Wide is the new aero?
Moderator: robbosmans
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
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
Hers: Cannondale Synapse HM Disc
Visit starbike.com Online Retailer for HighEnd cycling components
Great Prices ✓ Broad Selection ✓ Worldwide Delivery ✓
www.starbike.com
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
Hers: Cannondale Synapse HM Disc
- IrrelevantD
- Posts: 857
- Joined: Sun Nov 29, 2015 5:47 pm
- Location: Near DFW Airport
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.
I'll leave it up to you to figure out the other 30%. If you are in any way offended, that's on you.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
- IrrelevantD
- Posts: 857
- Joined: Sun Nov 29, 2015 5:47 pm
- Location: Near DFW Airport
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.Lelandjt wrote: ↑Sun Jan 21, 2018 7:22 amBuuuuuutttt, 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.
* 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.
I'll leave it up to you to figure out the other 30%. If you are in any way offended, that's on you.
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.TLN wrote: ↑Sat Jan 20, 2018 4:22 amI'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
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)
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)
Just discovered a new player:TLN wrote: ↑Sat Jan 20, 2018 4:22 amI'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
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)
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)
Visit starbike.com Online Retailer for HighEnd cycling components
Great Prices ✓ Broad Selection ✓ Worldwide Delivery ✓
www.starbike.com
That's a good point. Being a heavier rider that makes sense. Crosswind with deep wheels makes less sense AFAIK..
I guess it depends:Lelandjt wrote: ↑Sun Jan 21, 2018 7:22 amBuuuuuutttt, 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.
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.
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
Hers: Cannondale Synapse HM Disc