Changing the wheels on their bike presents a conundrum for many road cyclists. There are so many choices on the market that it might be difficult to decide which kind of wheel will fit their needs.
If you are changing your wheels, generally speaking, we may classify the options as lightweight or aero. Either you are trying to help your bike cut through the wind or lessen its weight.
Not every wheelset can be properly arranged; hence, the differences between groups are often not obvious. For example, the development of mid-section rims provides riders with an all-in-one solution that strikes a compromise between low weight and aero efficiency. Still, depending on your objectives, you could be better suited choosing wheels that tilt more toward one end of the spectrum or the other.
Should I choose light-weight or aero? That begs the query.
Aerodynamic Wheels
On a level road, two things slow down cyclists: rolling resistance and aerodynamic drag.
Rolling friction is the most important force influencing tire resistance at low speeds. Still, aerodynamic drag takes front stage as the speed rises. At a speed of 12.5 mph, we should assume a 50/50 split between the tire and aero-resistive forces, considering an average road position with acceptable tires.
Even at a quite modest speed, aerodynamics is still quite important. The fraction of effort needed to overcome aerodynamic drag rises significantly as the speed increases. For instance, around 75% of your effort will be required to overcome aerodynamic drag at a more reasonable speed of 20 mph on a level surface.
For the rider as well as the bike, a deeper aerodynamic rim can aid in lessening the resistance generated by wind. Aerodynamic drag is the main factor cyclists must overcome; hence, an aerodynamic wheelset can provide "free speed." The justification for having an aerodynamic wheelset gets much stronger when taken alongside other aerodynamic advantages.
Lightweight Wheels
Riding uphill, weight becomes a major determinant of the effort required. A 75-kg cyclist on a 10-percent slope will use over 90 percent of their effort in conquering gravity.
Riding on this hill, the rider weighing 75 kg would have to provide roughly 415 watts to keep a speed of 10 mph. About five watts of work are saved for every kilogram of weight loss.
When you're rising, weight takes more precedence than aerodynamics. Aerodynamics may, however, become more crucial during your trip if you are riding on level roads, undulating terrain, or a mountainous course with long valley roads. Cycling's needs must be balanced with your wheel set choice.
Is The Mid-Section An Optimal Compromise?
Between weight, reactivity, inertia, and drag reduction, a rim with a mid-depth provides a wonderful mix.
A 45-55mm wheel combination is regarded as ideal for an average rider weighing about 75 kg. Although deep enough to experience the aero benefits, it's light enough for a 75 kg rider to climb.
For all-day riding, most Team Dimension Data riders view the Enve 4.5 (45/55mm) as their main wheel. On flat or rolling courses, some riders, like Mark Cavendish, would rather use the deeper 7.8 (70/80mm) wheelset to maximize its whole aerodynamic advantages. Only heavier cyclists use the Enve 3.4 (38/42mm) during hills.
Alloy Or Carbon Rims
Regularly outperforming any other wheel you use are carbon road wheels. Having ridden for many years, I understand how important bike parts can be for bike performance. Two equally priced bike components can have somewhat different performance. You want to have carbon road wheels on your bike. I will enumerate the characteristics of carbon road wheels that improve them and explain why you ought to pick them:
Weight: Though more modern technologies aim to make aluminum wheels lighter, carbon road wheels provide the lightest weight for bikes. The most light-weight material utilized in the construction of bicycle parts is carbon fiber, which also helps the bike to keep a consistent pace.
One of the most crucial factors to consider while riding is aerodynamics. Especially aerodynamic, carbon wheels help you negotiate drag pressure and air resistance. They guarantee that, independent of the road conditions you are riding on, you reach better speed with less effort.
Having a smooth and comfortable ride depends mostly on impact absorption; hence, you could wish to go for carbon wheels. A bike's mean impact absorption qualities suggest that, over uneven terrain, etc., the rider does not feel the impact from landing at modest heights, on average. The ideal material to absorb the effects of riding is carbon fiber.
Other qualities are design, adaptability, and efficiency. There is scarcely a replacement for the best characteristics you may find out of bike wheels; carbon road wheels usually provide them.
The Right Wheel For You
Think about your riding technique to choose the ideal wheel for your bike. Should you generally ride uphill, a lightweight wheel would be appropriate. If you enjoy cycling downhill or on level ground, a mid-depth wheel would be perfect, though.
Usually, we advise widening the rim depth between 30 and 50 mm, which offers major aerodynamic advantages that exceed the minor weight gain. Furthermore, with this arrangement, the wheels are more stable.
