01-18-2018, 08:30 AM
this is a deep and often loaded question. If you are agonizing over the decision to go with either a carbon or aluminum rim, here are some pro and cons that should be helpful. As always, please feel free to call or e-mail us directly since each application and athlete have unique demands.
Durability and replacement cost:
Carbon rims are typically very durable, however they do not generally respond well to extremely sharp impacts (such as potholes). While most carbon rims can handle relatively harsh environments pretty well, the cost of replacement is significantly higher than aluminum.
Aluminum rims will often bend when subjected to sharp impacts. This may require the rim to be replaced, however it can typically be ridden (cautiously) until it can be rebuilt.
Typical replacement costs of carbon rims $450+. Typical cost of aluminum rims $65-$125.
Carbon rims will rarely fail catastrophically. Older (pre 2011) carbon rims and rims from suspect manufacturers can sustain damage through excessive braking heat.
Aluminum rims rarely fail under braking.
Aerodynamic & Weight Performance:
Carbon rims will generally outperform aluminum rims in the wind tunnel due to their aerodynamically efficient cross-sectional designs.
Deeper section rims can be significantly more difficult to handle in strong cross wind conditions, so don't always assume that the deepest possible wheel will be your best choice for all riding conditions. Improving aerodynamic performance will almost always deliver better results than reducing weight. There are exceptions to this rule, such as hill-climb specific wheels.
Racing vs. Training:
If you plan to use your wheels for race-day use only, the carbon wheels make a lot of sense since they will probably be used for far fewer daily miles on tough city roads.
If you use your wheels for both training and racing, be sure to select a carbon or aluminum wheel with the appropriate spoke count to handle the additional stress of daily riding. Most off-the-shelf carbon wheels have minimal spoke counts that may not be appropriate for daily riding.
Braking Performance:
Aluminum braking surfaces generally stop in all weather conditions and do not require special brake pads. Carbon braking surfaces require special brake pads, do not stop as well in wet weather, and are more sensitive to overheating under heavy braking conditions.
Durability and replacement cost:
Carbon rims are typically very durable, however they do not generally respond well to extremely sharp impacts (such as potholes). While most carbon rims can handle relatively harsh environments pretty well, the cost of replacement is significantly higher than aluminum.
Aluminum rims will often bend when subjected to sharp impacts. This may require the rim to be replaced, however it can typically be ridden (cautiously) until it can be rebuilt.
Typical replacement costs of carbon rims $450+. Typical cost of aluminum rims $65-$125.
Carbon rims will rarely fail catastrophically. Older (pre 2011) carbon rims and rims from suspect manufacturers can sustain damage through excessive braking heat.
Aluminum rims rarely fail under braking.
Aerodynamic & Weight Performance:
Carbon rims will generally outperform aluminum rims in the wind tunnel due to their aerodynamically efficient cross-sectional designs.
Deeper section rims can be significantly more difficult to handle in strong cross wind conditions, so don't always assume that the deepest possible wheel will be your best choice for all riding conditions. Improving aerodynamic performance will almost always deliver better results than reducing weight. There are exceptions to this rule, such as hill-climb specific wheels.
Racing vs. Training:
If you plan to use your wheels for race-day use only, the carbon wheels make a lot of sense since they will probably be used for far fewer daily miles on tough city roads.
If you use your wheels for both training and racing, be sure to select a carbon or aluminum wheel with the appropriate spoke count to handle the additional stress of daily riding. Most off-the-shelf carbon wheels have minimal spoke counts that may not be appropriate for daily riding.
Braking Performance:
Aluminum braking surfaces generally stop in all weather conditions and do not require special brake pads. Carbon braking surfaces require special brake pads, do not stop as well in wet weather, and are more sensitive to overheating under heavy braking conditions.