Faster wheels for a Sam

[ChuckB]

Hi all, need some advice. I have a Riv-built Sam from 2024 that came with Velocity Atlas rims and 42mm Gravelking tires. I am looking to get a second wheelset for long road rides. I'm thinking of Velocity A23s with Soma Shikoro 33mm or 38mm tires. The A23 rim is listed with a maximum tire width of 35mm on the Velocity website. Is this a hard limit or has anyone run these rims with tires wider than 35mm? Should I opt for the Quill rim instead?

Chuck

[Nick Payne]

I run 38mm Compass Barlow Pass tyres on some wheels I built using DT Swiss RR411 rims, which are exactly the same 18mm internal width as the A23, and after several years of using that combination I'm perfectly happy with it. The only problem arises when you need to remove a wheel, as the quick release on the brake caliper doesn't open the brake wide enough to drop the wheel out past the brake blocks without deflating the tyre enough to allow it to be squeezed past the blocks. This is with Shimano dual pivot calipers and Shimano brifters. If I had quick releases in both caliper and lever I might not have that problem.

Nick Payne

[Kesler Roberts]

I run 40mm GKs on A23's with no problems

[ChuckB]

I think I just accidently posted before I was finished with my message. Just wanted to say thanks for the real-world confirmation Nick and Kesler. 

[Brent Eastman]

you can go way bigger on A23, (or most other clincher rims for that matter)

I also have a sam hillborne, and it also came with 36h atlas hoops. I had a shop build a "lighter" 32h velocity dyad wheelset for me for the same reason. there was absolutely no noticeable difference changing wheels on that bike. i now have a roadini and sam, and swap the wheels between bikes for random reasons, boredom, fenders, tires, etc. 

if you're doing it just for convenience of not needing to swap tires for different rides, that's legit. if you're goal is trying to save weight, I'd say save your money instead. tire swaps are cheaper and make a huge difference in ride feel + effeciency

[Jim Schultz]

Chuck, just wanted to add that I've got a set of the Soma Shikoro on my CHG and they're fantastic; I wholly recommend.

[Kesler Roberts]

Just wanted to mention that the Velocity Quill rims are wider and lighter (and more expensive!) than A23s.  That is what I have on my AHH (and previously on a Soma Dbl Cross).  I am a big rider (220#)  but have had no troubles with them. That is what I would go with in your situation.

[JohnS]

Plus one for Velocity Quill rims. I had Sugar Wheels build the following for me three years ago and couldn't be happier with them, no issues at all.

White Industries T11 hubs

24 spokes front, 28 rear, bladed

For tires, I'm using Rene Herse Stampede Pass, 32mm with Vittoria Competition latex tubes, which hold air pretty well.

JohnS

[ChuckB]

Thanks for all the replies. Will probably just start with some lighter more narrow tires (currently 42 mm) and see how that improves things first before considering new wheels.