Hi everyone,
As I'm a bit green in the topic, I have a question. What considerations should one have in deciding between the T800 (regular) version of the rim, versus the new T1100 which Peter mentioned they're releasing this week?
It's surely nice to shave some grams off, but other than the weight aspect, should I expect a difference in riding experience or, most importantly, durability? What's your take on this new, lighter rim, paired with steel spokes?
T700 is the backbone of carbon fiber bike stuff (both rims and frames). T800 is more expensive, then T1000, T1100, then M40X. So, what do you get for the extra cost?
Stiffness goes up, and weight goes down.
However, with extra stiffness comes fragility. A rim that's full T1100, for eg, would be too fragile, and wouldn't pass impact resistance tests. Which is why, i assume, some of the highest end frames (sworks, for eg) have a reputation of being very fragile (think car travel where you throw the bike in the boot to find you cracked it).
And so, T700 is the backbone, and the others shave weight and add stiffness.
Having rebuilt my supersix rim w 50mm tubulars, the whole bike weighs 6kg, it's great fun to ride a light bike. It's snappy, you want to surge up every slope.
So, given we're talking OEM pricing / providers, i'd strongly suggest you spend (at least a little bit) extra for the lighter version of a given rim. Ofc, some sellers make ultra light rims for ultra light people, this is niche, i'm not talking about that.
Peter, for eg, sells a standard T700 version, a light version (mix of 700 & 800), and is working on a version that includes T1100 as well.
Idk the price difference from 800 to 1100, but i know i only ever bought the 800 version because every time you accelerate, you do feel the weight of the wheels (that energy is stored and you'll roll longer unless you brake, but it still is harder to accelerate, and it feels nicer to have a snappy bike).
Also, from a resale standpoint, you'll have an easier time selling at a good price a set that's light
