any aero advantage. They will lead to air stalling at the front of your bike, creating a sizeable aerodynamic drag.
On a bike out of the box, you'll find these styles of rims fitted as standard. That is because they are generally cheaper than aero wheels. You do also get high-end aero rims. These rims will be constructed from carbon fiber and designed to be lightweight. They will be your choice if you like climbing.
Deep section rims now come in two varieties—mid-section, which is 40 mm to 60 mm. Then, there is the deep section, any rim above 60 mm.
Mid-section VS Deep Section
An 80 mm deep rim will be heavier than a 40 mm deep rim. If you ride various terrains, you might find that the 40mm rim balances weight and aero advantage at a better point for yourself. One of the reasons for this is the most significant jump in aero advantage, which is from a box-section rim to a 40 mm deep aero rim. Going above 40 mm starts to bring marginal gains.
The 40 mm rim will allow you to start cheating the wind and not be a huge weight penalty for climbing. Your climbing will also prefer it if you buy a carbon fiber deep-section wheelset. As carbon fiber technology moves forward, many midsection wheels will weigh the same as aluminum box-section rims.
Deeper Rims
If you are riding flatter routes, where lightweight isn't as much of a priority, then going deeper will benefit you more. Deeper rims will also be important if you want to start competing at triathlons or time trials. The marginal gains could be the difference between 1st and 3rd in a race.
You will also want to ride in a place without too many crosswinds if you're going to ride 60 mm+ rims regularly. 60mm+ deep section wheels work well if you want to keep them as "good" wheels and use them for racing or if you're going to smash that local KOM on Strava.
How To Choose?
35mm,38mm, and 40mm wheelsets are suitable for those who pursue lightweight and climbing, 50mm and 55mm are suitable for daily riding to and from work, while 60 mm+ wheelsets are suitable for flat roads or indoor venues for those who pursue aerodynamics.
ICAN AERO is our top-of-the-line tubeless-ready wheelset ideal for performance-oriented riders. We designed it in a way that balances aerodynamics, stiffness, and weight in an affordable package. Alpha series is the perfect affordable wheelset for those seeking a high performance ride. Both of them have wheelsets available in different depths, such as 35mm, 38mm, 40mm, 50mm, 55mm, and 86mm.
