Should you be riding U-shaped deep section rims?

With the changing shape of aerodynamic rims, Stuart Clapp examines if the shift to wider wheels spells the end for the old-school

When aero wheels first adorned the bikes of professionals, and rich amateurs, they were not the same shape as they are today. Round, yes, but the similarity ended there.

The material they were made from has changed from alloy to carbon, and along with it, their weight penalty has all but disappeared. In those early years, time triallists ran the risk of being blown into a neighbouring field at the faintest sneeze of a crosswind. Honing the profile of the rim has changed that and made them increasingly easy to live with.

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Founded in 1891, Cycling Weekly and its team of expert journalists brings cyclists in-depth reviews, extensive coverage of both professional and domestic racing, as well as fitness advice and 'brew a cuppa and put your feet up' features. Cycling Weekly serves its audience across a range of platforms, from good old-fashioned print to online journalism, and video.