This seems to be highly variable (rider, tire pressure, riding style, wheel, setup, etc). Tim Coleman is very fast, very skilled, and very hard on bikes. He's done the math, and carbon rims come out well cheaper for him. That doesn't mean it's true for everyone, but he'll likely chime in here with his formula - but I think he used to break 3-4 alloy rear rims per season, and has used a personal carbon wheelset for 3 seasons without a single broken rim IIRC.
Everyone's different, do what works for you, but I've heard of other people with the same experience as Tim.
Nov. 3, 2021, 2:12 p.m. - Pete Roggeman
This seems to be highly variable (rider, tire pressure, riding style, wheel, setup, etc). Tim Coleman is very fast, very skilled, and very hard on bikes. He's done the math, and carbon rims come out well cheaper for him. That doesn't mean it's true for everyone, but he'll likely chime in here with his formula - but I think he used to break 3-4 alloy rear rims per season, and has used a personal carbon wheelset for 3 seasons without a single broken rim IIRC. Everyone's different, do what works for you, but I've heard of other people with the same experience as Tim.