38mm vs 50mm Carbon Road Wheels: How to Choose?

Comments on aero wheels 38mm vs 50mm carbon rims

Damenkoh 2021/09/24

I using 50mm carbon disc rims. Do i need a smaller 38mm wheelset for climbing? Any different? In term of,speed. 38 faster? What hill n flat road? 38 or 58?

LightBicycle 2021/09/24

Hi Sir, For normal climbing, 38mm and 58mm 700C rims won't make much difference in speed. But this also depends on the power you invest. But deeper section wheels do gain better aero benefits in flats or downhill. If you are doing steep climb more often, I would say shallower rims would make more sense. I hope this can help. The aero performance varies from rims because of the shape design and wheel weight. So the actual situation might be different if you are comparing 2 different design rims. Thanks, Lightbicycle

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Razi 2020/01/28

Hi, im razi from Malaysian I thinking upgrade form alu to carbon wheelset. whether 35 or 50mm? I like endurance ride, and more to audax trip. can u suggest which wheelset suitable for me currently my weight now is 110kg Thanks, Razi

LightBicycle 2020/01/29

Hi Razi, May i know your tire width that you are going to use? Do you like 700C wheelset with rim brake or road disc? Or do you like 29er enduro wheelset?Then we can check which wheelset is better for you. Thanks, Lightbicycle

LightBicycle 2020/01/29

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Mark 2018/07/06

Hi, I'm trying to decide between 38mm or 50mm, how windy would you consider windy enough to choose 38mm over 50mm? I'm 86kg so not a featherweight that would get blown around easy. Thanks for your help Mark

LightBicycle 2018/07/07

Hi Mark, Both 38mm and 50mm road clincher rims that you are looking at are with V-shape rim profile. For road bike rims, we would recommend U-shape rims. The U-shape profile spreads the force of impacts and creates a more robust product. Do you want disc or non-disc rims?, U-shape rims are with our new high TG resin brake track, which can bear over 240-degree heat. U shape rim provides better balance while there is side wind. By the way, your email address looks incorrect. The email failed to arrive your mail. Please check. Thanks, Lightbicycle

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Joey 2018/05/22

Hello, I'm have a 38mm pair wheels and my weight is 90kg height 5'8 and doing a duathlon, is it ok or 50mm is better? Thanks

LightBicycle 2018/05/22

Hi Joey, 1. Are you riding disc or non-disc? If you are about to go with non-disc for a run-bike-run duathlon. My suggestion is to go with our U-shape rims. Because of the new brake track technology. It can bear the 240-degree heat. Both 38mm and 50mm rims are with our old brake track surface. The braking performance won't be as good. Would you take a look at RRU35C02 (25mm wide, 35mm deep) or RRU45C02 (25mm wide, 45mm deep)? Attaching with the rim profile for your ref. 2. The lighter wheels might be better for climbing, but the deeper rims are more aerodynamic and stiff. What feature is more important for you? 3. What's the tire width you use? Our U-shape rims are compatible with 23~38mm wide tires. Thanks, Lightbicycle

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RJ 2018/05/02

Hi, is an 88mm rear and 60mm front advisable for long rides with climbs? i often see they don't use >60mm on century rides. appreciate your feedback.

LightBicycle 2018/05/02

Hi RJ, For century rides. a lighter wheelset might be better. Considering the long distance. Like you said, wheelset with over 60mm depth rim is not common for this. Could you tell me why you take 88mm for your consideration then? Are you a heavy rider or you prefer the aerodynamic feature of deep rims? Thanks, Lightbicycle

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Ronald 2018/02/14

Which wheelset would be recommended for me at 5'9" 155lbs?

LightBicycle 2018/02/14

Hi Ronald, May i know your tire width? Do you ride aggressively or not? Then we can check which wheelset is better for you. Thanks, Lightbicycle

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Joel 2016/08/11

Hi, Can I mix match size? Like 38mm front and 50mm for the back clinchers? What is the rider weight limits? Thanks, Joel

Light-Bicycle 2016/08/12

Hello Joel, Thanks for your inquiry. It is okay to build wheelset with front 38mm/rear 50mm. The rider weight limit is 120KG.May i know your weight please? We can check which wheelset is better for you. Thanks, Light-bicycle

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Darius 2014/08/26

For cyclocross applications where crosswind is less of an issue, is a 50 mm rim stronger than 38 mm?

Light-Bicycle 2014/08/27

Hello Darius, Thanks for your inquiry. The 50mm depth rim is stronger than the 38mm depth rim. Do you prefer clincher or tubular rims? Please find the attached cross-section drawings of the rims. Thanks, Light-bicycle

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Pedro 2013/01/21

Hello, I am looking for a 23mm wide carbon fiber tubular rim in 24mm height. Do you have something like this? Thanks Pedro

Light-Bicycle 2013/01/22

Hello Pedro,Thanks for your inquiry.Currently, we only have 23mm wide for 38mm tubular, 50mm tubular, no 24mm height. Please check attached cross-section.Is it ok for you?Thanks,Light-bicycle

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Robert 2012/10/23

Hi Nancy Looking to get a set of 38mm clincher disc cyclo cross wheels , Cant seem to find any details of these wheels on your site or cost so if you could please forward details that would be great . . . . regards Rob

Support 2012/10/23

Hello Rob, Thanks for your inquiry. Do you mean the no braking track on 38mm clincher rim? Is that right? Please check attached pictures. And we will have 23mm wide for 50mm rims next month, it will be good for cyclo cross. Thanks, Nancy

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RAFIUDEEN 2012/08/13

LOOKING FOR A 60MM AND ABOVE CARBON CLINCHER WHEELS

Support 2012/08/14

Hello Rafi, Thanks for your inquiry. For 60mm crabon clincher rim, yes, we have it. All our road rims are with new manufactured way, and the strength is much better than others. please find attached pictures and the cross-section drawing for the rims. Thanks, Nancy

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