Zipp 303 Firecrest Carbon Clincher
The Zipp 303 Firecrest earns a top spot for rim-brake riders because it balances aerodynamic efficiency, low rotating mass and a carbon brake track that delivers predictable stopping performance on tarmac climbs and flats. Compared with deeper, heavier aero wheels in this list, the 303 is often the best all-round choice for riders who want race-ready speed without sacrificing climbing ability, and its strong resale and proven race pedigree justify a premium price.
Aero speed
Climb light
Aero speed
Climb light
Review Summary
"Riders praise the Zipp 303 Firecrest for balanced aero performance, low weight and confident stability in crosswinds; some note the older rim-brake braking surface can be noisy or require careful pad choice in wet conditions."
Crosswind tamer
Approximately 30mm rim depth that balances low drag with good crosswind handling.
Crosswind tamer
Approximately 30mm rim depth that balances low drag with good crosswind handling.
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Recreational Enjoyment
Skill Development & Mastery
The Zipp 303 Firecrest earns a top spot for rim-brake riders because it balances aerodynamic efficiency, low rotating mass and a carbon brake track that delivers predictable stopping performance on tarmac climbs and flats. Compared with deeper, heavier aero wheels in this list, the 303 is often the best all-round choice for riders who want race-ready speed without sacrificing climbing ability, and its strong resale and proven race pedigree justify a premium price.
Aero speed
Climb light
Crosswind tamer
Approximately 30mm rim depth that balances low drag with good crosswind handling.
Carbon clincher with a conditioned carbon brake track for effective rim braking.
Aero speed
Climb light
Crosswind tamer
Approximately 30mm rim depth that balances low drag with good crosswind handling.
Carbon clincher with a conditioned carbon brake track for effective rim braking.
$2,000-3,500 USD
ENVE SES 4.5 Tubular
The ENVE SES 4.5 Tubular is a premium, SES-shaped carbon tubular engineered for low drag, stability in variable winds, and a high stiffness‑to‑weight ratio, with a rim-brake surface optimized for modulation. It typically sits above many rivals on price but delivers refined layup quality and tight tolerances that appeal to riders prioritizing weight savings and handling precision over raw value.
Balanced aero
Wind whisperer
Balanced aero
Wind whisperer
Review Summary
"Riders consistently highlight the ENVE SES 4.5 Tubular for its balanced aero efficiency, precise handling and high-quality build, with very few complaints beyond price. Long-term users appreciate the stiffness-to-weight ratio and predictable behavior under load."
Smooth climbs
SES 4.5 profile balances low drag with compliant ride characteristics.
Smooth climbs
SES 4.5 profile balances low drag with compliant ride characteristics.
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Skill Development & Mastery
The ENVE SES 4.5 Tubular is a premium, SES-shaped carbon tubular engineered for low drag, stability in variable winds, and a high stiffness‑to‑weight ratio, with a rim-brake surface optimized for modulation. It typically sits above many rivals on price but delivers refined layup quality and tight tolerances that appeal to riders prioritizing weight savings and handling precision over raw value.
Balanced aero
Wind whisperer
Smooth climbs
SES 4.5 profile balances low drag with compliant ride characteristics.
High-modulus ENVE carbon layup improves stiffness-to-weight for aggressive efforts.
Balanced aero
Wind whisperer
Smooth climbs
SES 4.5 profile balances low drag with compliant ride characteristics.
High-modulus ENVE carbon layup improves stiffness-to-weight for aggressive efforts.
$3,500-5,000 USD
The Velocity A23 is a practical, value-focused alloy tubular rim that offers a shallow, versatile profile and broad tyre compatibility, making it an excellent choice for training, commuting and budget-conscious racers. It undercuts the price of higher-end options such as DT Swiss and Campagnolo while sacrificing some aerodynamic refinement and ultra-lightweight performance, delivering strong everyday value compared with the more specialized HED Belgium Plus.
Alloy reliability
Comfy ride feel
Alloy reliability
Comfy ride feel
Review Summary
"Popular value choice noted for robustness, ease of wheelbuilding and predictable performance; many cite its weight and aero limitations compared with newer rims."
Bombproof longevity
Affordable, rugged double-wall alloy construction built for longevity.
Bombproof longevity
Affordable, rugged double-wall alloy construction built for longevity.
Time-Saving Convenience
Recreational Enjoyment
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
The Velocity A23 is a practical, value-focused alloy tubular rim that offers a shallow, versatile profile and broad tyre compatibility, making it an excellent choice for training, commuting and budget-conscious racers. It undercuts the price of higher-end options such as DT Swiss and Campagnolo while sacrificing some aerodynamic refinement and ultra-lightweight performance, delivering strong everyday value compared with the more specialized HED Belgium Plus.
Alloy reliability
Comfy ride feel
Bombproof longevity
Affordable, rugged double-wall alloy construction built for longevity.
Classic 23mm profile providing predictable handling with road tyres.
Alloy reliability
Comfy ride feel
Bombproof longevity
Affordable, rugged double-wall alloy construction built for longevity.
Classic 23mm profile providing predictable handling with road tyres.
$120-220 USD
The Mavic Open Pro UST modernizes a legendary rim profile by integrating Mavic's UST tubeless compatibility into a rim-brake-friendly platform, making it attractive to riders who want classic handling with contemporary tubeless convenience. Technically it differentiates itself with Mavic's system-level approach—optimized bead and compatibility testing—that eases tire seating and sealing compared with generic tubeless rims, though it typically sits at a mid-to-high price point relative to the DT Swiss and Velocity models. For those who value long-term brand support and a proven rim-brake braking surface, the Open Pro UST is a smart compromise between heritage and tubeless performance.
Classic reliability
Tubeless-ready bead
Classic reliability
Tubeless-ready bead
Review Summary
"Mavic Open Pro UST earns praise for classic build quality and reliable UST tubeless performance—especially with Mavic tires—plus a well‑behaving braking surface; downsides reported include higher cost and occasional compatibility quirks with non‑Mavic tires. Long-term users cite consistent performance and easy tube‑free rides."
French-made confidence
Mavic Open Pro UST is built to Mavic's UST tubeless spec, providing secure tyre seating and reliable air retention for rim-brake bikes.
French-made confidence
Mavic Open Pro UST is built to Mavic's UST tubeless spec, providing secure tyre seating and reliable air retention for rim-brake bikes.
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Time-Saving Convenience
Recreational Enjoyment
The Mavic Open Pro UST modernizes a legendary rim profile by integrating Mavic's UST tubeless compatibility into a rim-brake-friendly platform, making it attractive to riders who want classic handling with contemporary tubeless convenience. Technically it differentiates itself with Mavic's system-level approach—optimized bead and compatibility testing—that eases tire seating and sealing compared with generic tubeless rims, though it typically sits at a mid-to-high price point relative to the DT Swiss and Velocity models. For those who value long-term brand support and a proven rim-brake braking surface, the Open Pro UST is a smart compromise between heritage and tubeless performance.
Classic reliability
Tubeless-ready bead
French-made confidence
Mavic Open Pro UST is built to Mavic's UST tubeless spec, providing secure tyre seating and reliable air retention for rim-brake bikes.
Features a robust aluminum construction and a machined braking surface for consistent stopping performance.
Classic reliability
Tubeless-ready bead
French-made confidence
Mavic Open Pro UST is built to Mavic's UST tubeless spec, providing secure tyre seating and reliable air retention for rim-brake bikes.
Features a robust aluminum construction and a machined braking surface for consistent stopping performance.
$180-260 USD
ENVE SES 7.8 Rim Brake
The ENVE SES 7.8 is positioned as a precision-engineered, aero-optimized rim that prioritizes a refined ride and exceptional stiffness-to-weight for sustained high-speed efforts in TT and triathlon applications. Compared with the Zipp 808 and Reynolds AERO 80 it trades a slightly higher cost for proprietary SES tuning and boutique build quality, offering riders who want the latest composite engineering a technically superior but premium-priced option.
Engineered aero
Whispering stability
Engineered aero
Whispering stability
Review Summary
"Owners report the ENVE SES 7.8 Rim Brake delivers top-tier aero efficiency, superb stiffness and premium build quality with predictable handling in variable conditions. The main drawbacks noted are its very high cost and limited rim‑brake availability compared with disc versions."
Featherlight punch
Ultra-deep SES 7.8 carbon profile tuned for high-speed time trials and triathlon efforts
Featherlight punch
Ultra-deep SES 7.8 carbon profile tuned for high-speed time trials and triathlon efforts
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Skill Development & Mastery
Time-Saving Convenience
The ENVE SES 7.8 is positioned as a precision-engineered, aero-optimized rim that prioritizes a refined ride and exceptional stiffness-to-weight for sustained high-speed efforts in TT and triathlon applications. Compared with the Zipp 808 and Reynolds AERO 80 it trades a slightly higher cost for proprietary SES tuning and boutique build quality, offering riders who want the latest composite engineering a technically superior but premium-priced option.
Engineered aero
Whispering stability
Featherlight punch
Ultra-deep SES 7.8 carbon profile tuned for high-speed time trials and triathlon efforts
Precision-molded carbon layup delivering a stiff, responsive ride for aggressive pacing
Engineered aero
Whispering stability
Featherlight punch
Ultra-deep SES 7.8 carbon profile tuned for high-speed time trials and triathlon efforts
Precision-molded carbon layup delivering a stiff, responsive ride for aggressive pacing
$4,000-5,500 USD