How much do bike rims weigh?
Rim weight varies widely by material, width and profile. In general, carbon rims are lighter than aluminum for the same depth, while deeper rims use more material. Road rims typically fall in a broad range of about 350–700 grams per rim, and mountain-bike rims are usually heavier. The exact figure depends on the model, diameter, and construction.
What affects rim weight
Rim weights depend on several design choices and materials. Here are the main factors that drive weight variations.
- Material and construction: aluminum rims are typically heavier than carbon rims of the same profile, though high-end aluminum can be close in weight to mid-depth carbon in some cases.
- Rim depth and profile: deeper rims require more material, especially in aero shapes, which can push weight higher.
- Diameter and width: 700c rims weigh more than smaller-diameter rims; wider rims may use more material around the bead area.
- Manufacturing tolerances and brand specifics: production methods and spoke hole patterns influence weight by a few grams per rim.
- Tubeless vs. tubed and extrusion methods: tubeless-ready rims may include thicker walls or additional inserts that affect weight.
In practice, bearing in mind these factors helps riders balance weight with stiffness, aerodynamics and durability. Lighter rims can come with trade-offs in stiffness and price, while heavier rims often offer more reliability for challenging terrain in gravel and mountain bike riding.
Rim weight ranges by category
To give a sense of typical numbers you might see on the market, here are rough ranges for common rim types. Note that the weights listed are for the rim alone, not including tires, tubes, tapes, spokes or hubs, which add additional mass when assembled into a wheel.
- Aluminum road rims: roughly 420–580 g per rim, with some heavier or lighter models depending on width and wall thickness.
- Aluminum mountain-bike rims: typically 480–700 g per rim, varying with width and brake interface.
- Carbon road rims: commonly 360–520 g per rim, with ultralight options below 400 g and higher-end aero varieties approaching 550 g.
- Carbon mountain-bike rims: about 450–700 g per rim, influenced by profile and rim bed design.
- Deep-section or aero rims (road): around 500–750 g per rim, depending on depth and construction.
Rim weights can appear similar across brands, but micro-differences accumulate in a wheel build. For example, two rims at 500 g each will still yield a heavier wheelset than two rims at 440 g each, once bearings, nipples, and potential tubeless tape are added, plus any reinforcing beads for tubeless setups.
Would you like a quick calculator?
We can estimate approximate wheelset weight based on your rim choices and number of spokes if you share your planned build details.
What to consider when buying rims
Wheels are about more than weight. If you want a responsive climbing wheel, you might prioritize lighter rims; for stability and crosswind handling, stiffness and depth come into play. Weight becomes a secondary factor for most riders beyond a few hundred grams per rim. Consider the total wheel, including the rim, hub, and spokes, and how the combination affects performance on your terrain and riding style.
In the end, rim weight is an important but not sole determinant of performance. Consumers should balance weight with durability, cost, and the intended use of the bike, whether it be road racing, gravel, or mountain biking.
Summary
Rim weights vary widely: carbon rims tend to be lighter than aluminum for the same depth profile, road rims commonly fall in the 360–580 g range, and mountain-bike rims typically run 450–700 g per rim. Deeper or aero rims add material, while construction quality and brand affect final numbers. For most riders, the choice of rim weight should align with riding goals, with attention paid to the overall wheel build rather than a single rim weight figure.
