Introducing R45: U-Shaped 45mm Deep Carbon Rim

U shaped rim

Several comments have been made about advantages of wheels which are more U-shaped than V-shaped and have a wider spacing between the bike rims. It is a relatively new development.

There are some advantages of this bicycle rim design.

Fisrt, It will have a straighter line and smoother transition from tire sideway to rim edge, for example; also less bulging of tire walls and make for easier passage of an inflated tire through brake calipers.

cyclocross rim

With standard shaped road bicycle rims, the only design variations generally relate to rim width at the brake track and rim depth, with all other changes moving the road bike rims from a roughly 'V' shape to more of a 'U' shape. With the concept, the maximum width of the rim can be tuned independent of brake track width, while the widest point of the rim may also be moved up or down within the rim cross section.

The tire attaches to the prongs of the U. The bottom part of the U is often flat on MTB carbon rims, but can be curved, sometimes even almost pointed, like the bottom of a V. Generally, the more curved or pointed the inner part of the rim is, the more strength it will have.

Wheels offer unmatched aerodynamics across the widest possible range of wind conditions, while having the lowest possible cross wind sensitivity. These shapes are also not affected by tire width changes nearly to the effect that other ‘V’ and ‘U’ shaped rims are, allowing the athlete to choose the optimum tire for his/her event, and not have to compromise on a tire around which the wheel was originally designed, in some cases up to 15 years ago.

Second, these clincher rims are with non-parallel brake track. The non-parallel brake track did not present a problem for braking. In fact, no need to alter the angle of brake pads. And it is nice to have the solid braking performance on an aero road bike wheelset.

The non parallel brake track has been around for a while, it's on Zipp's carbon wheels and some Hed wheels too. This angled brake track will improve the airflow over the tire onto the rim, help toe in the brake pads, and also help to dissipate against heat buildup on the edge of the rim.

The benefit of our new U shaped rims are: adding stiffness, due to a slight widening of the rim, and better braking, with a slightly angled brake track, not grew much in weight. And they are light, fast. when hit a few windy sections, it could not fell a thing in the cross winds.

U-shaped Road bike rim 700C wide tubeless compatible cyclocross

non parallel brake track

Third, it is tubeless compatible. Customers can choose to setup tubeless on this rim if you ride tubeless. It will be light wheels with tubeless setup.

road tubeless

tubeless setup perfectly

Buy carbon U-shaped rims now >>

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February 24th, 2014 | Light Bicycle

COMMENTS

Erik 2016/07/05

Do you have a 60mm U-shape wheel?

Light-Bicycle 2016/07/07

Hi Erik, Thanks for your inquiry. There are 55mm depth and 65mm depth U shape clincher rim, no 60mm. The 65mm depth rim is the newest rim and we will release this rim soon. Please find the attached cross-section drawing of the rims. RRU55C02: $178/pcs, 515 /-15g RRU65C02: around $186/pcs Thanks, Light-bicycle

Trent 2016/07/26

Can you send me a picture of the cross-section drawing for the 55mm depth rim? Thank you!

Light-Bicycle 2016/07/27

Hello Trent, Thanks for your inquiry. Please find attached rim profile of U55mm rim. Thanks, Light-bicycle

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dave 2015/07/04

Hi, I see you offer beadless rims for fat and 26, 27.5, and 29 but not for road 700c. Is it because the pressure is too high or do you think you will offer them soon? Thank you

Light-Bicycle 2015/07/06

Hello Dave, Thanks for your inquiry. We had hookless U35mm and U45mm rims before. But most of our customers like the road rims with hook. So, the new 25mm width road rims we have here are with hook, and only hookless U35mm rim is still for sale. If you like U45mm rim, it is with hook. Please find attached rims profiles. The max tire pressure of our road rims is 160psi. We recommend the max cycling pressure is 120psi. RRU35C02 (25mm wide U-shaped 35mm rim) hookless: 430 /-15g, USD163/pcs RRU45C02 (25mm wide U-shaped 45mm clincher rim) with hook: 460 /-15g, USD170/pcs For rim weave, do you prefer 3k, 12k or UD? Matte or glossy? 20H/24H? Please find below link. http://www.flickr.com/photos/light-bicycle/sets/72157631432948364/detail/ Thanks, Light-bicycle

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Joseph 2015/04/19

How many layers of carbon material in the main rim body ? All U sharp is tubeless ? Is it possible develop 80mm deep rim ?

Light-Bicycle 2015/04/20

Hello Joseph, Thanks for your support. -For carbon rims, we apply different layers of carbon materials on different parts. The carbon fiber layers around nipple holes are around 16 layers including reinforcement layer. -All our clincher rims are tubeless compatible. For tubeless, you only have to use yellow tape, sealant and tubeless tire. Then the rims can ride tubeless perfectly. -Currently, we only have U-shaped 60mm & 88mm tubular rims, no 80mm depth tubular rims. Is that ok for you? Please find attached rims cross-section drawings. RR60T03 (25mm wide U-shaped 60mm tubular rim): 430 /-15g, USD150/pcs RR88T03 (25mm wide U-shaped 88mm tubular rim): 540 /-15g, USD165/pcs For rim weave, do you prefer 3k, 12k or UD? Matte or glossy? Front 20H/ rear 24H? Please find below link. http://www.flickr.com/photos/light-bicycle/sets/72157631432948364/detail/ -We use basalt braking surface now. It is more safety, high durability and wear reduced. Thanks, Light-bicycle

joseph 2015/07/03

How many max temperature does it can accept ?

Light-Bicycle 2015/07/03

Hello Joseph, Thanks for your contact. The rims can resist 204 degree during braking. RRU45C02 (25mm wide U-shaped 45mm clincher rim): 460 /-15g, USD170/pcs Please find attached rim profile. For rim weave, do you prefer 3k, 12k or UD? Matte or glossy? 20H/24H? Please find below link. http://www.flickr.com/photos/light-bicycle/sets/72157631432948364/detail/ Thanks, Light-bicycle

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Jason 2014/09/13

Hi, I am looking for a set of cyclocross wheels U shaped rim - no braking track 28 holes both wheels disc brake hubs with standard quick releases UD glossy finish black spokes and nipples please send me pricing, weight and delivery time. thanks

Light-Bicycle 2014/09/15

Hello Jason, Thanks for your inquiry. Please find the attached cross-section drawing of the U-shaped 45mm clincher rim. It's OK to manufacture the rims with UD glossy and 28H(no braking track). http://www.flickr.com/photos/light-bicycle/sets/72157631432948364/detail/ There are disc Novatec D711 standard QR/D712-135mm standard QR for Shimano 8/9/10s(410g/pair). Is it OK for you? Do you prefer the hubs in red, white or black colors? Thanks, Light-bicycle

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Ben 2014/09/11

Hi, can you please quote me the following wheelset: Rims: UD matte, front 20H/ rear 24H Hubs: black Bitex RAF10/RAR9 hubs(258g/pair; 20H/24H) ( Are they ok for 82kg ) Spokes: black bladed Pillar Aero X-TRA 1420 (no 1422) Nipples: blue ( if not available black ) Shipping to Germany. What is the estimated weight for the wheelset with basalt braking surface. Thanks in advance Ben

Light-Bicycle 2014/09/12

Hello Ben, Thanks for your inquiry. Please find the attached cross-section drawing of the 45mm U-shaped clincher rim. So, your order(a pair 45mm U-shaped clincher wheels) is as below, right? rims: UD matte and 20H/24H, with basalt braking track hubs: black Bitex RAF10/RAR9 QR for Shimano 10s(258g/pair) spokes: black bladed Pillar Aero X-TRA 1420(4.3g/pcs for 260mm) nipples: blue, alloy Thanks, Light-bicycle

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Nelson 2014/07/29

how much is a set of tubeless U shape wheels with 11 speed rear hub shipped to Australia? What is the weight for the wheelset?

Light-Bicycle 2014/07/30

Hello Nelson, Thanks for your inquiry. Please find the attached cross-section drawing of the U-shaped 45mm clincher rim. For the rims(with basalt braking track), do you prefer UD, 3k or 12k? Matte or glossy? Front 20H/rear 24H? http://www.flickr.com/photos/light-bicycle/sets/72157631432948364/detail/ There are Novatec A291/F482 QR(320g/pair) and Bitex RAF10/RAR9 QR(258g/pair) for Shimano 11s. Which one do you prefer? Then I can tell you the total weight of wheelset accordingly. Thanks, Light-bicycle

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Vincent 2014/05/24

How much would it cost (total, including shipping to USA) for this set up: Front 50mm UD matte front rim 20 hole tubeless U shaped 24.5mm wide Rear 60mm UD matte rear rim 24 hole tubeless U shaped 24.5mm wide I will need to have access to the spoke holes, so drilling the tops is fine. I purchased a wheel set from a competitor, and the spokes pulled through the spoke holes. How many layers and what kind of reinforcement do you have in your wheels?

Light-Bicycle 2014/05/26

Hello Vincent, Thanks for your inquiry. The U-shaped clincher rim here is just with 45mm depth. If you'd like the 50mm and 60mm depth rims, they are with V-shaped. Please find the attached cross-section drawing of the rims. Which rim do you prefer? Then I can tell you the total price accordingly. It's OK to manufacture the rims with UD matte and front 20H/rear 24H. http://www.flickr.com/photos/light-bicycle/sets/72157631432948364/detail/ For the spoke holes, they are in the center of rim bed and with 7 degree. Is it OK? For rims, the layers are used differently at different areas. Some areas are 4 main layers and some areas have some reinforcement layers around 16 layers like nipple holes area. Do you want 2pcs rims or a pair wheels? Thanks, Light-bicycle

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Ivano 2014/05/11

is it possible for you to make a wheel like this: 700C carbon 38*23mm clincher/tubuless U shape rim G3 18/21H 3k matt, external nipple,basalt high-temp brake HUB Powerway R36 (campagnolo),black SPOKE Sapim cx-ray,black NIPPLE Sapim SILS ,black shipping to UK by EMS in Italy payment paypal how much money

Light-Bicycle 2014/05/12

Hello Ivano, Thanks for your inquiry. There are 45*24.5mm U-shaped clincher rim and 38*23mm V-shaped clincher rim. Which rim do you prefer? Please find the attached cross-section drawing of the rims. It's OK to have the rims with 3k matte and front 18H/rear 21H(for external nipples). http://www.flickr.com/photos/light-bicycle/sets/72157631432948364/detail/ Do you want the G3 for rear one or both? For the rims, do you want the spoke holes evenly drilled? Thanks, Light-bicycle

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Lester 2014/03/08

Hi, Do you have access to hubs for Track bike? Interested to build these 45mm u shape as track wheelset. Please price wheelset with track hubs if possible, and shipping to New Zealand. Thanks

Light-Bicycle 2014/03/10

Hello Lester, Thanks for your inquiry. Please find the attached cross-section drawing and some pictures of the U-shaped 45mm clincher rim. You want the use the wheels for disc, right? If yes, do you stil want the braking track on the rims? For the rims, do you prefer UD ,3k or 12k? Matte or glossy? 32H? Thanks, Light-bicycle

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Stephen 2014/02/28

Hi, I have two questions. Do you know when a 35-38mm U shape will be available? Also, if requested tubeless, are the spoke holes only on the inside of the rim and the outside of the rim has no holes so no rim tape is needed? Similar to the Yoeleo "special assembly technology"? Also, what brands of hubs can you build wheels with? I am interested in Circus Monkey Hubs. Thanks

Light-Bicycle 2014/03/03

Hello Stephen, Thanks for your inquiry. Currently, there is no 35~38mm U-shaped rim here. But we would launch more U-shaped rims in the future. It’s around several months later. Please find the attached cross-section drawing of U-shaped 45mm clincher rim. It’s OK to manufacture the fully UST rims(no spoke holes on the rim bed). Then you don’t need the rim tape for tubeless. For the rims, do you prefer UD, 3k or 12k? Matte or glossy? 32H? Thanks, Light-bicycle

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Stephen 2014/02/25

Hello, Can you send me a quote for: - 24.5mm wide 45mm deep clincher rim (tubeless ready). Do you make a 24.5 closer to 35mm? - Disk brake compatible hubs. No rim brake. - High spoke count for cyclocross and off road use. 28/32 spokes? What do you suggest? Needs to be durable. - Red nipples - Saipm CX-Ray spokes - Shipping to USA. 2 sets of wheels (4 wheels total) Thank you!

Light-Bicycle 2014/02/26

Hello Stephen, Thanks for your inquiry. We are going to launch more U-shaped clincher rims in the future, such as 35mm depth. It’s around several months later. Please find the attached cross-section drawing of the U-shaped clincher 45mm rim. For the rims(no braking track), do you prefer UD, 3k or 12k? Matte or glossy? http://www.flickr.com/photos/light-bicycle/sets/72157631432948364/detail/ The disc hubs here are Novatec D711 standard QR/D712-135mm standard QR(410g/pair). We sell this hubs with a pair, front 28H/rear 28H and front 32H/rear 32H. Which one do you prefer? The 32H wheels would be more durable. For the spokes, it’s black bladed Pillar Aero X-TRA 1420 (no Sapim spoke) and red pillar alloy light nipples. Is it OK? Thanks, Light-bicycle

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Damian 2014/02/11

Hi, Can you please send me the rim profile of the 50mm U-shaped rim? Is it ok to make with no brack track for disc use? Thanks.

Light-Bicycle 2014/02/16

Hello Damian, Thanks for your inquiry. Please find the attached cross-section drawing of the 50mm U-shaped clincher rim. The price is USD175/pcs and the weight is 470 /-15g. For the rims, do you prefer UD, 3k or 12k? Matte or glossy? 32H? It’s OK to make the rims without braking track for disc use. http://www.flickr.com/photos/light-bicycle/sets/72157631432948364/detail/ Thanks, Light-bicycle

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mitch 2014/01/11

hi, can you please quote me on 50mm U-shaped rims, no brake tracks, D711/D712 hubs in black, black nipples, and black spokes. also shipping to australia. cheers!

Light-Bicycle 2014/01/13

Hello Mitch, Thanks for your inquiry. Please find attached rim profile for U shape 50mm clincher rims. It is ok to make rims without brake tracks, for disc brake. Do you like rims with UD or 3k? glossy or matte finish? And do you like wheelset with front 24/rear 24 or front 28/rear 28? The price for this kind of wheelset is USD580/pair, and the delivery cost is USD58 for one wheelset to Australia by EMS. Thanks, Light-bicycle

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Chris 2013/12/04

Hello, Can you please quote on wheelset to Australia qld 4108 . 2 x 45 mm x 25.4 mm tubeless matte UD , PSR aero x-tra 1420 spokes , red alu nipples, 20 spoke Bitex RAF12 (black) Front & 24 spoke Bitex RAR16(black) Rear. Thankyou Chris

Light-Bicycle 2013/12/05

Thanks for your inquiry. Please find the attached cross-section drawing of the U-shaped 45mm clincher rim. It’s OK to manufacture the rims with UD matte and 20H/24H. For the hubs, there are Bitex RAF10/RAR9(black) for Shimano 10 speed, not Bitex RAF12/ RAR16. Is it OK for you? For the spokes, it’s black bladed Pillar Aero X-TRA 1420 (4.3g/pcs for 260mm) and red pillar alloy light nipples. The nipple length is 14mm. Is it OK for you? We can provide you 3pcs extra spokes and nipples. For the lacing, it’s OK to build the front wheel with radial pattern and rear wheel with 2-cross pattern. If the Bitex RAF10/RAR9 is OK for you, the price is USD560 and the shipping cost is USD58 for a pair wheels to Australia by EMS Thanks, Light-bicycle

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Chris 2013/12/04

Hello, please quote on wheelset to Australia qld 4108 , U shaped 45mm x 24.5 mm tubeless matte UD, Bitex RAF12 (black) 20 spoke Radial, Bitex RAR16 (black) 24 spoke 2X pattern, PSR (pillar) X-tra lite Ti spokes (with 2 x spare spokes of each length) , red alu nipples 12mm, Please note the Ti spokes request & pls quote on x-tra 1420 spoke build aswell. Thankyou very much Chris

Light-Bicycle 2013/12/05

Hello Chris, Thanks for your inquiry. Please find the attached cross-section drawing of the U-shaped 45mm clincher rim. It’s OK to manufacture the rims with UD matte and 20H/24H. For the hubs, there are Bitex RAF10/RAR9(black) for Shimano 10 speed, not Bitex RAF12/ RAR16. Is it OK for you? For the spokes, it’s black bladed Pillar Aero X-TRA 1420 (4.3g/pcs for 260mm) and red pillar alloy light nipples. The nipple length is 14mm. Is it OK for you? We can provide you 3pcs extra spokes and nipples. For the lacing, it’s OK to build the front wheel with radial pattern and rear wheel with 2-cross pattern. If the Bitex RAF10/RAR9 is OK for you, the price is USD560 and the shipping cost is USD58 for a pair wheels to Australia by EMS Thanks, Light-bicycle

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