Carbon rims. Talk me out of it

I’m a big carbon rim fan, I was a pretty early adopter with the first Lightbicycle rims, purely because I had a mangled roval rim and there was literally nothing else the right erd. And it was fantastic. Broke it eventually but it’d had a long and hard life of scottish enduro racing etc and was mostly in a hardtail, and I did skelp it off a big rock. 10/10, fantastic performing thing and it was even quite cheap

Got a discount off of that on another set of LB rims, which I’ve broken one of- didn’t actually hit anything big, I’m pretty sure it had just had enough after, again, a long life. I doubt any alu rim would have done better but there’s literally no chance anything in the same weight and size class would have. Replaced that one and once again got a discount.

Then I got some super cheap used DT 1350s and, er, broke the rear rim after about 3 rides. Ah well, can’t win em all! And I’m now replacing that with an XM481.

Cos, see, when I started getting the carbon rims, alu rims were nothing like as good as they are now. Probably a Flow was the best alternative and flows were soft and cracky. And you could get quality carbon for really not that much money.

In the meantime alu rims have got bloody brilliant, the current dt range is phenomenal. And at the same time, carbon’s not got that much better but it has got more expensive from the same people. So it’s not that I’ve gone off carbon, I’d still happily build another set but right now alu rims are at their best ever.

I’ve smashed 2 light bicycle rims, they’re murder to get heavy duty tyres on with an insert and murder to get any tyre off, I have to use a spade to break the bead.

If i had my time again i’d get dt swiss alu 511/ 471 rims

2 years on a set of Blueflow carbons on a high pivot Enduro bike, smacking into everything..no insert, no ficks given. Sure theyve got scuffs and marks but haven’t even been touched with a spoke key. Faultless.

I’m a big convert to carbon wheels, for me it’s about the ride feel they deliver….and whilst every rims will have a different  layup and wheel build, some will be direct, some will be compliant. The smooth, vibration damping they deliver is instantly noticeable for me.

I am extremely happy with my Blueflow wheels from Stuart, top guy and great wheels.

I’ve been running BTLOS rims for the last few months, noticed the weight saving immediately, acceleration out of corners, up hills, etc is great. £150 each for the enduro spec ones, built up to a 1600g wheelset 30mm ID rims. My thought was they aren’t that much more than equivalent dt swiss ex511 at £100 each so worth a go. Dead easy to build as already mentioned.

The carbon rims are ‘too stiff’ isn’t really true any more. Low profile carbon rims with a 6mm asymmetric offset build strong wheels with a bit of flex. This can only help carbon longevity.

Another vote for Blueflow, had them on my ebike about 12 months and not a single issue.
No insert, ride Peak/ Yorkshire etc with the line choice of a blind Rhino👍
Lovely bloke to deal with too.

I think carbon wheels helped me go from 26 to 29er. They feel light, comfy, and they rail. I don’t have experience of Al 29ers though.

Anyone remember that Danny Macaskill video where he tries to destroy a Santa Cruz rim?

Also theres a Scott Pilgrim video where he rides tyreless with no rim breakages.

Seems impressive to me but I guess they’d be the more heavy built rims for downhill/freeride/dirt jump riding.

I’ve been carbon rim curious for a while but the cost has always put me off. I will however be in the market for new rims on my cross bike, xc bike and LLS hardtail over the next 12 moths as the current ones are in a pretty poor condition. Probably will be going with DT Swiss as they get good reviews, would also match my road bike.

Another vote for Blueflow

Same here. Had a set of their 29″ BF42/35 ‘Wider’ for around 2 years now. I’ve somehow managed to ride my bike hard enough to crack the top-tube but the wheels are perfect.

Probably will be going with DT Swiss as they get good reviews, would also match my road bike.

I love my DT Swiss XMC 1501 set and I’d be tempted again if heavily discounted, but I’m a bit put off by the high crash replacement cost and stories of quibbling. I think I’d look at Blueflow or DCR Wheels first.

As a heavy rider, given to thrashing bikes a bit, my carbon rims have lasted well.

I’m 112kgs and use two sets of wheels I built my self from Nextie carbon rims.

One on the 180mm travel big bike, the other set on 140mm trail bike. After two years, I’ve not needed to tweak either set and they have been very tough. Purple of scrapes here and there but still looking good.

I do however run Rimpacts in all of them, with EXO+ tyres. There have been a few thumps which have got down to the rimpacts, and hence probably saved the rims.

Carbon+inserts…. Tough and stiff.
Without inserts? Maybe not worth the risk I’d say. As a biffer.

Thanks everyone, I was offline all night after work so there’s a lot of reading here!

Never heard of Silt or Blueflow but they both look like decent options.

I do however run Rimpacts in all of them, with EXO+ tyres.

Same here once the tyres arrive. I was hoping an advantage of carbon would be to offset the extra rotating weight while benefitting from sturdier tyres and more puncture protection.

Probably will be going with DT Swiss as they get good reviews, would also match my road bike.

Based on this thread, sixth element would be great only ones I’d try.

Holy thread resurrection! I’ve been a huge carbon rim fan for years now and now a good friend has started to import NEXTIE rims and wheel sets in the UK – it was only a matter of time. We weighed the above at 1570grams for the pair, nearly a 1kg saving on the OEM wheels! The ride feel is transformative, he’s planning on offering these for circa £750, for the money I’m pleased to say the least!