DT Swiss R460 DB
The DT Swiss R460 DB is a precision-engineered aluminum clincher rim designed for modern road bikes with disc brakes, combining low weight, tight manufacturing tolerances, and a tubeless-ready bead profile for reliable rolling and braking performance. As the premium pick on this list it offers superior durability and consistency compared with more budget-focused rims like the Velocity A23 and Kinlin XR31T, though it carries a higher price tag than the Mavic Open Pro UST and most mid-range alternatives.
Tubeless-ready confidence
Swiss-precision snap
Tubeless-ready confidence
Swiss-precision snap
Review Summary
"Users praise the DT Swiss R460 DB for precise engineering, durability and a confident ride feel with good braking characteristics; criticisms focus on the premium price and it being marginally heavier than top race carbon alternatives."
Lightweight climbing
Disc-specific aluminum rim designed for reliable wheelbuilding and long-term durability.
Lightweight climbing
Disc-specific aluminum rim designed for reliable wheelbuilding and long-term durability.
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Recreational Enjoyment
Time-Saving Convenience
The DT Swiss R460 DB is a precision-engineered aluminum clincher rim designed for modern road bikes with disc brakes, combining low weight, tight manufacturing tolerances, and a tubeless-ready bead profile for reliable rolling and braking performance. As the premium pick on this list it offers superior durability and consistency compared with more budget-focused rims like the Velocity A23 and Kinlin XR31T, though it carries a higher price tag than the Mavic Open Pro UST and most mid-range alternatives.
Tubeless-ready confidence
Swiss-precision snap
Lightweight climbing
Disc-specific aluminum rim designed for reliable wheelbuilding and long-term durability.
Tubeless-ready bead profile that accepts modern clincher tubeless tires without major modification.
Tubeless-ready confidence
Swiss-precision snap
Lightweight climbing
Disc-specific aluminum rim designed for reliable wheelbuilding and long-term durability.
Tubeless-ready bead profile that accepts modern clincher tubeless tires without major modification.
Mavic Open Pro UST
The Mavic Open Pro UST updates the classic Open Pro platform with UST tubeless compatibility, delivering a durable, easy-to-service aluminum clincher rim that suits everyday road riding and wheelbuilding. It remains one of the most cost-effective tubeless-capable options against higher-end choices such as the DT Swiss R460 DB and HED Belgium Plus, providing a trusted balance of value, availability, and long-term serviceability.
UST seal magic
Bulletproof longevity
UST seal magic
Bulletproof longevity
Review Summary
"The Mavic Open Pro UST is widely lauded for its legendary durability, easy truing and dependable real-world performance, with reviewers happily using them for years; some note they are heavier than modern tubeless-specific race rims."
Classic ride feel
Proven box-section aluminum design updated with UST/tubeless compatibility for modern tires.
Classic ride feel
Proven box-section aluminum design updated with UST/tubeless compatibility for modern tires.
Recreational Enjoyment
Eco-Friendly Living
The Mavic Open Pro UST updates the classic Open Pro platform with UST tubeless compatibility, delivering a durable, easy-to-service aluminum clincher rim that suits everyday road riding and wheelbuilding. It remains one of the most cost-effective tubeless-capable options against higher-end choices such as the DT Swiss R460 DB and HED Belgium Plus, providing a trusted balance of value, availability, and long-term serviceability.
UST seal magic
Bulletproof longevity
Classic ride feel
Proven box-section aluminum design updated with UST/tubeless compatibility for modern tires.
Durable, heat-treated alloy construction that holds true under heavy use and varied road conditions.
UST seal magic
Bulletproof longevity
Classic ride feel
Proven box-section aluminum design updated with UST/tubeless compatibility for modern tires.
Durable, heat-treated alloy construction that holds true under heavy use and varied road conditions.
HED Belgium Plus
The HED Belgium Plus is a performance-oriented aluminum rim engineered with a wider profile to optimize tire shape, aerodynamics, and cornering stiffness for modern, wider road tires. Positioned as the market leader for performance in this set, it typically commands a premium over the Mavic and Velocity models but offers tangible handling and rolling-efficiency advantages that appeal to racers and fast club riders seeking a technical edge.
Aero speed boost
Crosswind-stable calm
Aero speed boost
Crosswind-stable calm
Review Summary
"Riders appreciate the HED Belgium Plus for its wide profile, stable handling and smooth, durable ride, making it a favorite for all-day and mixed-surface use; the main downsides cited are higher cost and modest extra weight."
Comfy long-ride
Shallow-to-mid aerodynamic profile tuned for reduced drag without sacrificing crosswind stability.
Comfy long-ride
Shallow-to-mid aerodynamic profile tuned for reduced drag without sacrificing crosswind stability.
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Recreational Enjoyment
Skill Development & Mastery
The HED Belgium Plus is a performance-oriented aluminum rim engineered with a wider profile to optimize tire shape, aerodynamics, and cornering stiffness for modern, wider road tires. Positioned as the market leader for performance in this set, it typically commands a premium over the Mavic and Velocity models but offers tangible handling and rolling-efficiency advantages that appeal to racers and fast club riders seeking a technical edge.
Aero speed boost
Crosswind-stable calm
Comfy long-ride
Shallow-to-mid aerodynamic profile tuned for reduced drag without sacrificing crosswind stability.
High-quality alloy construction with reinforced spoke beds for stiffness and precise handling.
Aero speed boost
Crosswind-stable calm
Comfy long-ride
Shallow-to-mid aerodynamic profile tuned for reduced drag without sacrificing crosswind stability.
High-quality alloy construction with reinforced spoke beds for stiffness and precise handling.
$200-320 CAD
Velocity A23
The Velocity A23 is a versatile, value-oriented aluminum clincher rim favored for custom builds, training wheels, and urban use thanks to its robust construction and approachable price point. It sacrifices some of the precision and weight savings of the DT Swiss and HED offerings in exchange for affordability and proven durability, making it an economical choice for riders rebuilding wheels without needing top-tier performance.
Budget all-rounder
Wide-tire friendly
Budget all-rounder
Wide-tire friendly
Review Summary
"The Velocity A23 is praised as an affordable, strong and consistent builder-friendly rim ideal for training and utility wheels; reviewers note it isn't the lightest or the most tubeless-optimized option but is reliable and good value."
Responsive cornering
Proven, stout aluminum rim favored for training, commuting, and everyday riding durability.
Responsive cornering
Proven, stout aluminum rim favored for training, commuting, and everyday riding durability.
Recreational Enjoyment
Time-Saving Convenience
The Velocity A23 is a versatile, value-oriented aluminum clincher rim favored for custom builds, training wheels, and urban use thanks to its robust construction and approachable price point. It sacrifices some of the precision and weight savings of the DT Swiss and HED offerings in exchange for affordability and proven durability, making it an economical choice for riders rebuilding wheels without needing top-tier performance.
Budget all-rounder
Wide-tire friendly
Responsive cornering
Proven, stout aluminum rim favored for training, commuting, and everyday riding durability.
Relatively light but highly serviceable design that is easy to true and maintain.
Budget all-rounder
Wide-tire friendly
Responsive cornering
Proven, stout aluminum rim favored for training, commuting, and everyday riding durability.
Relatively light but highly serviceable design that is easy to true and maintain.
$90-150 CAD
Kinlin XR31T
The Kinlin XR31T is a dependable mid-range aluminum clincher rim from Taiwan that delivers consistent quality and an appealing price-to-performance ratio, often chosen by builders seeking an upgrade over entry-level rims. It sits between the lower-cost Velocity A23 and the premium DT Swiss R460 DB in both cost and performance, offering stiffer construction and better tire support than many budget rims while avoiding the top-tier price premium.
Lightweight climbable
Tubeless-friendly zest
Lightweight climbable
Tubeless-friendly zest
Review Summary
"The Kinlin XR31T gets positive marks for being a budget-friendly, tubeless-capable rim with solid stiffness and reasonable ride quality, though some users report occasional quality-control and finishing inconsistencies."
Value-packed punch
Cost-effective alloy rim that provides tubeless-ready options for riders on a budget.
Value-packed punch
Cost-effective alloy rim that provides tubeless-ready options for riders on a budget.
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Recreational Enjoyment
Time-Saving Convenience
The Kinlin XR31T is a dependable mid-range aluminum clincher rim from Taiwan that delivers consistent quality and an appealing price-to-performance ratio, often chosen by builders seeking an upgrade over entry-level rims. It sits between the lower-cost Velocity A23 and the premium DT Swiss R460 DB in both cost and performance, offering stiffer construction and better tire support than many budget rims while avoiding the top-tier price premium.
Lightweight climbable
Tubeless-friendly zest
Value-packed punch
Cost-effective alloy rim that provides tubeless-ready options for riders on a budget.
Adequate stiffness and reinforced spoke bed for reliable wheelbuilding and everyday use.
Lightweight climbable
Tubeless-friendly zest
Value-packed punch
Cost-effective alloy rim that provides tubeless-ready options for riders on a budget.
Adequate stiffness and reinforced spoke bed for reliable wheelbuilding and everyday use.
$80-140 CAD