The Purpose of Taller Rim Sidewalls in Bike Wheels

You ever stare at a cyclist and think, damn, those wheels look like UFOs? No? Just me? Fine.

But look closer—those deep, high-rim sidewalls aren’t just there to make your wallet lighter. They have a purpose. Or at least, that’s what people who spend $2,000 on wheels tell themselves.

Let’s get into it. Six reasons why taller rim sidewalls exist, why they matter, and why you might still want to pretend you care about them.

1. Aerodynamics: Because Wind Hates You

Picture this: you’re hammering down a straight, feeling fast, feeling powerful. And then, some guy with deep-section rims breezes past you like gravity forgot about him. That’s aerodynamics at work.

Deep rims reduce drag. The airflow hugs the wheel instead of smashing into the spokes like a drunk guy at a glass door.

If you ride fast enough—let’s say above 35 km/h—these rims actually help you go faster with the same effort.

But if you’re puttering around at 20 km/h? Congratulations, you’ve just bought an overpriced windcatcher.

2. Weight vs. Speed: The Eternal Trade-Off

Yes, a wheel with long, thin spokes and shallow rims would be lighter. But the second you start riding fast, all that exposed spoke real estate turns into a wind-slowing disaster.

Deep rims add weight, but at high speeds, that weight is worth it. Especially on flat terrain, where momentum is king.

Climbing? Different story. That’s why Tour de France riders swap between deep and shallow rims depending on the stage.

3. They Look Fast (And That’s Half the Battle)

Let’s be real—this matters. If you roll up to a group ride with deep rims, people assume you’re fast. It’s psychological warfare.

One friend told me: I have them to intimidate people. Honesty like that deserves a medal.

4. Stiffness: No One Likes a Wobbly Ride

Shorter spokes mean stiffer wheels. Stiffer wheels mean better power transfer. Better power transfer means your legs aren’t working harder just to keep the bike from flexing under you like a cheap lawn chair.

Also, if you’re a heavier rider, deep rims help keep your wheels from going taco mode after every pothole. One guy even said his deep-section rims were the only thing stopping his rear wheel from folding under him. Science.

5. Crosswinds: The Silent Killer

Now, for the downside. Deep rims and strong crosswinds go together like tequila and bad decisions.

Get caught in a gust, and suddenly you’re doing an unplanned lane change. Or worse, an unplanned visit to the pavement.

If you switch from 2-inch rims to 1.5-inch rims, you will instantly feel more stable in windy descents. So, if you live somewhere with random gusts trying to yeet you off the road, maybe rethink the deep-section dream.

6. Marketing: Because Brands Love Your Money

At the end of the day, bike companies love deep rims. More carbon, more engineering, more justification to charge absurd amounts.

Table Summary:

Feature	Pro	Con
Aerodynamics	Faster at high speeds	Useless if you’re slow
Weight	Good for momentum	Bad for climbing
Looks	Intimidates the competition	Also intimidates your bank account
Stiffness	Stronger, better power transfer	Can be harsher on rough roads
Crosswinds	Not relevant in calm conditions	Will yeet you if the wind is strong
Marketing	Makes you feel pro	Makes bike companies rich

So, Should You Get Them?

That depends.

If you’re riding fast, racing, or just enjoy intimidating weekend warriors at the coffee shop, deep-section rims are for you.

If you live somewhere with nasty crosswinds or do a lot of climbing, maybe stick to shallower rims.

Or just buy them anyway. They look cool. And sometimes, that’s all that matters.

Now go ride. Or don’t. I’m not your coach.