Mastering Rim Brakes: Wheels for Your Road Bike

In an era increasingly dominated by disc brakes, it might seem that the venerable rim brake has been relegated to the annals of cycling history. However, for many road cycling enthusiasts, the classic rim brake continues to offer a compelling blend of performance, simplicity, and weight savings. Far from being obsolete, the market still provides an excellent array of rim brake wheelsets that incorporate modern features such as deep-section aero carbon rims, tubeless compatibility, and high-quality bearings. This comprehensive guide will navigate you through the enduring appeal of rim brake wheels, what to look for when choosing a set, and highlight some of the best options currently available.

Why Rim Brakes Still Hold Their Own

Despite the widespread adoption of disc brakes on new road bikes, there's a significant population of cyclists who still ride and cherish their rim brake equipped machines. Manufacturers like Boyd Cycling and Hunt Wheels continue to invest in and develop rim brake options, understanding that there are millions of high-quality rim brake bicycles in circulation. As Boyd Johnson, CEO of Boyd Cycling, aptly puts it, "It is nice to hop on a bike that doesn't make a rubbing noise of a rotor for 20 minutes after riding through a puddle."

The continued development in rim brake technology means that choosing rim brakes doesn't mean you're missing out on the latest innovations. Many modern rim brake wheelsets have been wind-tunnel tested alongside their disc brake counterparts and offer features like tubeless readiness, ensuring that riders can still benefit from improved puncture protection and a smoother ride.

Key Considerations for Rim Brake Road Bike Wheels

Selecting the right rim brake wheelset involves several important factors, many of which mirror those for disc brake wheels, but with specific nuances related to the rim braking system.

Carbon vs. Alloy Rims

The choice between carbon and alloy rims is perhaps one of the most significant decisions for rim brake users. Each material offers distinct advantages and disadvantages:

• Alloy Rims: Traditionally, alloy rims have been the workhorse of road cycling. They are generally more affordable, highly durable, and excel in terms of consistent braking performance across various weather conditions. They do not suffer from the same heat dissipation issues that early carbon rims did, making them a reliable choice for long, fast descents. However, alloy rims tend to be heavier, which can impact overall bike weight and acceleration.
• Carbon Rims: Modern carbon rim brake wheels have come a long way. Early iterations were notorious for poor wet-weather braking and a tendency to overheat during prolonged braking, potentially leading to delamination or tyre blow-outs. However, contemporary carbon rims feature advanced braking surfaces, often etched with lasers, and incorporate specialist resins (such as high TG resins that can withstand surface temperatures exceeding 200ºC). These innovations significantly enhance wet-weather braking performance and mitigate heat build-up. Carbon rims are typically lighter than alloy, allowing for deeper aero profiles without a significant weight penalty. They can offer superior aerodynamic advantages and a more comfortable ride due to their stiffness-to-weight ratio. When using carbon rims, it's advisable to use manufacturer-recommended brake pads, and to alternate braking during long descents to help manage heat.

Rim Width

One of the primary constraints for rim brake wheels is the maximum rim and tyre width that can be accommodated by the brake calipers and the bike frame. While disc brake bikes can often run very wide rims and tyres, rim brake systems are more limited. For instance, Shimano Dura-Ace rim brakes are officially constrained to 28c tyres and accept external rim widths between 20.8mm and 28mm. Many modern rim brake wheelsets offer internal rim widths between 19mm and 21mm, which are suitable for tyres up to 28mm wide. This ensures a good tyre profile for comfort and grip, even if it's not as expansive as disc brake setups.

Rim Depth

Despite the constraints on rim width imposed by the brake track, there are no such impediments to rim depth. This means rim brake riders can still benefit from the same deep, aerodynamically optimised wheel profiles found on disc brake wheelsets. Brands like Hunt offer rim brake carbon wheelsets in depths up to 82mm, and Boyd sells a 90mm-deep rim brake wheel. This allows cyclists to gain significant aero advantages for racing, time trials, or simply faster riding. For climbing, shallower rim depths are also available to save weight.

Tubeless vs. Clincher

The ability to run tubeless tyres is a significant modern trend, and it's not exclusive to disc brake wheels. Many current rim brake wheelsets are designed to be tubeless-ready, offering the benefits of reduced rolling resistance, enhanced puncture protection, and the ability to run lower tyre pressures for increased comfort and grip. While you can often run these wheels with traditional clincher tyres and inner tubes, it's worth noting that for carbon wheels, heat dissipation can be more effective with tubeless setups compared to those running inner tubes, especially lightweight latex tubes which are more prone to failure at high temperatures. Some rim brake wheels are also sold for use with tubular tyres, a common choice in professional racing for their ride quality and low weight.

Durability and Maintenance

Rim brake wheels, particularly those with alloy rims, are often lauded for their durability and robust nature. They make an excellent choice for heavy use, commuting, touring, and for heavier riders. The simplicity of cable-operated rim brakes means there's less to go wrong, and parts are generally easier to find and replace compared to hydraulic disc brake systems. This makes them a reliable option for ultra-endurance rides or expeditions off the beaten track. It is important to remember, however, that rim brake rims do wear out over time due to the braking action, which will eventually necessitate wheel replacement or re-rimming, a factor to consider in long-term maintenance.

Five of the Best Rim Brake Wheelsets

Here’s a look at some of the top-performing rim brake wheelsets we’ve seen, offering a range of options for different budgets and riding styles:

DT Swiss P-1800 Spline

• Price: £335 / $483 / €388
• Weight: 1,630g
• Key Features: Excellent value, highly durable, and easy to service alloy wheels. They feature aero spokes and are tubeless-ready with a 17.5mm internal rim width, suitable for up to 28mm tyres. The only minor drawback is the pawl freehub system, which is slightly less speedy than DT's ratchet system.

Hunt 4 Season Aero

• Price: £369 / $499 / €469
• Weight: 1,627g
• Key Features: Designed for year-round riding, these wheels boast extra-sealed bearings for weather protection and a robust 24-front/28-rear spoke count with brass nipples for corrosion resistance. A 19mm internal rim width supports tubeless winter tyres well. Hunt even includes spare spokes, highlighting their commitment to durability.

Vision SC55

• Price: £1,150 / $1,462 / €1,228
• Weight: 1,566g (55mm depth)
• Key Features: An affordable, tubeless-ready carbon wheelset available in 40mm or 55mm depths. With a 19mm internal and 27mm external width, they offer progressive braking and a fast ride that remains stable in crosswinds. Lightweight for their depth, they allow 25mm tyres to measure 28mm, enabling lower pressures for a smoother ride.

Giant SLR 1

• Price: £1,000 / $1,344 / €1,350
• Weight: 1,730g (65mm depth)
• Key Features: These carbon wheels, with DT Swiss 360 hub internals, are designed for durability. While the original 30mm depth is discontinued, the 65mm depth is still available. They offer good stopping power in dry conditions, and their weight saving over alloy rims is notable.

Halo Carbaura RC35

• Price: £1,000
• Weight: 1,450g
• Key Features: Lightweight and tubeless-ready carbon wheels with a 35mm-deep, 19mm-wide aero rim profile that provides excellent stability in crosswinds. The braking performance is highly rated, partly due to Halo shipping these wheels with high-spec SwissStop Black Prince brake pads as standard.

Rim Brake Wheelset Comparison Table

Who Still Makes Rim Brake Wheels?

The good news for rim brake aficionados is that the majority of leading wheel brands continue to offer rim brake options in their catalogues. Beyond the brands highlighted in our top picks, you can find modern rim brake wheelsets from renowned names such as Zipp, Mavic, Campagnolo, and SwissSide. These brands are committed to providing high-quality wheel upgrade options for the vast number of rim brake bikes still being ridden today, ensuring that riders don't have to compromise on performance or technology.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Are rim brake wheels still a good choice for road bikes?

Absolutely. While disc brakes have gained popularity, modern rim brake wheels offer competitive performance, weight savings, and aerodynamic advantages. Many riders still prefer their simplicity, lighter weight, and the classic aesthetic.

Can I use tubeless tyres with rim brake wheels?

Yes, many contemporary rim brake wheelsets are designed to be tubeless-ready. This allows you to benefit from improved puncture resistance, lower rolling resistance, and the ability to run lower tyre pressures for enhanced comfort and grip.

Do carbon rim brake wheels overheat on long descents?

Older carbon rim brake wheels sometimes suffered from overheating issues. However, modern carbon rims feature advanced heat-resistant resins (like high TG resins) and specially treated braking surfaces that significantly improve heat dissipation and wet-weather braking performance. It's still advisable to use manufacturer-recommended brake pads and to alternate braking during long descents.

What tyre width can I fit on rim brake road bike wheels?

Rim brake caliper and frame clearance typically limit tyre width. Most modern rim brake wheelsets are optimised for tyres up to 28mm wide, though some setups might accommodate slightly larger sizes. Always check your frame and brake caliper clearance before fitting wider tyres.

Are rim brake wheels durable for everyday riding?

Yes, especially alloy rim brake wheels are renowned for their durability and suitability for heavy use, commuting, and touring. Carbon rim brake wheels, while lighter, are also designed to be robust for their intended use. While rims will eventually wear out, the overall system is generally reliable and straightforward to maintain.

What kind of brake pads should I use with carbon rim brake wheels?

It is crucial to use brake pads specifically designed for carbon rims. These pads are formulated to provide effective braking, manage heat, and prevent damage to the carbon braking surface. Brands like SwissStop offer excellent options, and many wheel manufacturers will recommend or supply specific pads with their carbon wheelsets.

Conclusion

The world of rim brake road bike wheels is far from a relic of the past. With continuous innovation and a commitment from leading manufacturers, cyclists still have access to a wide array of high-performance, durable, and aerodynamically efficient options. Whether you prioritise light weight for climbing, deep sections for speed, or robust reliability for everyday training, there's a modern rim brake wheelset ready to elevate your riding experience without compromise. The classic feel, straightforward maintenance, and enduring appeal of rim brakes ensure they remain a cherished choice for many road cyclists.

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