Symmetric Vs Asymmetric wheels for disc brake road wheels

[BbCurly]

I'm buying my first disc brake roadie after 20 years of riding rim brakes(!)..

I remember a few years back hearing about the benefits of asymmetric wheel design particularly for disc brake wheels due to the brake side taking on more tension/forces(?)

Caden makes theirs asymmetric for this reason, Reserve as well i believe. But i'm learning that that isn't the case for all manufacturers.

I'd love to hear from those more experienced on this subject and how important, or not, asymetric wheels are, considering some Chinese wheel sellers offer them and some dont.

Cheers

[Pedaldancer]

In the most cases asymmetric rims reduce the asymmetrical tensions on left and ride side. usually the asymmetry does not even out the tension differences completely, just shifts it a little bit.

There are rare combinations which really need a symmetrical rim (2:1 or if the hub was designed specifically to match symmetrical rims), but for the most systems it gives a much better tension on the low tension side.

Why a lot of symmetrical designs are still produced? Well. "Never change a running system"  It works in many wheels although it's not the best design.

[BbCurly]

In the most cases asymmetric rims reduce the asymmetrical tensions on left and ride side. usually the asymmetry does not even out the tension differences completely, just shifts it a little bit.

There are rare combinations which really need a symmetrical rim (2:1 or if the hub was designed specifically to match symmetrical rims), but for the most systems it gives a much better tension on the low tension side.

Why a lot of symmetrical designs are still produced? Well. "Never change a running system"  It works in many wheels although it's not the best design.

Is it something you take into consideration before purchasing a set of road wheels?

[Sander2177]

To be honest, it's not really something I consider when choosing a wheelset. I've used both symmetrical and asymmetric rims and wouldn't specifically choose one over the other just because of the asymmetry.

That said, I do have a few asymmetric rims. One of my 60 mm wheelsets has around a 1.5 mm offset, and I have another mixed-depth wheelset where the rear rim is asymmetric. My new winter wheels are also using an asymmetric rim, but I didn't choose that rim because it was asymmetric. It just happened to be the rim profile I wanted.

As mentioned above, the advantage is that the offset can help balance the spoke tension between the two sides, particularly on a dished rear wheel because of the cassette. I can certainly see the benefit, and I might give it more consideration on some shallower wheel builds, particularly the rear, but personally I wouldn't worry too much about whether a wheelset was symmetrical or asymmetric.

[Pedaldancer]

Is it something you take into consideration before purchasing a set of road wheels?

I build my wheels.
And yes I check if the hubs and rims harmonize. You will never have perfect even tension. Unless 2:1 build and also then you can't mix blindly all hubs and rims.
I accept more lower tension for me as i don't have a high torque, but for strong riders I am more rigid.
Because it should not happen that the spokes get zero tension. That leads to spoke failure. And
.. even if it's not a failure issue. Low tensioned spokes can squeal with strong riders.
It all depends on the requirements. But if i can get asymmetrical rims with the same spec as symmetrical.. yes i definitely take the first.
2:1 is also something i prefer , with symmetric rims then. But as I also like straight pull this is not a very common hub type.

In the end: if it does what you want it doesn't have to be the 100% solution.
If you are 50kg  everything will work . But if you're more like 120kg.. then you go closer to the limits and then all that considerations get important.

[BbCurly]

Sander2177, Pedaldancer I really appreciate it.

I'm wanting my wheels to hopefully last me the next 6-8 years or so. A few years back i wouldn't fret it as much. Now i have a little baby boy and less cash to easily throw around on bikes i can't buy multiple wheel sets anymore

My last set of wheels were Fulcrum Race zeros (rim brake) and descended incredibly well and were asymmetric. They were nice and stiff too when putting power through them. Lovely wheels.. I'm on 73kgs and more of a climber..

At the moment my choice is between a set of Caden 50mm - asymmetric and 2:1 or XMCS - 50mm 24mm IW R280 Hubs w/steel bearings - a must. Symmetric..

The Caden's are twice the price but you get A LOT of the money. Yet the XMCS look really good for half the price too..