Velocity’s new 23mm wide road rim- the A23.
11.16.2009 • Posted by: David
11.16.09
Open it up
Velocity has unveiled another new rim for 2010 that (like the the P35) takes a proven design and makes some subtle, yet substantial improvements on it. The A23 is a 700c rim that utilizes the proven shape of the Velocity Aerohead, but the rim width has been opened up to 23mm, rather than 19mm on the Aerohead. The result is a rim that allows your tire profile to be more constant, rather than getting pinched into the rim. The overall ride quality is improved, as the tire can more effectively compress and conform to the road, much like a tubular. In the end you should end up with tubular-like ride quality from a clincher tire.
The A23:
Profile:
So the obvious question is how does the A23 compare to the HED 23mm wide alloy rims:
At a glance, the HED rims are available in C2 alloy and Scanduim, they are 23mm wide x 24mm tall, and are approximately 465g (C2) and 420g (Scandium).
The Velocity A23 is an alloy rim that is 23mm wide x 19.5mm tall, and they weigh approximately 425g.
For 2010 Handspun will be building on both of these rims, and we look forward to putting both of them to the test. Winter should be arriving here in MN any day, and there’s no tougher proving ground for a rim than being dragged through a Minnesota winter. We’ll check in on these two in a few months to see how they’re holding up.