Dion Lewis
Heavy riders require a special set of road bike wheels that come with specialized rim profiles, hubs, spokes. It can be difficult for even the most experienced riders to suggest a set of wheels for aggressive riding discipline, especially if you are new to cycling. Road riding involves traveling both uphill and downhill, and there may also be areas where the terrain will be flat. You will need to know where to push more or less on the pedals, to brake more, how to go about the corners, and many other issues – all of which may discourage anyone from riding biking altogether.
Heavy riders should not just give up on riding road bike wheels just because they are having difficulties when choosing the best road bike wheels for aggressive riding. Although there are not many brands who offer wheels that are specifically built for heavy riders – there are a few like ROL who do and also there are a few others who allow certain customizations like increasing spoke counts, opting for deeper section wheels amongst others – which will help them choose better.
Factors to consider for buying a road bike wheelset if you are a heavy rider
1. Rim Type
Clinchers are the most common type of tires on road bikes. However, they are only suitable for riding on flat and rolling terrain. Aluminum rims under heavy riders usually see cracks on the spoke nipples in the rear wheel.
For heavier riders, the rims will need to exhibit enough radial and lateral stiffness – so that they will not fail despite the conditions they are used in or no matter how roughly they are used by the heavier set of rotors. Aerodynamic rim profiles are best suited for this task. Deep rims may be affected by crosswinds; however, heavier riders are at less of a disadvantage in such cases. a deep rim controls the airflow, allowing heavier riders the aerodynamic advantage. Ride performance is significantly boosted as deeper rims contribute to the sought after stiffness of the wheels. Tubular rims are used for competitive road racing, as they provide better comfort and riding under low tire pressure, and do not get a flat easily. Tubeless Rims allow riders to run less air-pressure than clinchers, making tubeless ideal for off-road riding where aggressive riding or heavy riding may cause flats.
2. Wheel Dimensions
With a larger diameter than 650c wheels, 700c wheels offer reduced rolling friction with a better ability to roll over objects with high-volume tires. 650b wheels are smaller, and with higher-volume tires have a wider contact area and exhibit better grip while riding. The 650b wheels can accommodate higher-volume tires.
3. Rim Width
Wider rims will make a tire have a U-shape, where the sidewalls are more vertical. This allows it to provide better support to the weight of the rider as the tire will not flex as much as before due to the wider rims. Wider tires are vertically stiff. However, it is best to lower down air pressure in the tires to really use the larger tire widths. They will allow more grip on hard surfaces which Increased tire pressure may reduce tension in the spokes. Wide rims add to the versatility of wheels, and can easily handle tracks and dirt roads.
4. Rim Material
Carbon fiber rims add more stiffness to the wheels, which permits predictable and precise riding. Carbon can be used to form high-tech aerodynamic shapes for riders seeking an advantage in road, triathlon, and time trial racing This coupled with the wide rims will keep the weight of the wheelset low. Carbon rims also allow the rider to turn corners at greater speed with greater confidence, and also allow better acceleration. Transfer of energy is more efficient on carbon rims than aluminum ones which are desirable on uphills and flats. However, coming downhill – aluminum rims may actually save more energy. Some riders also prefer aluminum rims because they have a reputation for being more durable and robust.
5. Spoke Selection
Heavier rider weight results in cyclic fatigue loads which may cause the wheel to give away under stress. For heavy riders, heavier gauge spokes should be considered as their lateral stability has increased due to the thick cross-section of the spokes. Higher spoke count can bring down the stress on each individual spoke. This will also make the wheel durable. Reducing air pressure in the wheels means that the spokes will have higher tension, which is ideal for heavy riders.
6. Tire pressure
It is very important that the wheels of heavy riders can handle the weight of the rider. Heavier riders will need tires with a bit more psi to handle the extra weight. Usually, road bike tires run at high pressure so that they do not experience flats, and rolling resistance is reduced. Narrow road bike tires require the highest pressure.
7. Brands
Although there are a lot of road bike manufacturing companies, there are only a few who can recommend their wheels for heavier riders, and we know, in today’s market- reputation is very important. Brands such as Mavic wheels, Zipp wheels, Hunt wheels, Vuelta Corsa HD, ROL are some of the names that comprise the list. Experts and reviewers will usually ask you to go for companies that have good customer support service so that you can relay to them exactly what type of wheels you are looking for. It will be sensible to tell them if you had any issues with wheels that you have used in the past – as we are sure experts can throw some light on why you may have had such an experience. Powerful, bigger riders surely have special needs – so it will be prudent to go for wheels that are specially made for them, or opt for a wheel or pair that allows certain customizations to it like increasing the spokes count, amongst many others – to offer the best road bike wheels. Usually, production models will be easier on your wallets and tend to have certain products/series that will provide the overall best performance. Customization will be expensive but when you think of all the money and effort that you will be spending in case of broken spokes or similar issues after purchase just because of any extra feature is missing or you selected a wrong product spec- a stitch in time will surely save you nine!
Amongst all the brands, ROL has built up a reputation for manufacturing wheelsets that are more suitable for heavier or aggressive riders, and the fact that they allow you to buy a set of wheels, try them, and if you do not like how they feel or experience any issue – ROL will buy them back from you – is a shopping experience that is not often provided by many wheel companies.
Our Top Pick(s)
We undertook several hours of research to make sure we have been extremely thorough with our brainstorming, testing, and selection. Our research has allowed us to actually recommend the 10 best road bike wheels for heavy riding. After substantial analysis, we have been able to draw up a set of road bike wheels for heavy riders that are stiff, strong, aero, lightweight, and perform very well on the road – which in this case is the “ROL Wheels D’Huez Road Bike Wheelset – Campagnolo”. Thus it has been labeled as the “Overall Best Choice”.
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A quick view of the best wheels that we have selected for heavy riders:
| Wheel | Max recommended weight (kg) | Our Rating |
|---|---|---|
| ROL Wheels D’Huez Road Bike Wheelset | 79 | 97 |
| ROL Wheels Race SL Road Bike Wheelset | 95 | 96 |
| ROL Wheels Volant (R/T) Road Bike Wheelset | 109 | 95 |
| Rolf Prima Black Rock 27.5-inch Wheelset | 120 | 88 |
| Shimano Dura-Ace 9100 C40 carbon road wheelset | 120 | 95 |
| Reynolds AR58x Carbon Wheelset | 120 | 94 |
| Campagnolo Zonda Db Par cl Wheel 700 C | 120 | 90 |
| ICAN 38mm Carbon Fiber Road Bike Wheels | 100 | 82 |
| ICAN FL40 – Carbon Road Bike Wheelset | 105 | 81 |
| SUPERTEAM 700c Carbon Fiber Road Disc Brake Wheelset | 130 | 92 |
10 best road bike wheelsets for heavy riders
| Wheel | Preview | Weight/Size | Spoke | Hub | Max Tyre Pressure | Max recommended weight | Skewers |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ROL Wheels D’Huez Road Bike Wheelset – Campagnolo | No products found. | 1430g/ 700C | SAPIM CX-Ray Spokes/20, radial/24-2x 2x lacing | 3D Forged Alloy ROL Hubset | 125psi | 79kg | included |
| ROL Wheels Race SL Road Bike Wheelset | No products found. | 1555g/ 700C | SAPIM CX-Ray Spokes – Black, 20, radial/24-2x 2x lacing | 3D Forged Alloy ROL Road Hubset/DT 240s | 130psi | 95kg | included |
| ROL Wheels Volant (R/T) Road Bike Wheelset |  | 1655g/ 700C | 2.0mm SAPIM Race Double Butted Spokes/ 24 front radial/28 rear 2x2x | 3D Forged Alloy ROL Road Hubset | 130psi | 109kg | included |
| Rolf Prima Black Rock Wheelset |  | 1565g/ 650b | Sapim, Round/24 paired spokes/24 paired spokes | Rolf Prima XST w/ T2 High Engagement | N/A | 120kg | included |
| Shimano Dura-Ace 9100 C40 |  | 485g/ 700C | Stainless steel butted and bladed straight pull spokes/ 16 radial/21 2 cross | Shimano Dura Ace 9100 | 116psi | 120kg | included |
| Reynolds AR58x Carbon Wheelset |  | 1635g/ 700C | Alloy Sapim CX-Sprint bladed/ 20 radial/24 2-cross | Reynolds Alloy | 120 psi | 120kg | Not included |
| Campagnolo Zonda Db Par cl Wheel |  | 1675g/ 700C | Stainless Steel aero butted/ 21 (front)/ 21/MG3 (rear) | 6 bolts and AFS™ | 120psi | 120kg | Included |
| ICAN 38mm Carbon Fiber Road Bike Wheels |  | 1370g/ 700C | Sapim CX-Ray Spokes/20 , radial /24,2-cross(drive side),radial(non-drive) | ICAN standard hub 6 pawls hub | 90-135psi | 100kg | Included |
| ICAN FL40 – Carbon Road Bike Wheelset | | 1400g/ 700C | Sapim CX-Ray Spokes/20,Radial/24, 2-cross (drive side ),Radial (non-drive side) | Novatec Hub (FS522SB/AS511SB) | 90-135psi | 105kg | Included |
| SUPERTEAM 700c Carbon Fiber Wheelset | No products found. | 1845g /70 Cx23 or 700Cx25. | TaiWan Blade Aero /24/24 | Superteam CX3 disc brake hub | 125psi | 130kg | included(Customizable) |
1. ROL Wheels D’Huez: ROL wheels are highly suggested for heavy riders | Overall Best Choice
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If you are a heavy rider, you should not look any further than this wheelset from ROL, the D’Huez Road Bike Wheelset. The combination of superior cornering and friction-free rolling is ideal.
The ROL hubs are lightweight and compatible with spokes. Their wide profile boosts their gripping abilities and stiffness, thanks to the increased surface area. This wheelset uses top of the line rims and alloys hubs that have been 3D forged. Even if you are on the heavier side of the weighing scale, you will have a comfortable riding experience thanks to the footprint offered here. The suspension system is rigid, yet does not compromise ride quality. In contrast, you will be able to exert better control over the wheels. With vertically aligned sidewalls that retain their structure and side treads that are bending outwards – you can ideally use this wheelset on the road dirt. This boost of confidence is inspiring.
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ROL Wheels D’Huez Road Bike Wheelset
2. ROL Wheels Race SL: Clincher Type, Excellent ride quality, Improved handling
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The ROL Wheels Race SL Road Bike Wheelset (Clincher Type) is the best selling alloy-clincher wheelset offered by ROL. Preferred for road racing, triathlons, and criteriums, it is sought after due to the wheelset’s speed, excellent handling, and improved overall ride quality.
The new rim profile is wide and stiff. Additionally, the wide rims have boosted tire performance as there is a much wider contact patch available for the tire along with the reduced sidewalls. With the 30mm rim depth of this wheelset, you can turn corners with much more confidence which is a cherry-on-the-top with the stiffer and aerodynamic profile. The exclusive Aero rim and 3D Forged alloy hub is top of the line. 3D forged alloy ROL hubs distribute tension in the Sapim CX-Ray spokes of the rear wheel more evenly which increases the lifespan of the spokes. Also, DT Swiss Pro Lock Standard Nipples make for a durable wheel structure, where the nipple thread is injected with a dual compound, adhesive liquid making the bond between the nipple and the spoke extremely strong. The spokes allow aggressive or larger riders. Riders exceeding the 95 kg recommended weight limit on the SL should consider upgrading their spoke hole count from 20/24H to 24/28H. These extra spokes will drastically enhance wheel strength and lateral rigidity., as this is necessary for heavier or powerful riders for safe, sufficient power transfer from the pedals.
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ROL Wheels Race SL Road Bike Wheelset
3. ROL Wheels Volant (R/T): Performance wheelset, Perfect for aggressive/large riders on any road type
- Type: Wheelset
- Weight: 1655 g
- Wheel Size: 28”
- Color: White Reflective; Black Reflective
- Rim Type: Clincher
- Rim Material: Alloy
- Rim Finish: Matte Finish, Welded Seam
- Rim Depth: 27 mm
- External Rim Width: 23 mm
- Internal Rim Width: 18 mm
- Spoke Type: 2.0 mm SAPIM Race Double Butted Spokes
- Spoke Count & Pattern: 24 front radial/28 rear 2x2x
- Hub: 3D Forged Alloy ROL Road Hubset
- Bearings Used: Japanese EZO Sealed Cartridge Bearings
- Nipple Type and Material: DT Swiss Prolock Brass Nipples – Black
- Maximum Rider Weight: 109 kg
- Skewers: Included
- Double-butted DT Swiss Competition Spokes – Black: These double-butted versatile spokes make up wheels that easily facilitate the carbon rims while making them durable. They are also lighter and stronger, making them ideal for a variety of road biking.
- ROL 3-D forged hubs: ROL hubs are compliant with the exacting standards that have been implemented by ROL itself. They fit the front hubs with 2-bearings while are 4-bearings are preferred on the rear hub
- Japanese EZO sealed bearings: Extremely swift, sealed non-contact bearings. These bearings are easy to replace and will extend the life of the accompanying hub and wheelset. Rolling resistance is less in comparison to standard bearings.
- Increased Spoke count on each wheel: In comparison to the other wheelsets by ROL recommended for heavy riders, the Volant R/T adds 4 extra spokes to both the front and rear wheels. This increases wheelset strength while making them more durable – which makes these wheelsets perfect for heavier riders or those who are into aggressive riding.
- Aero rims: Reduces drag force effect on the rider, due to the 27 mm rim depth
- Wide rims: Larger tires here improve handling and cornering due to wider tread faces and stiffer sidewalls. May bring down braking distance on dry pavements. The increased air volume due to the wider base is the reason for the low rolling friction, reduced drag force effect, and a comfortable ride with improved handling.
- Hand-built: ROL wheelsets are hand-built in the US.
- A weight of 1655 g means the wheel is a bit on the heavier side.
- The rear hub will make a squeaking sound, out of the package.
- Plastic ROL skewers do not gain confidence. Other brand skewers are made from steel.
Hand-built in the US, the ROL Wheels Volant (R/T) Road Bike Wheelset is a pure performance wheel, with increased spokes making it ideal for heavier riders. This property means that these wheels can endure potholes and not compromise on wheel lifespan. The 24/28H spokes with DT Swiss Prolock Brass Nipples enhance wheel strength and lateral rigidity, meaning it will flex a little sideways when putting under a lateral road. These wheels climb hills very well and also perform well while coming downhill. Allows good acceleration.
The 3D Forged alloy hubs have optimized hub geometry, with the front and rear wheel employing a 2-bearing design and 4-bearing design respectively – which complies with exacting standards set by ROL.
ROL Wheels Volant (R/T) Road Bike Wheelset
4. Rolf Prima Black Rock: Titanium freehub body, EN quality standard test passed wheelset
- Type: Wheelset
- Weight: 1565 g
- Wheel Size: 27.5”(650b)
- Color: Matte Black
- Rim Type: Clincher
- Rim Material: Carbon
- Rim Finish: N/A
- Rim Depth: 32 mm
- External Rim Width: 33.5 mm
- Internal Rim Width: 28 mm
- Spoke Type: Sapim, Round
- Spoke Count & Pattern: 24 paired spokes/24 paired spokes
- Cassette Body: Hub: Rolf Prima XST w/ T2 High Engagement
- Nipple Type and Material: Black anodized
- Maximum Rider Weight: 120 kg
- Maximum Tyre Pressure: MAX pressure mentioned on the tire
- Skewers: Included
- XST Hubs: The Titanium freehub body has 3 steel pawls that have been sprung independently. T2 Drive Rings are CNC machined, which offers efficient power transfer from the pedals and allows fast engagement.
- Differentiated Flange Diameter: The oversize non-drive Differential Flange is an advantage here because it facilitates the torque transfer from the rear-drive spokes to the non-drive spokes, leaving an increased number of spokes with absorbed torque.
- Paired spoke technology: Here, the spokes are brought to the rim in pairs, eliminating left and right outward pulling. This allows them to build wheels with even tension distribution on rims which are on the lighter side of the weighing scale.
- Aero, fast wheels: Reduced spoke number and light rims improve the aerodynamics of the wheels which also perform fast.
- Steel Axles: Long length spokes with large diameters increase stiffness and allow efficient power transfer; steel is durable and stiff.
- Hookless Rim: They are stronger and less expensive.
- Disc brake: Disc brake versions of these wheels are available for different axle configurations.
- Requires regular cleaning as debris build-up is more frequent between the spokes which require extra maintenance.
- The hubs are in constant need of tightening which may not be desirable for regular riders
The Rolf Prima Black Rock 27.5 inch wheelset comes with a 142 mm Thru Rear Axle, an SRAM XD 11s freehub body, and a center lock rotor. The XST hubs have 3 steel pawls with T2 engagement, allowing for more efficient torque transfer from the pedals and increased speed of engagement. Paired spoke technology with the CN alloy external nipples also makes the wheel more durable. Additionally, steel axles are oversized so that they are stiffer and last long.
This hookless, all carbon clincher rim is designed for impact resistance. Combination with XST hubs produces a wheel that is lightweight and well-built, and compatible with Shimano/SRAM 10/11-speed, SRAM XD. The rear wheel has a flange diameter that is differentiated for durability. 33.5 rim width makes it ideal. Rolling resistance is reduced due to the lower rim weight at the outer edge of the wheel, increasing speed. Wider rims allow better control, better handling, and boost rider confidence.
Rolf Prima Black Rock 27.5-inch Wheelset
5. Shimano Dura-Ace 9100 C40: Carbon road wheelset recommended for heavy riders
- Type: Wheelset
- Weight: 1485 g
- Wheel Size: 28’/700C
- Color: Black
- Rim Type: Clincher
- Rim Material: Aluminum with Carbon laminate
- Rim Finish: Carbon laminate
- Rim Depth: 35 mm
- Internal Rim Depth: 15 mm
- External Rim Width: 20.8 mm
- Spoke Type: Stainless steel butted and bladed straight pull spokes
- Spoke Count & Pattern: 16 radial/21 2-cross (cross laced on the drive side, straight on the non-drive side)
- Hub: Shimano Dura-Ace 9100
- Nipples: External aluminum nipples
- Maximum Rider Weight: 120 kg
- Skewers: Included
- Aerodynamic Profile: With a rim width of 20 mm, the resulting wheel will exhibit better aerodynamic properties. A greater contact interface between the ground and the wheel enhances grip, allowing better cornering abilities.
- Hub & spokes: An aluminum hub is coupled with straight spokes – pull, constructed from stainless steel. This reduces sideways flexing under a lad applied laterally.
- Carbon lamination: Using phosphoric acid, the alloy is anodized initially. This is later fused with carbon to make it lighter while boosting rigidity.
- OTBAL spoke system: Following a 2:1 distribution of spikes, 7 and 14 spokes are present on the non-drive and drive side respectively. Consequently, there will be no additional tension in the spokes present on the drive side – leading to better stiffness of the wheel and a sturdy wheel structure.
- Rim: To ensure that the wheel has all its weight concentrated on the hub – the rim used here has a thickness of 0.6 mm. The resulting wheel is lightweight, and will not be susceptible to damage so easily. You will also feel more comfortable as you ride the wheelset.
- The wheels are more prone to be affected by a crosswind, as optimum handling will not be possible.
- Parts may be difficult to find, which makes maintenance or repair time-consuming.
Shimano Dura-Ace 9100 C40 carbon road has a lightweight design, where all weight all been concentrated on the wheel center. Compatible with 8,9,10 and 11 s Shimano cassette body, the wheel structure is ideal for high-speed riding and sharper cornering. You can also observe that they will respond better to you and allow you to cut through winds better. Carbon lamination will balance out the weight of the alloy so that stiffness is not compromised. Even if you are riding downhill fast on warm sunny days, the alloy brakes will be performing consistently. All the wheel components are in perfect coherence to ensure better wheel performance.
Stainless steel straight pull bladed spokes and aluminum external nipples make the wheel light, and the cold-forged-aluminum hub along with the oversized 7045 alloy axle contributes to it. Compatible to cassette bodies Shimano 8/9/10/11 speed – stiffness is also boosted. Borozon treated bearing races reduce rolling friction.
Shimano Dura-Ace 9100 C40 carbon road wheelset
6. Reynolds AR58x: Tubeless, Better grip & Aerodynamic profile
- Type: Wheelset
- Weight: 1635 g
- Wheel Size: 28”/700c
- Color: Black
- Rim Type: Tubeless Ready
- Rim Material: Carbon Fiber
- Rim Finish: Ctg2
- Rim Depth: 58 mm
- Internal Rim Depth: 19 mm
- External Rim Width: 28 mm
- Spoke Type: Alloy Sapim CX-Sprint bladed
- Spoke Count & Pattern: 20 radial/24 2-cross
- Cassette Body: Shimano 8/9/10/11 speed
- Hub: Reynolds Alloy
- Nipples: external aluminum nipples
- Maximum Rider Weight: 120 kg
- Maximum Tyre Pressure: 120 psi
- Skewers: Not Included
- Reynolds all roads hubs: The Reynolds ARx is offering a set of carbon wheels that are ideal for any terrain that you decide to take them on. With wider rims, even on tubeless tires – they are optimized for you to ride away.
- 58 mm Rim depth: Despite narrow internal width, can easily accommodate 50 mm tires. Successfully supports wider, low-pressure tubeless tires. This allows for improved grip, reduced rolling friction, and enhanced ride comfort.
- Ctg2 brake track: Heat resistant brake track, 30% better braking
- PR3 technology for rim profile: Performance Rim 3 Construction technology for rim profile. Identifies and assigns different carbon fiber lay-up to three key areas of the bike rim – the sections being rim hook bead, brake track, and rim profile.
- BWI Technology: BWI stands for brake wear indicator. It is embedded on the rim brake wheelset brake track and indicates a worn rim by becoming visible. It is essentially a 10 mm red line on either side of the rim, opposite the valve hole.
- Bladed Sapim CX-Sprint spokes: These spokes weigh less and have an aerodynamic profile
- ARx Series: Reynolds ARx series – Attach, Assault and Strike carbon fiber wheels with wider rim profiles, tubeless wider tires.
- Lateral stiffness could be better, which is something offered by brands offering similar feature/performance wheels
- These wheels are very firm on the ride, which may not be desirable for heavy riders.
The Reynolds AR58x Carbon Wheelset (Tubeless) is compatible with Shimano 8/9/10/11 speed and features wide, tubeless rims that can fit high volume tires, increasing ride comfort, grip while reducing rolling resistance. PR3 construction technology of the rims has changed the rim shapes – making them wide and more refined so that at different yaw angles, crosswind stability is not compromised. Engineered for assisting you as you clock up the miles on your road bike by offering fast and smooth-rolling performance.
Ctg2 brake track allows better braking performance as it is more heat resistant. Smooth, light Reynolds Allroad hubs can roll better in addition to their overall glossy appearance. This is paired with water transfer graphics on these painted rims which gives these sets of wheels a clean and sophisticated appearance. Sapim CX-Sprint bladed spokes are perfect for road riders who want to focus on lateral rigidity by taking advantage of this high strength and durable spokes, paired with external aluminum nipples.
Reynolds AR58x Carbon Wheelset
7. Campagnolo Zonda DB Wheel 700 C: A forum favorite, Affordable performance
- Type: Wheelset
- Weight: 1675 g
- Wheel Size: 28”/700c
- Color: Black
- Rim Type: Clincher
- Rim Material: Aluminium
- Rim Finish: Black
- Rim Depth: 26 mm front, 30 mm rear
- Internal Rim Width: 17 mm
- External Rim Width: 22 mm
- Spoke Type: Stainless Steel aero butted
- Spoke Count & Pattern: 21 (front)/ 21/MG3 (rear)
- Cassette Body: Shimano 10/11 Speed
- Hub: 6 bolts and AFS
- Nipple Type and Material: Black anodized Aluminum, Self-locking, external
- Maximum Tyre Pressure: 120 psi
- Maximum Rider Weight: 109 kg
- Skewers: Included
- Milled Rims: The rim is machined for both the front and rear wheels, which brings down the weight of the rim at the fringe. As a result, the wheels become extremely reactive, and can therefore hold your speed due to the reduced rolling friction.
- RDB™ – RIM DYNAMIC BALANCE: To make sure that the rim is balanced even at faster speeds – the gasket is balanced by an item of similar weight on its exact opposite, on the aluminum rim.
- MOMAG™: Without any holes in the upper bridge, we find that the nipples are supporting the spokes here. With a structure that does not exhibit any abnormalities – the distribution of stress is uniform and there are no weak areas present. The resulting rim can perform better while being durable. For better lateral and radial stiffness – spokes are holding onto the initial tension longer.
- G3™ technology: G3™ geometry on the right-hand side of the rear wheel is fitted with twice as many spokes to better transfer rotational force from the pedals, vibrating less and flexing less sideways under increased load and minimize pressure on the rear wheels Oversized flanges improve how responsive the wheel is and allowing the wheel to bear more load before distortion.
- MEGA-G3 System: This is an assembly structure that Campagnolo has used to innovate the architecture of the wheelset for maximum energy transfer from, putting the right side spokes under reduced tension pedaling, Campagnolo has developed an assembly architecture which, compared to a traditional wheel, makes it possible to improve energy transfer, reduce the stress on the spokes on the right and boost transverse rigidity.
- Two different interfaces with the rotor: This wheelset is compatible with both the 6 bolt rotor and AFS, which is essentially every disc brake rotor in the market. Adds to the versatility of the wheels.
- The front hub bearing has a noise while the internal rim width could be more. This means the wheel is not aero, which is also due to the heavy skewers being used here
- Zonda wheels used here do not come with covers while the stickers on the wheel seem less expensive and weak.
Owing to the G3 technology of Campagnolo, stiffness, and reactivity of the Campagnolo Zonda DB Wheel 700 C is praise-worthy. Front-wheel and the rear wheel have more support on the braking side due to the extra support of the lacing pattern. We can also see innovative RDB(Rim Dynamic Balancing) technology, where the aluminum rim used here uses two oversized spokes on the section of the rim opposite to the rim joint. The rotational dynamics of the resulting wheel is perfectly balanced. MOMAG technology allows quick, quick maintenance while replacing spokes becomes an easy task. This is because the external profile of the rim does not have any holes – increasing rim lifespan, more fatigue resistant, better stiffness, and optimized reactivity and acceleration.
There are 21 spokes on each of the wheels, with the front wheel having 14 stainless spokes on the braking side(left) for improved braking power, which is similar to the same number of spokes on the cassette (right) side. 7 stainless steel spokes are further maintained on the front right side and rear braking/left sides respectively. This innovative design boosts stiffness and makes the wheel more reactive with the self-locking Black anodized nipples. Also, the fact that this wheel has been entirely hand-assembled by a Campagnolo technician ensures that you are getting the best set of wheels from the company in terms of performance and reliability.
Campagnolo Zonda DB Wheel 700 C
8. ICAN 38mm Carbon Fiber Wheels: Budget-Friendly + Heavy-duty Use
- Type: Wheelset
- Weight: 1370 g
- Wheel Size: 28”(700*25C, 700*23C)
- Color: Black
- Rim Type: Clincher
- Rim Material: Carbon Fiber Toray T700
- Rim Finish: UD Matt
- Rim Depth: 38 mm
- Internal Rim Width: 16 mm
- External Rim Width: 23 mm
- Spoke Type: Sapim CX-Ray Spokes
- Spoke Count & Pattern: 20 , radial /24,2-cross(drive side), radial(non-drive)
- Cassette Body: Shimano 10/11Speed
- Hub: ICAN standard hub R13 6 pawls hub
- Nipple Type and Material: MoMag self-locking nipples
- Maximum Tyre Pressure: 90-135 psi
- Maximum Rider Weight: 100 kg
- Skewers: Included
- ICAN Standard Hub: The ICAN standard hub has an alloy hub shell with 6 pawls, and is lightweight. They are very popular all over the world.
- Sapim CX-Ray Spokes: The dynamic shape of these spokes reduce air resistance and noise. The distinctive strength and flexibility make these spokes almost fatigue-proof. The pressed middle section is a special mold, which is characteristic of its unique profile.
- Wide aero rims: 23 mm wide rims boost wheel aerodynamics by allowing a more uniform flow of air over the wheel – which acts to balance the drag forces of the rim with the leading edge of the tire.
- Carbon Rims: The 38 mm deep carbon rim is the lightest offered by ICAN. Their stability is excellent when coming across crosswinds. The aero profile of the deep rims allows better climbing performance and also improves acceleration.
- Sealed Bearing Hubs: The hubs are extremely light, durable, and offer smooth-rolling, with 2 sealed cartridge bearings in the front wheel and 4 in the rear.
- Full Carbon Clincher: The rim has only carbon as rim material, which is built using the most advanced carbon forming technology from ICAN. As a result, the tire bead hook of this clincher rim is extremely strong. Consequently, the resulting wheel has an acceptable weight(on the lighter side) and also exhibits excellent braking. Durability is also boosted by this rim profile.
- The wheels are not true out of the box, and you would need to check the tension of the spokes before your first run with them
- Brake pads seem to wear out quickly, due to friction with the rim. Brings down reliability.
- While braking, the wheels cause the bike to rock back and forth. This is due to the uneven brake track, and surely one has to be extra careful to avoid serious accidents.
- The spokes seem prone to damage which is of serious concern if the rider is going downhill fast.
If you are looking to race uphill climbs and are looking for a set of wheels that will not strain your wallet too much but still serve the purpose – the 38 mm ICAN carbon fiber road bike wheels are just the pair for you. Using high-quality Toray T700 carbon fiber cloth, even if you are riding them all day – these wheels will make sure that you are always comfortable and spoke tension is always optimum.23 mm rim width allows better handling and boosts wheels aerodynamics.
The aero rim shape allows efficient power transfer from the pedal and the blunt rim shape ensures a more uniform flow of air, exhibiting their aerodynamic profile. Titanium Sapim CX-Ray spokes ICAN standard hubs are lighter but do not compromise on stiffness, with the MoMag self-locking nipples. Rather, they boost the aero effects of the 38 mm deep carbon fiber rims. They also ensure that the brake pads are durable and provide positive braking performance always. With a SHIMAN0 10/11 cassette body along with an ICAN Standard hub – the cassette body engages as soon as you start pedaling. This is owed to the 6 pawl engagement system of the rear hub. 2 and 4 sealed cartridge bearings in the front and rear wheel hubs mean that these wheels will allow smooth rolling while being extremely light and durable.
ICAN 38mm Carbon Fiber Road Bike Wheels
9. ICAN FL40: Weight limit around 100 kg/220 lbs, Increased strength
- Type: Wheelset
- Weight: 1400 g
- Wheel Size: 29”
- Color: Black
- Rim Type: Clincher, Tubeless
- Rim Material: Carbon Fiber Toray T700
- Rim Finish: UD Matt
- Rim Depth: 40 mm
- Internal Rim Width: 18.35 mm
- External Rim Width: 25 mm
- Spoke Type: Straight pull Sapim CX-Ray spokes
- Spoke Count & Pattern: 20, radial/24(2-cross)
- Cassette Body: Shimano/SRAM 11 Speed Road
- Hub: Novatec AS511SB Hub 2 sealed bearings, Novatec FS522SB 4 sealed bearings
- Bearing Used: Japanese sealed EZO bearings
- Nipple Type and Material: Black alloy
- Maximum Tyre Pressure: 90-135 psi
- Maximum Rider Weight: 105 kg
- Skewers: Included
- 25 mm wide rims: These wide rims are more comfortable to ride and have reduced rolling friction. Also, stability is boosted. The overall combination of the tire structure and the rim allows regular and consistent airflow, less friction – making such tires extremely popular.
- Deep 40 mm rims: The FL40 has deep-section rims of 40 mm, which has significant aero drag benefits so that the rider can ride faster for the same effort, or attain the same speed for reduced effort. Deeper rims are also stiffer, making them ideal for riding disciplines where speed is a priority, such as road races, time trials, etc.
- 2-Way Clincher Tubeless. Tubes or No-Tubes: This will allow riders to use tubes with traditional tires or go for tubeless tires without tubes. Going tubeless reduces the rolling resistance and protects better against flats.
- Novatec Hubs: EZO sealed Japanese bearings are used here along with the 4 pawl Novatec hub. If used normally, they can last a long time.
- Sapim Spokes: A combination of lightweight, enhanced aerodynamics. and excellent strength – these CX-Ray aero spokes pass the “fatigue test” with flying colors. Additionally, you can use them for any purpose of riding.
- UCI Approved: This is a certification from the Union Cycliste Internationale.
- The deep section 40 mm rims are more likely to be affected by extra side forces, which would require better bike-handling skills from the rider to deal with.
- It may be difficult to install the tubes without the rim tape. In case of a flat – which may be a regular occurrence – unmounting them will require some time and effort – which is not desirable every time a puncture may happen.
The ICAN FL40 is a great set of light and fast road bike wheels. With a 40 mm deep tubeless-ready rim, they offer a significant aerodynamic advantage to riders. The added stiffness also makes the FL40 ideal for road races, time trials where speed is a priority. The wide rims add more stability to the wheels and give them an aerodynamic profile that is less susceptible to friction. Suitable for 25/28 mm wheels.
Union Cycliste Internationale certification and approval will allow riders to use these wheels in UCI sanctioned road races. Toray T700 allows a design layup that not only brings light wheels but also allows us to build in strength and stiffness. The stiff FL 40 wheels will not flex due to any lateral load, therefore efficiency is high. The added confidence is crucial for you to put in that extra effort and sip around the corners.
ICAN FL40 – Carbon Road Bike Wheelset
10. SUPERTEAM 700c Carbon: Customizable for user need, Smooth-rolling, Tough structure
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The SUPERTEAM 700c Carbon Fiber Road Disc Brake Wheelset is added to our list primarily because of how customizable the wheelset is.
These wheels are fairly tough, and as you keep on selecting the deeper rims – it adds to the versatility of the wheels. They are well balanced coming out of the package and offer smooth-rolling even after putting in more than a couple of thousand miles. The rims do not have any logos but sport a smooth matte black finish, which is preferred by many. Opting for the center lock or 6 bolt rotor is dependent on if you want lighter brakes or whether you are going for better braking power coming downhill. Both 700C*23 and 700C*25 tires are recommended for this wheelset, and the overall weight is purely dependent on the dim depth you are looking for. Deeper rims as we know offer better stiffness and aerodynamic advantage but may not perform well when coming across crosswinds and this wheelset is compatible with 30 mm/40 mm/45 mm/50 mm deep rims.
Lighter, smaller through-axles may be perfect for road bike practices, as they allow improved steering and handling, for example, better tracking through corners at speed and also better braking with less drag. However, Quick release skewers are lighter and work fine when installed correctly. Front thru-axles for road bikes have 12×100 mm – meaning, 12 mm diameter axle with a 100 mm wide hub shell, whereas the rear thru-axles for road bikes are either 12×135 mm or 12×142 mm. If you go for the disc version, make sure it has 12×100 and 12×142 thru-axles.
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SUPERTEAM 700c Carbon Fiber Road Disc Brake Wheelset
Conclusion
As discussed in the article, heavy riders are usually looking for strong and stiff tires that will provide the best performance on the road – that means overall better handling, increased responsiveness, optimized braking, durability, and of course overall stiffness, the strength of the wheels. All these factors have combinedly tended to influence what wheels are the perfect fit for such purposes. After much consideration, we have picked the ROL Wheels D’Huez Road Bike Wheelset as the best road bike wheels for heavy riders. These wheels have the perfect combination of attributes heavy riders are looking for, and offer the option of customization, which can become the determining factor during purchase.
Of course, you may decide on another set of road bike wheels that are mentioned above, but it is always what will make your decision-making process less painful is reaching out to the manufacturers with your issues and also look out for the experience of similar riders with such special criteria of wheels. Many bikers regularly write about their experience with road bike wheels and although it may take up some time – try giving their reviews a read! Additionally, we are here to present you with options that we believe fit and hopefully, we can help you make a good purchase for the best road wheels for heavy riders.
