Deep-Section Aero Wheels

If you like to ride fast, have you ever considered using a set of deep-section aero wheels on your road bike? A deep-rim wheelset is more aerodynamic than a standard road bike wheel. Put simply, deep rims allow you to go faster for the same pedaling effort. Beyond just going faster, there isn't a road bike that doesn't look cool with aero wheels.

Should I choose shallow or deep rims?

Traditional road bike wheels are generally referred to as box section. These wheels tend not to offer an aero advantage and can cause air stall at the front of your bike, creating considerable aerodynamic drag.

Bikes straight out of the box will often come equipped with these styles of rims. This is because they are generally cheaper than aero wheels. You can also get high-end box section rims. These rims will be carbon fiber and designed to be lightweight. They are perfect for people who love to climb.

There are now two categories of deep-section rims. Mid-section ranges from 40mm to 60mm. Then, deep-section rims are those over 60mm.

Mid-section Wheels VS Deep-section Wheels

The deeper the rim, the more aero it is. The more aero your wheelset is, the faster you will go for the same effort. So why would you choose a 40mm mid-section over an 80mm deep section?

An 80mm deep rim will be heavier than a 40mm deep rim. If you are riding on varied terrain, you might find that a 40mm rim balances weight and aero advantage at a better point for you. One of the reasons for this is that the most significant jump in aero advantage is the jump from a box section rim to a 40mm deep aero rim. Once you go above 40mm, you start to get diminishing gains.

With a 40mm rim, you can start cheating the wind and not get a huge weight penalty for climbing. If you buy a carbon fiber deep section wheelset, they will also climb well. As carbon fiber technology advances, many mid-section wheels weigh the same as aluminum box section rims.

Deeper Rims

If you are riding on flatter routes, where lightweight is not such a high priority, then going deeper will be more beneficial. Going deeper with your rims is also vital if you want to start competing in triathlons or time trials. Slight gains here could be the difference between first and third place in a race.

Also, if you are regularly riding on 60mm+ rims, you will want to make sure you are riding in an area that does not have too many crosswinds. 60mm+ deep section wheels are best kept as your "good" wheels and used when racing or for events. 

What should I buy?

If you are a recreational rider riding in hilly areas or areas with many crosswinds, get a set of 40-60mm deep section wheels. If you want to race, live in flatter areas, or want to crush your Strava times, then get a set of 60mm and deep section wheels.