Wide Rim Revolution or Fad?

Until recently I'd forgotten these were even a thing.

Are the "ultra" wide rims from Ibis or Derby that different or less than what they're cracked up to be?

I call industry conspiracy but everyone who runs them will say they are the cat's ass… I have no issues with my 23mm internal width rims on both my AM and DH bike.

I call industry conspiracy but everyone who runs them will say they are the cat's ass… I have no issues with my 23mm internal width rims on both my AM and DH bike.

I'm with you on this one for sure.

I'm with you on this one for sure.

I'm on the fence, there is no doubt that the theory for wider rims is there, but for the super wide rims the tires need to be wider too. A 2.3" Maxxis on the Ibis rim does not ride as well as the same tire on a rim with a 25mm internal width in my opinion. So if you go super wide you end up riding wider tires which are heavier.

I think rim widths will settle around 28mm internal maximum for "normal" width tires (2.1" to 2.4").

I'm on the fence, there is no doubt that the theory for wider rims is there, but for the super wide rims the tires need to be wider too. A 2.3" Maxxis on the Ibis rim does not ride as well as the same tire on a rim with a 25mm internal width in my opinion. So if you go super wide you end up riding wider tires which are heavier.

I think rim widths will settle around 28mm internal maximum for "normal" width tires (2.1" to 2.4").

Yeah, makes sense… I was thinking the new Easton rims at 27mm would be a good compromise…

everyone who runs them will say they are the cat's ass…

i think that's called post-purchase rationalization

Keep what you have. In 7 years the cycle of fashion will turn over and whatever you are using now will become an unbelievably awesome improvement again.

i think that's called post-purchase rationalization

That's pretty much it.

I'm not getting into this as I've beaten this topic to death, but I think super wide, super stiff rims don't ride well at all. They have their place, but I would never mount one on a trail bike.

I'm waiting for 26+ (26x2.5 to 26x3)
all the roll over ability of 29x2.3 and lighter

OH WAIT, I had 26x2.5 that were really 26x2.7 Specialized tires back in 1991
fantastic for riding on rocky beaches and mtn stream beds

I'm waiting for 26+

http://surlybikes.com/bikes/instigator_2point0

I like when people make the joke about waiting for 26+…not knowing that Surly already makes it. No waiting needed.

^
Surly is late to the 26+ party
better recalibrate your sarcmeter
double wide rims were out in 1988 or earlier

Happy with my Flow EX rims (25mm internal). Can't really see what benefits ultra wide rims (35-40mm internal) will offer, without tires being designed for that width.

Well, apparently, if you don't like the performance of a rounded profile tyre, like, say, a Maxis Ardent, then throw down 14 hun USD on a new Ibis wheel set and Bob's your uncle, weh?

That's pretty much it.

I'm not getting into this as I've beaten this topic to death, but I think super wide, super stiff rims don't ride well at all. They have their place, but I would never mount one on a trail bike.

I put some 35mm Derbys on my E29 after going through the Traverses it came with and then a set of Flows. The Derbys are almost too much. At first I was digging in too much, driving them the same way I would my softer, more compliant Flows. I had to learn to ride them differently. They're mega stiff. Good thing I went to butted spokes to give the rims some room to flex. Now I think they ride great. Very precise, hard charging.

I think carbon rims are pretty necessary if you're riding an aggressive 29er around here; especially if you're over 200lbs. Though whether it's the carbon, the width or the depth that brings the extra stiffness I couldn't tell you. Given where tires are at I'm not sure it's worth going any wider than 35mm, which is already a big jump for most people.