Shallow or Deep Rims for Gravel?

[rothwem]

Well, OP here. Just got a set of Roval Terra CLs that I'm going to pop on the gravel bike, then I'll move the 50's over to the road bike.

I'm a litttle concerned that that the Rovals are going to be noodly, but I bought them used and can probably unload them for about what I got them for if I need to. Its funny (concerning?) to me that I'm running a lighter wheelset on my gravel bike than my road bike, but I guess tires are a big factor--40s probably protect the rims better than 28's do.

[Alistair]

Originally Posted by rothwem

Its funny (concerning?) to me that I'm running a lighter wheelset on my gravel bike than my road bike

Probably not uncommon. My 50mm road wheels are ~30g heavier than my (wide but not tall) gravel wheels.

Aeolus Pro 5 (1605g) vs Aeolus Pro 3V (1575g)

[prototoast]

EDIT: oops, wrong thread.

[Sarhog]

Originally Posted by rothwem

Its funny (concerning?) to me that I'm running a lighter wheelset on my gravel bike than my road bike, but I guess tires are a big factor--40s probably protect the rims better than 28's do.

Same here. I’m using BTLOS carbon wheels for road, at 1520 grams, vs Industry Nine alloy wheels at 1450 grams.

[Hilltopperny]

I am trying out some 32mm GKs on i9 65s for my Allroad bike. These are 21id which is plenty IME and I am 210-230lbs depending on the season. I have only had them out once, but no complaints.

Sent from my Pixel 6a using Tapatalk

[Hilltopperny]

With 45s and 30s as well.

[rothwem]

So I went ahead and got the shallow wheels on—they look awesome. As the kids say, it’s GAS. No mid here.

As far as ride-feel goes, I cannot tell a difference at all. Hubs are the same, so the new wheels even sound identical. That’s good though, it rode GAS (hope I’m using that right) before so I’m glad it didn’t get worse.

Before/After:

[djg21]

The most important thing is durability and being able to make it to the finish. There is no reason not to go both aero and wide. I’m about your size and use FLO GRAVEL wheels that are 55mm deep and have an internal width of 25mm. They are durable and comfortable. https://flocycling.com/collections/g...ollection-page

Some here say aero doesn’t matter on a gravel bike because they never go fast enough to reap a benefit. I disagree. I also think the few extra grams for a more durable, high profile wheel makes a lot of sense for larger riders.