Rims

DCR 24/18 Alloy – Disc Brake Only

The lightweight of the road disc range, also suitable for XC applications and available in 650b.  85kg rider weight limit is recommended as a maximum on this rim.  A much more limited rim than the very versatile 24/25.  This is actually my least favoured rim of the DCR rim range, the combination of its narrower profile and shallower profile makes it more prone to flex and can limit power output.  It is better with stiffer spokes and boost hubs or suitable as a road disc/gravel set for lighter riders.

DCR 24/25 Alloy – Rim Brake or Disc Brake

This is a very popular rim for us, due to its versatility. It’s well suited to tyres from 25c – 38c and is a top model for road cyclists and gravel alike. It now comes in a rim brake version.

From my perspective, the spoke beds is a very important element, but will likely be glossed over by those reading the stats.  They have actually been tested to withstand over 300kg, which is higher than any other rim I have seen results on.  The 6066 alloy is naturally stronger than the 6061 more commonly used and the heat treatment is applied to the rims after they have been extruded, rolled and welded.  That means you get the heat treatment on the weld as well, rather than essentially creating a weak point in the rim where it has been melted.

A welded joint means easy sealing with tubeless.  The deep cavity in the centre of the rim means easy fitting of tyres.

This rim is used in our ‘Standard Road Disc’ signature wheelset, and you can also choose it in our Gravel wheelset.

DCR 24/30 Alloy – Rim Brake or Disc Brake

This rims is just the bigger brother to the 24/25.  As a result is is naturally stiffer.  It is hard to say whether it is stronger, the spoke bed and sidewall are the same.  The profile being stronger means it will be more resilient and it is a naturally stiffer and more aerodynamic profile.  There is physically more material there in the profile too.  I would say that both are strong, both have a rider weight of 120kg however for riders over say 105kg, you will probably feel more comfortable on this rim rather than the 24/25.

DCR 30mm Alloy ‘Powerhouse’ – Rim Brake Only

I have long been recommending these for powerful riders or riders whose overall system weight is over 100kg. They’re essentially a deeper, more durable version of the shallower, lighter, 23mm rims. They also come with a deeper braking surface (10mm instead of 8mm) which makes them an expecially good choice for touring cyclists running cantilever brakes. The extra stiffness from the rims being deeper also makes them a good option for riders who normally suffer from rims flexing.

Kinlin XR-22T and RT – Rim Brake or Disc Brake

Tubeless friendly. Nice and stiff and light and wide. One of the best rim profiles Kinlin has produced and it is a nice modern design, making lightweight tubeless wheels possible at a more affordable price. A rim brake set with DCR hubs and CX-Ray spokes it would weigh appxoimately 1425g.

An asymmetric rear profile and disc brake profiles are available for this rim.

Kinlin XR-26T and RT – Rim Brake or Disc Brake

This is our most popular of the three (22t, 26t and 31t), being a ‘Goldilocks’ rim. It’s not much heavier than the 22t but offers a substantial weight saving over the deeper 31t. This is the rim that we use in our ‘Vivaldi‘ and ‘Vivaldi Disc‘ sets for this reason. It’s tubeless compatible and builds into rim brake sets with DCR hubs and CX-Rays weighing 1445g.

An asymmetric rear profile and disc brake profiles are available for this rim.

These rims are used in our popular DCR Vivaldi wheelsets, which you can read about and purchase by clicking here.

Kinlin XR-31T and RT – Rim Brake or Disc Brake

This is a very progressive rim profile and is well suited to higher speeds and more powerful riders. It is very stiff but remarkably light. People are often put off a little by this sort of weight but you have a strong, stiff, aero and tubeless compatible rim here at a very reasonable price. For example in rim brake form, when matched with DCR hubs and CX-Ray spokes a set would weigh 1500g.

An asymmetric rear profile and disc brake profiles are available for this rim.

DCR AM/EN Alloy

If you’re looking for a 26″ rim, or you like the XC/AM but are looking for something a bit tougher, in steps the AM/EN. The vital statistics are comparable but with some extra material where it matters to keep the whole thing tough. We also stock this in 26″ and it’s the only DCR MTB rim here available in this size.

DCR XC/AM Big Boy Alloy

What we wanted here is a rim that could act as a wide base for conventional tyres but also be run with plus sized tyres.  That way, the weight can be kept low to keep your set lively.  The application of this rim is the same as the standard XC/AM above.  There is a small weight gain on the rim but it is lovely and stiff and they build up very consistently and they are particularly easy to setup tubeless. 

We use this rim in one of our signature wheelsets; which you can view here. When combined with DCR Centrelock hubs and Sapim CX-Rays, wheelset weights start at 1735g.

DCR Full Volume Alloy

Demand for wider rims has been met here, extra width means extra air in your tyres, that means greater comfort, lower pressure, better grip.  Should you wish, you can still run a cross country tyre on this rim, however the profile was developed to meet the needs to harsher terrains and endurance riding. Its 35mm internal suits tyres from 2.3 inches and upwards.

We use this rim in one of our signature wheelsets; which you can view here. When combined with DCR Centrelock hubs and Sapim CX-Rays, wheelset weights start at 1795g.

DCR E-Bike/Downhill

This is one of the strongest disc brake rims available, capable of withstanding the extra forces involved in E-MTB, enduro or downhill MTB racing. It is available in 650b or 700c. Its 37mm internal width provides a good tyre profile for tyres above 2″ wide.

DCR E-Bike/Downhill

Ryde Sputnik – Rim Brake

If you’re not bothered by saving weight, tubeless compatibility or you’re looking for the most economical touring rim out there, the Sputnik is a great option for you. It’s very strong, sturdy and is available in high spoke counts, in silver or black, in 700c or 26″. It comes in a hefty 740g but offers true reliability at a bargain price. A touring wheelset with Sputniks will come in over 2.3kg.

Velocity Chukker – Rim Brake or Disc Brake

The stiffest option here, not that that is a major consideration. These come in at 640g/rim leading to touring wheelsets of around 2.2kg. Available in a disc and rim brake version, this has a sophisticated sleeve joint and is the strongest rim that we sell.  If the Chukker isn’t strong enough, fundamentally you are going to need to find a different solution – i.e. a trailer.  Guideline weight limit is something like 250kg.  Velocity believe that the rim will not be the weakest link and that the hubs will always fail first.

DT Swiss TK540 – Rim Brake (discontinued) or Disc Brake

This is a good lighter option, at 550g/rim, leading to wheelsets of around 2kg. DT put a system weight limit of 130kg on these rims.  That should be plenty for the majority of riders in the majority of conditions, however there are perhaps some circumstances when a tougher rim is required.  The rim is considerably lighter than the Chukker and Sputniks and it is the only one of these three that has a welded joint.  It is made to a particularly high standard and is an excellent touring rim. It is also comfortable, shallow depth and looks right on classic and modern touring bikes.

DCR 30mm Alloy ‘Powerhouse’ – Rim Brake Only

I have long been recommending these for powerful riders or riders whose overall system weight is over 100kg. They’re essentially a deeper, more durable version of the shallower, lighter, 23mm rims. They also come with a deeper braking surface (10mm instead of 8mm) which makes them an expecially good choice for touring cyclists running cantilever brakes. The extra stiffness from the rims being deeper also makes them a good option for riders who normally suffer from rims flexing.

DCR 24/30 Alloy – Rim Brake or Disc Brake

This rims is just the bigger brother to the 24/25.  As a result is is naturally stiffer.  It is hard to say whether it is stronger, the spoke bed and sidewall are the same.  The profile being stronger means it will be more resilient and it is a naturally stiffer and more aerodynamic profile.  There is physically more material there in the profile too.  I would say that both are strong, both have a rider weight of 120kg however for riders over say 105kg, you will probably feel more comfortable on this rim rather than the 24/25.

Venn 30 TCC SL

The Venn 30 TCC SL is a tubeless ready, rim brake carbon clincher rim.  It is the lightest in the Venn rim-brake range.  It also features a textured and graphene doped braking surface, which I personally find works very well at decreasing stopping distances.  Being 19mm internal it should add significant comfort over traditionally narrower rims whilst also retaining full compatibility with 23c tyres and frames with tight clearance. Like most of the Venn rim brake lineup, it is particularly well suited to 25c tyres.

We use this rim in on of our signature wheelsets; the ‘SL Road Carbon’ (rim brake). It weighs 1298g (some small weight discrepancies can occur with carbon fibre rims). You can purchase this set and browse other road wheelsets here.

Venn 40 TCC SL

This rim is currently out of stock – please enquire for more details.

The 40 TCC SL is a very similar model to the 30 TCC SL.  The only difference being an additional 10mm in depth and 30g in weight. If you’re looking for a lightweight rim, look at the 30 TCC SL.  If you are looking for an aero advantage from your rims, we would always recommend the faster 507 instead.  However the 40 is more economical, narrower (offering easier clearance on older components) and is lighter.

Venn 507 TCC

The Venn 507 is probably Victor Major’s greatest accomplishment. Its weight is similar to the lightest alloy rims on the market.  Few rim brake carbon rims are lighter, the drag figures are close to much deeper rims and its stability comparable to a rim half its depth.  If you are running 25c tyres without mudguards, it is the rim to have.  It is tubeless compatible and using a resin which is more resilient than any other we have seen when it comes to both heat management and heat tolerance.  It is 21mm internal which adds further comfort and lateral stiffness, yet being 28mm wide it works with all rim brake bicycles we have encountered and with most caliper brakes.

The two characteristics that stand out to me are its unprecidented stability even in windy conditions, allowing for its use by lighter or nervous riders, and its ability to be built into a wheel with impressively low drag figures, giving you the extra speed you want.

Venn 77 TCC

Another of Victor’s flagship models.  This was an Ai developed profile.  The algorithm was instructed to CFD model all available rim permultations within defined parameters – the perimeters principally were to retain compatibility with bicycle shapes.  The result is a rim which is certainly fast but also very stable – less so than the 507 but particularly stable for its depth.  In a TT environment it is common for the athlete to be required to move position to stabilise the bicycle. 

There are very significant performance advantages to a more stable profile.  So while the 77 profile was intended to provide very low drag, it was not to do so at the cost of stability significantly.  The 77, to achieve this, has become 30mm wide at the braking surface.  That means it can cause compatibility issues when clearances are particularly narrow but does work with the majority of modern brake calipers and almost ever frame/fork we have tested it with.  Some of the TT calipers and older TT bicycles where clearances are particularly fine can cause issues here.

Venn 239 THL

The Venn 239 is the lightest rim in the whole Venn lineup.  It is 21mm internal and 27mm deep.  It is best suited to lighter duty applications, such as cyclocross racing or road riding (if tyres are suitable with hookless rims) and all-road riding with wider road tyres.  It builds up superbly well and if you have a disc brake bike that you want nice and light – this is a lovely option to pick.

Venn 30 TCD

The Venn 30 is the most economical rim in the Venn range.  It is a hooked profile, 30mm in depth.  It is extremely versatile and a real jack of all trades.  These build into carbon workhorse wheelsets.  Best suited to road and all road applications – however this rim will stand up the tests of gravel and may well be popular if you want a wheelset that you want to take off road with gravel tyres sometimes and swap back to dedicated road tyres at other times.

The rim is a hooked profile, so it is compatible with all tyres that are suited to a 21mm internal profile.  

When combined with DCR centrelock hubs and Sapim CX-Rays spokes, the wheelset will weigh 1440g (some small weight discrepancies can occur with carbon fibre rims). To save weight, have a look at the Venn 30 TCD SL. You can purchase this set and browse other road wheelsets here.

Venn 30 TCD SL

The Venn 30 TCD SL is, as you would imagine, a super light version of the Venn 30 TCD.  It has exactly the same profile, it comes out of the same mould.  Technically it does have the same rider weight limit, however we would advise that these rims will tolerate slightly less abuse than the standard versions will.  These are great rims for road bikes and especially where saving weight is a high priority.  They make for comfortable and lively cycling, spinning up very quickly yet retaining stiffness during cornering.

When combined with DCR centrelock hubs and Sapim CX-Rays spokes, the wheelset will weigh 1335g (some small weight discrepancies can occur with carbon fibre rims). You can purchase this set and browse other road wheelsets here.

Venn 37 TCD

Due to newer rims entering the Venn range since its release, DCR Wheels no longer stock the 37 TCD. Please read about its closest replacement, the 40 TCD SL.

The Venn 37 is a shallower aero rim (aero when used with a 25c/28c tyre).  It has their characteristic pointy profile which provides enhanced stability and reduced drag when compared to other more snub nosed profiles.  It has benefited from the Venn 507 development curve, being shallower it is slightly lighter and more stable when run with larger tyres, making it more versatile than the 507. 

Venn 40 TCD SL Road

Despite its similar name to the Venn 40 TCD which is an all-road rim, the Venn 40 TCD SL Road is designed as a lightweight, aero road rim and should be thought of as such. It is exceptionally light for a rim of its depth and demonstrates good aero and climbing characteristics.

The rim is designed to be used with a 25c tyre and suits riders who are looking for the lightest aero rim. If you’re after the fastest multi-purpose road rim to be run with a 25c tyre, look at the 507. If you prefer to run a 28c tyre or wider, consider the 40 TCD instead.

Venn 40 TCD All-Road

The Venn 40 is the only Venn rim that has been optimised around 28c tyres.  At 23mm internal, it is the widest road specific rim that Venn sell, although that will also make it popular on all road and gravel and cyclocross bikes.  Its resistance to torsion and pull through strength is also higher than the other road bike rims, making it better suited to use with motors.  So if you have an electric gravel, cyclocross or road bike and would like a Venn carbon rim to go with it, this is likely the best option for that. The rim is heavier than others in the range, so it is less well suited as a climbing rim option, however aerodynamics with a 28c and robustness it delivers in very high levels.  Being hooked it is also compatible with all tyres that can accommodate a 23mm internal profile. 

Venn 507 TCD

The Venn 507 is probably Victor’s greatest accomplishment, it’s weight is similar to the lightest alloy rims on the market.  Few carbon rims are lighter, the drag figures are close to the very deepest and its stability comparable to a rim half its depth.  If you are running 25c tyres without mudguards, it is the rim to have.  The disc model uses a disc specific resin for maximum impact protection.  It is 21mm internal which adds further comfort and lateral stiffness. 

The two characteristics that stand out to me are its unprecidented stability even in windy conditions, allowing for its use by lighter or nervous riders, and its ability to be built into a wheel with impressively low drag figures, giving you the extra speed you want.

Venn 67 TCD

The 67 borrows from the profile styling of the 77 rim.  Its profile provides a high degree of stability given its considerable depth.  While it is notably deeper than the 507 rim it is not hugely heavy for its depth.  It also provides an 80g saving over the Venn 77 (seen below).  It is there to fill a gap between the 507 and the 77.  However, the 77 and 507 in real terms outperform this rim in their respective categories, with the 507 offering only fractionally more drag than the 67 whilst being considerably lighter, whereas the 77 offers lower drag than both models where minimum drag is the absolute agenda.

Venn 77 TCD

Another of Victor’s flagship models.  This was an Ai developed profile.  The algorithm was instructed to CFD model all available rim permultations within defined parameters – the perimeters principally were to retain compatibility with bicycle shapes.  The result is a rim which is certainly fast but also very stable – less so than the 507 but particularly stable for its depth.  In a TT environment it is common for the athlete to be required to move position to stabilise the bicycle.  There are very significant performance advantages to a more stable profile.  So while the 77 profile was intended to provide very low drag, it was not to do so at the cost of stability significantly.  The 77, to achieve this, has become 30mm wide at the braking surface.  That means it can cause compatibility issues when clearances are particularly narrow but does work with all disc brake TT/Trialthlon and Road bikes that we have tested it with.

Venn 239 THL

The Venn 239 is the lightest rim in the whole Venn lineup.  It is 21mm internal and 27mm deep.  It is best suited to lighter duty applications, such as cyclocross racing or road riding (if tyres are suitable with hookless rims) and all-road riding with wider road tyres.  It builds up superbly well and if you have a disc brake bike that you want nice and light – this is a lovely option to pick.

Venn 30 TCD

The Venn 30 is the most economical rim in the Venn range.  It is a hooked profile, 30mm in depth.  It is extremely versatile and a real jack of all trades.  These build into carbon workhorse wheelsets.  Best suited to road and all road applications – however this rim will stand up the tests of gravel and may well be popular if you want a wheelset that you want to take off road with gravel tyres sometimes and swap back to dedicated road tyres at other times.

The rim is a hooked profile, so it is compatible with all tyres that are suited to a 21mm internal profile.  

When combined with DCR centrelock hubs and Sapim CX-Rays spokes, the wheelset will weigh 1440g (some small weight discrepancies can occur with carbon fibre rims). To save weight, have a look at the Venn 30 TCD SL. You can purchase this set and browse other road wheelsets here.

Venn 30 TCD SL

The Venn 30 TCD SL is, as you would imagine, a super light version of the Venn 30 TCD.  It has exactly the same profile, it comes out of the same mould.  Technically it does have the same rider weight limit, however we would advise that these rims will tolerate slightly less abuse than the standard versions will.  These are great rims for road bikes and especially where saving weight is a high priority.  They make for comfortable and lively cycling, spinning up very quickly yet retaining stiffness during cornering.

When combined with DCR centrelock hubs and Sapim CX-Rays spokes, the wheelset will weigh 1335g (some small weight discrepancies can occur with carbon fibre rims). You can purchase this set and browse other road wheelsets here.

Venn 259 THL

One of the lightest Gravel/MTB rims in the Venn range.  The offset profile increases the overall strength and reslilience of the wheel by improving the non-drive side spoke tensions (or in the case of the front wheel, the non-disc side). This rim is popular with gravel riders who run tyres sized 45c or above; its hookless profile is nice and tough but at 370g, still capable of sub 1300g wheelsets. Can only be run with tyres suitable for use with hookeless rims.

Venn 3525 THL

If you think aero gravel is a good idea – this is the rim for you!  We’ll let you in on a secret though – it’s aero or gravel – not both, especially with mudguards.  Nevertheless this rim has a place and its principal advantages are – the greater depth means if riding in muddy conditions the profile prevents mud from closing over the top of the rim.  The greater depth to the rim adds to its integrity making this the toughest gravel/all road rim that Venn offer.  The hooked profile is the widest in the range, allowing full tyre compatibility.  Some tyre manufacturers stipulate that their tyres must be used with hooked rims – if you want a wide rim and to run these tyres – this is the best rim to choose for that circumstance. 

Venn 37 TCD

Due to newer rims entering the Venn range since its release, DCR Wheels no longer stock the 37 TCD. Please read about its closest replacement, the 40 TCD SL.

The Venn 37 is a shallower aero rim (aero when used with a 25c/28c tyre).  It has their characteristic pointy profile which provides enhanced stability and reduced drag when compared to other more snub nosed profiles.  It has benefited from the Venn 507 development curve, being shallower it is slightly lighter and more stable when run with larger tyres, making it more versatile than the 507. 

Venn 40 TCD All-Road

The Venn 40 is the only Venn rim that has been optimised around 28c tyres.  At 23mm internal, it is the widest road specific rim that Venn sell, although that will also make it popular on all road and gravel and cyclocross bikes.  Its resistance to torsion and pull through strength is also higher than the other road bike rims, making it better suited to use with motors.  So if you have an electric gravel, cyclocross or road bike and would like a Venn carbon rim to go with it, this is likely the best option for that. The rim is heavier than others in the range, so it is less well suited as a climbing rim option, however aerodynamics with a 28c and robustness it delivers in very high levels.  Being hooked it is also compatible with all tyres that can accommodate a 23mm internal profile. 

Venn 259 MTH

The lightest proper MTB rim in the Venn range.  Incredible potential here for the rim to be built into some exceptionally light wheels.  Some may wish to use this rim on the top end of gravel bikes, gravel megas and so forth, however the profile is optimised for maximum weight saving, so would be ideally paired to XC racing, Marathon use, bigger tyre volumes and suspension.  

Venn 259 THL

One of the lightest Gravel/MTB rims in the Venn range.  The offset profile increases the overall strength and reslilience of the wheel by improving the non-drive side spoke tensions (or in the case of the front wheel, the non-disc side). This rim is popular with gravel riders who run tyres sized 45c or above; its hookless profile is nice and tough but at 370g, still capable of sub 1300g wheelsets. Can only be run with tyres suitable for use with hookeless rims.

The Venn 299 MTH is a hookless, 29mm wide (internally) rim, intended for use with; gravel mega bikes (2” tyres and greater), cross country mountain bikes and ‘all-mountain’ mountain bikes.  It has 8mm uprights for high impact resistance and uses individually reinforced spoke holes to improve its strength:weight ratio and a higher spec carbon to increase strength further. This means you can run low pressures without worring about damaging your rim if it strikes the ground. In summary you have a rim which is suitable for all mountain applications but weighs a humble 355g.  

Venn 299 MTH

Venn 309 MTH

Please note DCR Wheels no longer stocks the Venn 309 MTH. It has been replaced by the Venn 299 MTH.

The Venn 309 is a 30mm internal rim, intended for use with gravel mega bikes (2” tyres and greater), Cross Country Mountain Bikes and All Mountain Mountain Bikes.  It’s layup uses individually reinforced spoke holes to improve strength:weight and a higher spec carbon to increase strength further.  The end result is a rim which is suitable for all mountain applications but weighs a humble 350g.  

Venn 369 MTH

This is the Venn Enduro rim. It is a good option for the more aggressive all mountain cyclists as well.  It has a layup which has been specifically developed to resist torsional forces and it as a result ‘ebike ready’.  If you are looking for a rim which is tough enough for ebike use but will provide significant weight saving over other options – the Venn 26 MTH is a great option.  Being 30mm internal it is narrower than other rims that may well be used for this application, however, wider rims have seen a decline in popularity among the more aggressive end of the Mountain Biking spectrum in recent years – being led by the downhill community. 

Although years ago tyre profiles were compromised by this light bulb shape where a narrow rim provided limited structural support for the tyre profile – it is possible to go too far the other way as well and the greatest problem found was tyres coming off of the particularly wide rims.  The narrower profiles hold the tyre carcass together better and provide greater security.