HED Belgium Plus
The HED Belgium Plus takes the lead as a premium, tubeless-compatible clincher rim designed for rim-brake road bikes, prized for its refined aerodynamic shaping and high stiffness-to-weight ratio. It stands out financially as a higher-tier option—more expensive than the value rims in this list—but justifies the premium with nuanced ride quality and performance that outpace the more utilitarian DT Swiss and Velocity offerings. Technical advantages include a race-focused profile and tight manufacturing tolerances that make it a go-to for riders seeking competition-level feel with rim-brake compatibility.
Deep aero punch
Responsive cornering
Deep aero punch
Responsive cornering
Review Summary
"Users praise the Belgium Plus for its wide, comfortable tubeless-ready profile, responsive ride and solid build quality; criticisms center on its relatively high weight and premium price. Overall owners find it reliable for long-term use and easy to set up tubeless."
Belgian-born bravado
HED's Belgium Plus is a tubeless-compatible aluminum clincher engineered for rim-brake road bikes with a shallow, aero-friendly profile.
Belgian-born bravado
HED's Belgium Plus is a tubeless-compatible aluminum clincher engineered for rim-brake road bikes with a shallow, aero-friendly profile.
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Recreational Enjoyment
Skill Development & Mastery
The HED Belgium Plus takes the lead as a premium, tubeless-compatible clincher rim designed for rim-brake road bikes, prized for its refined aerodynamic shaping and high stiffness-to-weight ratio. It stands out financially as a higher-tier option—more expensive than the value rims in this list—but justifies the premium with nuanced ride quality and performance that outpace the more utilitarian DT Swiss and Velocity offerings. Technical advantages include a race-focused profile and tight manufacturing tolerances that make it a go-to for riders seeking competition-level feel with rim-brake compatibility.
Deep aero punch
Responsive cornering
Belgian-born bravado
HED's Belgium Plus is a tubeless-compatible aluminum clincher engineered for rim-brake road bikes with a shallow, aero-friendly profile.
Built as a durable double-wall rim with reinforced bead area to support tubeless beads and higher tyre pressures.
Deep aero punch
Responsive cornering
Belgian-born bravado
HED's Belgium Plus is a tubeless-compatible aluminum clincher engineered for rim-brake road bikes with a shallow, aero-friendly profile.
Built as a durable double-wall rim with reinforced bead area to support tubeless beads and higher tyre pressures.
$300-450 CAD
DT Swiss R460
The DT Swiss R460 is the value-oriented, all-purpose tubeless-ready alloy rim in this lineup, offering reliable strength and broad serviceability at a lower price point than the premium HED and Mavic options. Compared with the shallower, classic Velocity A23 and the tubeless-optimized Stan's Alpha 340, the R460 balances durability and affordability—making it especially attractive for endurance riders or wheelbuilders who want proven performance without premium aerospace materials. Its technical merit comes from DT Swiss' long-standing manufacturing quality and a networked aftermarket that keeps maintenance costs moderate.
Everyday aero
Snappy acceleration
Everyday aero
Snappy acceleration
Review Summary
"The DT Swiss R460 is commonly described as a durable, value-oriented rim that builds into dependable wheels; reviewers note it isn’t the lightest or most aero but offers predictable handling. Many users report straightforward tubeless conversions and long service life."
Swiss-precision wink
DT Swiss R460 is an affordable, tubeless-ready alloy clincher rim targeted at everyday road use and wheel replacements.
Swiss-precision wink
DT Swiss R460 is an affordable, tubeless-ready alloy clincher rim targeted at everyday road use and wheel replacements.
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Time-Saving Convenience
Recreational Enjoyment
The DT Swiss R460 is the value-oriented, all-purpose tubeless-ready alloy rim in this lineup, offering reliable strength and broad serviceability at a lower price point than the premium HED and Mavic options. Compared with the shallower, classic Velocity A23 and the tubeless-optimized Stan's Alpha 340, the R460 balances durability and affordability—making it especially attractive for endurance riders or wheelbuilders who want proven performance without premium aerospace materials. Its technical merit comes from DT Swiss' long-standing manufacturing quality and a networked aftermarket that keeps maintenance costs moderate.
Everyday aero
Snappy acceleration
Swiss-precision wink
DT Swiss R460 is an affordable, tubeless-ready alloy clincher rim targeted at everyday road use and wheel replacements.
Sturdy double-wall construction provides reliable braking surface and long-term durability for rim-brake setups.
Everyday aero
Snappy acceleration
Swiss-precision wink
DT Swiss R460 is an affordable, tubeless-ready alloy clincher rim targeted at everyday road use and wheel replacements.
Sturdy double-wall construction provides reliable braking surface and long-term durability for rim-brake setups.
$120-170 CAD
Velocity A23
The Velocity A23 occupies the practical side of the market as a shallow-profile, tubeless-compatible clincher rim favored for training wheels and versatile builds where predictable handling matters more than outright aero gains. Financially it undercuts premium rims like the HED and Mavic, offering an economical option for riders who want a durable, easily trued rim that adapts well to a wide range of tire widths. Compared to the Stan's Alpha 340 and DT Swiss R460, the A23 trades tubeless-specialized bead shaping for a more classic, user-serviceable construction that keeps workshop costs low.
Proven durability
Comfort-oriented ride
Proven durability
Comfort-oriented ride
Review Summary
"Velocity A23 is frequently recommended for budget-friendly, tough training wheels and accepts tubeless conversions with care, though some users report occasional sealing/leak issues and a heavier feel. Overall it's favored for durability and value rather than race performance."
Wheelbuilder's bestie
Velocity A23 is a time-tested, shallow-profile alloy rim that can be converted for tubeless use with proper tape and valves.
Wheelbuilder's bestie
Velocity A23 is a time-tested, shallow-profile alloy rim that can be converted for tubeless use with proper tape and valves.
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Skill Development & Mastery
Recreational Enjoyment
The Velocity A23 occupies the practical side of the market as a shallow-profile, tubeless-compatible clincher rim favored for training wheels and versatile builds where predictable handling matters more than outright aero gains. Financially it undercuts premium rims like the HED and Mavic, offering an economical option for riders who want a durable, easily trued rim that adapts well to a wide range of tire widths. Compared to the Stan's Alpha 340 and DT Swiss R460, the A23 trades tubeless-specialized bead shaping for a more classic, user-serviceable construction that keeps workshop costs low.
Proven durability
Comfort-oriented ride
Wheelbuilder's bestie
Velocity A23 is a time-tested, shallow-profile alloy rim that can be converted for tubeless use with proper tape and valves.
Offers a lightweight, stiff double-wall design at a very accessible price point for rim-brake road riders.
Proven durability
Comfort-oriented ride
Wheelbuilder's bestie
Velocity A23 is a time-tested, shallow-profile alloy rim that can be converted for tubeless use with proper tape and valves.
Offers a lightweight, stiff double-wall design at a very accessible price point for rim-brake road riders.
$80-120 CAD
Mavic Open Pro UST
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.
Stan's NoTubes Alpha 340
Stan's NoTubes Alpha 340 is the most tubeless-focused alloy rim here, leveraging Stan's bead and hole design plus decades of tubeless know-how to provide easy setup and reliable sealing for rim-brake road bikes. It tends to be competitively priced against premium HED and Mavic options while offering a technical advantage in tubeless performance—paired with Stan's sealant experience—making it especially appealing to riders who prioritize puncture resistance and low-maintenance daily use. Compared to the more generic DT Swiss R460 and the classic Velocity A23, the Alpha 340 is engineered specifically to make tubeless work better out of the box.
Sealant-friendly bead
Featherlight toughness
Sealant-friendly bead
Featherlight toughness
Review Summary
"Stan's NoTubes Alpha 340 is widely lauded for its tubeless reliability, light weight and predictable ride, making it popular for long-term tubeless setups; some riders note trade-offs in rim‑brake sidewall durability under very high mileage or heavy braking. Overall reviews emphasize excellent tubeless performance and ease of use."
Flat-fighting charm
Stan's NoTubes Alpha 340 is a road-specific tubeless-ready alloy rim optimized for lower weight and dependable bead lock.
Flat-fighting charm
Stan's NoTubes Alpha 340 is a road-specific tubeless-ready alloy rim optimized for lower weight and dependable bead lock.
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Recreational Enjoyment
Eco-Friendly Living
Stan's NoTubes Alpha 340 is the most tubeless-focused alloy rim here, leveraging Stan's bead and hole design plus decades of tubeless know-how to provide easy setup and reliable sealing for rim-brake road bikes. It tends to be competitively priced against premium HED and Mavic options while offering a technical advantage in tubeless performance—paired with Stan's sealant experience—making it especially appealing to riders who prioritize puncture resistance and low-maintenance daily use. Compared to the more generic DT Swiss R460 and the classic Velocity A23, the Alpha 340 is engineered specifically to make tubeless work better out of the box.
Sealant-friendly bead
Featherlight toughness
Flat-fighting charm
Stan's NoTubes Alpha 340 is a road-specific tubeless-ready alloy rim optimized for lower weight and dependable bead lock.
Utilizes Stan's tubeless-focused rim profile for fast, secure seating and easy sealant compatibility.
Sealant-friendly bead
Featherlight toughness
Flat-fighting charm
Stan's NoTubes Alpha 340 is a road-specific tubeless-ready alloy rim optimized for lower weight and dependable bead lock.
Utilizes Stan's tubeless-focused rim profile for fast, secure seating and easy sealant compatibility.
$170-240 CAD