Real life thoughts on "wide" rims?

[Cyclenon]

For years I've always run 25mm tyres, just because they are comfortable.

I'm now after a new set of wheels and I read that wider rims are the new "thing".
I've also read this: http://forums.roadbikereview.com/wh...t-impressions-after-riding-racing-303826.html
and http://dcrwheels.co.uk/products/rims/700c-rims/velocity-a23/

I'm, after some real life views on whether there is any noticeable benefit in running 25mm tyres on a wide rim vs 25mm tyres on a "narrow" rim?

Or is the idea that one can run lighter 23mm tyres on wider rims and still get the benefits that a 25mm tyre would offer?

I'd be keen to hear if it's more comfortable?

Thanks

 

[boydj]

Better suited to 25mm tyres - imo.

 

[RedRider]

I have some wide archetype rims with 25mm (GP4000s) tyres as seen in my avatar. I'd like to try some 23 tyres on these rims but haven't yet.
Some general thoughts.
I remember reading those links in the OP before ordering this Spring.The archetypes do have a pleasing sing song hum to them even with laser spokes (and race on the back if I remember right) rather than CX Ray.
I do find myself cornering faster with greater confidence in the lean. Whether this is down to the wide rims, the general quality of the wheelset, psychological or a combination I'm not sure.
A wider rim will obviously give a different, lower profile to the tyre (more rubber on the ground which probably helps with the cornering?) but it was surprising to see the bike looked smaller/less tall to the naked eye with these rims. Other people noticed it as well.
The ride does feel more comfortable with the same tyres compared to previous narrow rims but again this could be to do with the overall build (carried out by dcrwheels and couldn't be happier with it).

 

[TheJDog]

I got Archetypes, too and have been running them with 25mm GP4000ses. I have them at a slightly lower pressure than I had on my previous regular width wheels and they are fine. I tried 23mm and they were awful. I'd have had to run them at around 50PSI to be comfortable.

If anyone wants to try the 23s I have a pair for cheap

 

[Venod]

l am running 23mm PX Rage Kevlar on Archetype rims they feel OK to me, I tend to corner a bit quicker than on 25mm but it is a different bike, I did run the 23s on the other bike and thought I was a bit quicker on them, comfort wise I can't detect any difference but they are both Ti frames, I would imagine a stiffer frame would highlight the difference.


http://www.cyclechat.net/threads/show-us-your-titanium.56645/post-3221660

post #444

 

[GrasB]

Wider rims are more aerodynamic & more comfortable with narrower tyres as the inner tube is closer to a circular shape. It'll also make nicer shaped contact patch when cornering & also reduce the amount of 'fall' you experience when turning the bike into a corner.

A wider rim will obviously give a different, lower profile to the tyre (more rubber on the ground which probably helps with the cornering?)

No tyre pressure defines the contact patch. The tyre shape & side defines the contact patch shape.

This only applies to clincher rims. On Tubular rims you only really see an aerodynamic advantage & the ability to run wider tyres with less complications.

 

[bpsmith]

Tyre pressure does not change the contact patch much due to the stiffness of the sidewall. This surely only applies up to a certain point?

If you fit a tyre and don't inflate, then surely the contact patch is bigger once you sit on the bike, compared to a correctly inflated tyre?