Stiff shallow rim to deep rim...

[fatalfrog]

I couldn't pick a worse title could I...

I currently have some Tifosi track wheels, very stiff and pretty happy with. But im toying with the idea of going to some carbon tubular 50mm (or 60) rims from carbonzone etc.

How much am I realistically going to lose in stiffness? Ive never been very worried about how stiff they are, though thats probably because the Tifosi are extremely good. Less spoke length make up for it right?

Any thoughts too, from people that actually own some would be ace of course!

 

[zizou]

I've no experience of the rims in question but generally deep rims are going to be stiffer

 

[e-rider]

surely you will gain stiffness, not lose it?

 

[Rob3rt]

Depends on the rims and the build, those Tifosi wheels are VERY stiff!

 

[fatalfrog]

surely you will gain stiffness, not lose it?

Thats why im asking - im only assuming here that shorter spokes will be stiffer.

Im planning to go from some exceptionally stiff wheel to some "cheap carbon" ones, so I would have expected to lose some quality/stiffness somewhere... maybe, but wondered if having shorter spokes would make up for it etc. The reason for the upgrade is slightly vanity, but I don't want to lose any ride quality over it, granted I really want to go back to tubs from clinchers.

 

[Mr Haematocrit]

I would rather run traditional wheels than cheap carbon deep rims. I have a friend who has a set of carbon rims branded as a bike retailers own make, they are the same depth as my Zipp 404 and they are horrible, the flex is noticeable under hard braking.

 

[alecstilleyedye]

you don't brake on the track!

 

[montage]

you don't brake break on the track!

ftfy

 

[fatalfrog]

I will probably go for some anyway, rather be running tubs anyway so good enough reason as any!

 

[alecstilleyedye]

tubs are compulsory on the indoor velodromes. make sure you glue them on, as taped on tubs are not allowed.

 

[fatalfrog]

Tubulars are not compulsory in indoor velodromes. Manc even says... "Use Continental, Schwalbe, Tufo or Vittoria clinchers or tubulars (black tread only), 21 mm wide or better."

I use glue anyway.