Fixie Rims

Fixie rims today are generally made of aluminum, replacing the old rusty steel.

This is epitomized by the Velocity Deep V Rims Single Speed specials. Now the debate has been as to why exactly this has happened. Well it is claimed that deep profile rims are more aerodynamic. Now this is debatable. It is a bit like the professional Tour cyclist shaving all their leg hair off. The argument is that you can use less spokes because the V section is stronger in itself. Less spokes apparently means better aerodynamics for your wheels with less spokes.

Of course this fails to account for the biker’s body and everything else that sticks out. If you are a serious track fixie rider then deep V may be appropriate for track bike rims. My view is that less spokes is less weight. On the track, failure is measured in milliseconds so that is fair enough.

But for all us mere mortals of the fixie rims world you need to considers the cons as well.

These deep v fixie rims are incredibly stiff. They are designed more for tracks. They are also heavier when applied to road and mountain fixed gear bikes. Finally there is a concern for fixies on the road or over terrain such as rocks. The key with all other fixie rims is to provide a crumple zone when you hit the immovable object and to avoid damage to the frame of the bike or the forks. With less spokes this becomes more of a collapse zone. Such sudden collapse can damage you and your bike.

Aluminum fixed gear bike rims will be light, strong, weather resistant and also allow you to stop better.Getting the right fixie rims is the key to smooth running and efficient braking.First of all let’s have a look at what rims have to do for us and then what the choices are.Fixed gear rims as we have said are made from lightweight aluminum.

In some cases, as with velocity fixie rims, this is up to aircraft grade aluminum. Getting quality built material is crucial when buying rims.They are going to take a battering on the track, the road, or off road depending on their use. They will also be taking all the friction and heat from braking. That will begin to thin the metal in that area eventually.What you want with fixie rims is strength, flexibility and long lasting quality.

That’s not too much to ask for is it? At the end of the day the spokes are likely to last longer though. But if you replace your rims you can just buy another and build a new wheel with the old spokes.Over recent years the trend on fixie rims has been towards the deep profile or V section.

The choice of fixie rims is evolving all the time. The controversy of the deep V rims is down to your personal preference, but just remember don’t be tempted to overspend for shiny toys you don’t need. Keep it simple and practical.

Well constructed bicycle rims can make or break the performance of fixie wheels.