Looking for advice and input on building a lightweight wheelset used for bikepacking. I’m well aware of the need for durable and resilient components, but I’m also trying to reduce the weight, especially the rotating weight, of my bikepacking bike. I’ve read extensively on [bikepacking.com](https://bikepacking.com), and there have been several recent articles on carbon rims, and there was an article posted in 2019 recommending a minimum of 28 spokes. Given the huge advances in bike tech over the last 5 years, especially in carbon layups, there are now several very lightweight rims with a stated maximum weight capacity of 130kg (\~286lbs). And these rims typically have 24 spokes. In particular, I’m looking at the Zipp HiTop SW wheelset that is 1325g.
My total weight (body, bike, kit) is typically about 100kg (\~220lbs), and I typically am riding on dirt/gravel roads or 2-track, with some single track. I’m typically very easy on gear and have absolutely no problem walking my bike over rough terrain. I’m well aware that such a lightweight wheelset would reduce my total weight by only about 1%, which might seem silly to many people for the cost of such a wheelset, but reducing the rotating mass is the biggest efficiency bang for the buck. I’m also 73 years old and looking to continue doing what I love, hence am willing to spend the money IF this isn’t just a really bad idea.
Advice/input/recommendations would be appreciated…
by Elkridgebike
8 Comments
My 2 cents: in bikepacking and touring, I think that there is more bang for the buck to be had by optimizing your bags, how they are placed, and what you are carrying.
Plus, I personally would be worried about destroying my wheel in the middle of nowhere.
The thought of those wheels terrifies me, but then I’m a bit of a luddite, erring well on the side of caution. If you’ve optimised everything else OP and you think there’s gains to be made then go for it.
Parts Durability trumps lightweight parts when you’re far from home and a difficult to access trail. I’d stick with a metal rim. You can save way more wieght by optimizing your camping gear or minimizing the amount of stuff you carry.
Just a few thought on this,
Rotating mass only affects acceleration and deceleration. Once you are at speed there is very little mechanical or efficiency advantage in having a lighter wheel, except for reducing overall weight.
A good flexible low hysteresis tire set, such as a tubeless set can save you more energy than most other things, just for its rolling resistance advantage.
Carbon wheels need to be inspected regularly to avoid riding with uneven spokes tension as lose spokes won’t show in deflection of the rim so you can’t rely on visual inspection.
Other than that these wheels are amazing.
Reducing rotational weight is overrated
Personally, I would think that the lateral stiffness of a 24 spoke 1325g wheel isn’t adequate for bikepacking. That’s a super lightweight wheel purpose built for the trade offs acceptable in racing. I wouldn’t primarily worry about wheel integrity. I would worry about crashing the bike or losing joy of descending. That would make for a loose, vague, and fragile bike. It would push and flex at the wrong times. Loosing front contact feel with added weight on the bars is not good. I’ve washed a front wheel on a remote bikepacking route and broke ribs. That was a painful few days to ride out. Lesson learned. In the end, I imagine you will end up compensating with larger, more durable, and stiffer casing tire(s). There goes your weight advantage. Feel and traction is everything. It could definitely be done. Would it actually be more enjoyable? Just my experience.
lol. Screw everyone telling you that it doesn’t matter. Do whatever you want with your money!
Light wheels are nice. And stronger than the load rating will tell you. Get some nice wide ones that you can set up tubeless.
I have some Roval terra C. 24 spoke. I’m 220lbs unloaded. And I beat the shit out of them.
The hitops are built for Xc racing, I’m sure they’d be fine for some gravel bikepacking.
Look at the Roval control SL ms. 1240g.
I would honestly go with the wheel with the best crash replacement option though. Thats probably the trade off. But dude your 73, it’s only money, spend it on fun stuff.
I would be extremely nervous doing any sort of loaded touring with 24f/24r.
That being said, I just bought a 24/24 wheelset for my gravel bike and plan on taking it on a lot of single track etc. However the only reason I did 24/24 was because I wanted straight pull hubs and that’s the only spoke count they came in, and I’m using berd spokes which have infinite fatigue life so I’m not overly concerned