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#1
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Deciding between two DT swiss aluminium rims
Analysis paralysis, help needed.
I've got some DT 350 Centrelock hubs (28h/28h) and looking for a tubeless DT rim to use with them. (Yes I know there's Easton, and Hed, and Kinlin, and, and, and... so please don't go there. I am looking at DT swiss rims because I can get them far more easily). My riding is 65% paved tarmac, 35% smooth champagne gravel (think rail trails) and the very occasional rougher gravel section. I weigh 70kg, the bike would vary between 8-11kg depending on load carried. DT RR421: Assymetric. 20mm internal. 24mm external. 21mm height. DT RR481: Symmetric. 22mm internal. 26mm external. 25mm height. Smallest tyre I will run will be a 30mm. Largest will be a 35-38mm. Though there mayyyy be a chance I will ride a 40-42 in the future (currently no bike in my stable with clearance for that). Which rim and why? Granted the RR481 has slightly more modern dimensions but would the RR421 build into a better wheel considering the asymmetric profile? Bonus question: DT aerolites x28. Sufficient? I went with the extra 4 holes per hub after reading something from November Dave (and others similar) basically saying never rely on spoke gauge to do what spoke count should be doing. I think for my weight and riding style, something like an Aero Comp would be overkill but open to suggestions (e.g. Aero Comp rear drive side? Does this depend on which rim I choose?) Thanks! Last edited by robertbb; 10-17-2024 at 08:03 PM. |
#2
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Asymmetric rims for the win!
I have built many with O/C rear rims; they last longer and flex less laterally. I'd also stick to round spokes and brass nipples. Aero spokes reduce that lateral stiffness and any gains are marginal. Brass nipples because they won't gall or crack like aluminum nipples.
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http://hubbardpark.blogspot.com/ |
#3
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#4
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Given your use case, I’d go with the wider internal width rims. But I would also ping member Peter Chisholm (OldPotatoe) for his advice as I know he builds with DT rims (I am a happy customer):
https://forums.thepaceline.net/member.php?u=28701 |
#5
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Just a data point for you, on my gravel bike I run 38 mm tires on A23s which have an internal rim width of 18mm and it’s fine
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#6
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On the asymmetric bit I have more experience with rim but I thought their value was reduced with disc brakes. A disc rear has much less difference between the two flange widths as you now have a rotor on the NDS. I thought for disc wheels you actually are more likely to use an assym up front and use a symmetric rear (the opposite of how they were used for rim brake wheels). What are the rim weights? |
#7
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#8
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I agree with most of what most of OldPotatoe says. The difference in weight (430 grams vs. 485 grams) is quite a bit, in terms of rim robustness. All else equal, a wider and deeper rim will also be be more robust. Also as OldPotatoe says, offset spoke holes on dished wheels do increase reliability, all else being equal. However, 28 spokes isn't a lot for a 430 gram, fairly shallow aluminum rim. Despite not having offset spoke holes, the deeper, heavier rims might make for slightly tougher wheels. A rider who rides "light" may be able to get away with the lighter rims, but a rider who is a "wheel wrecker" would probably want the heavier rims.
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Do you find that they bulb too much? I know it'll work but I guess tyres perform best when the shape is correct for the tread. I don't care about aero.
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#10
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I can't say that it looks (or feels) particularly bulby to me, to have 38s on 18mm internal width.
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#11
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FYI, I use a set of wheels with the RR421 rims and they've been bulletproof. |
#12
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According to my Sutherland's Manual,
"Wired-on tires with an ISO section width of between 1.45 and 2 times the rim width (measured in millimeters between the inside of the flanges) should fit well. Hooked edge rims hold tires with a section width of up to 2.25 times the rim width. In practice, and in the quest for lighter weight, many companies have mounted fat (MTB) tires on narrow rims. ISO has not updated it's standardss during this time, but real-experience has shown that for MTBs, 3.0 times rim width works. 3.25 or 3.5 times are possible, but most companies back off from such extremes, and we would not recommend them."
__________________
http://hubbardpark.blogspot.com/ |
#13
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i22 for the win. Asymmetrical is nice but the reality is that non asy work just as well.
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#14
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For a 22mm to 42mm tire range, I wouldn't hesitate to select rims that are 20mm wide internally and 24mm wide externally. - They are lighter, so since neither rim gives aero gains, you may as well higlve lighter wheels. - They are plenty wide to easily and competently handle your tire width range. - They are offset and allow for a better build. For years I used H+Son Hydra rims on my gravel bike- it's 20mm internal and 25mm external, and 23mm deep. So pretty similar measurements as the RR421. I used 42mm WTB tires and 43mm Panaracer tires and never thought twice about tire width compared to rim width when I was actually riding. |
#15
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That's also incorrect. It is true that flattened spokes have less stiffness in bending - but spokes aren't loading in bending, they are only loaded in tension. Only the longitudinal stiffness of the spoke matters. For spokes of the same length and material, longitudinal stiffness is affected only the cross-sectional area, not the cross-sectional shape. A 1.5mm diameter round spoke has the same cross-sectional area as a 1mm x 2.2mm aero spoke, so wheels built with either will have the same stiffness. |
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