Dreww10

I know this topic has been covered in the past, but I think it would be fair to say that the carbon clinchers of 5-10 years ago aren't on par with what's out there today, giving this conversation new life. That, and, I've never really heard a manufacturer share longevity testing data or an end-user say when they wore a set of carbon rims out.

In my case, I ride 7-9k miles a year, 99.99% of it in dry conditions, and live in a region where even in all those annual miles, I might spend a grand total of five minutes actually applying the brakes and less than 5% of that hard downhill pulsing, if I had to guess. Most discussions on this topic are filled with responses in which folks are delighted that their carbon rims have lasted for 5,000 miles or so, but would it be truly unreasonable for someone taking good care of their carbon rims in a flat region for them to last 40, 50, 60 thousand miles of use? Has anyone actually beaten a set of the early carbon rims into retirement, or legitimately worn a set of more recent rims out that can put a number range on this?

I like to ride mine daily, as I think most do, but I also carry around a little anxiety about wearing them out in short order, thus this post.

SkepticalOne

I think it depends on rim-brake or disc-brake. A rim-brake wheelset will be subject to friction whereas disc-brake wheel set will not. I can't think of a reason a disc-specific wheelset would NOT have an indefinite lifespan...at least that's my hope, given the $3,000 I just spent.

rpenmanparker 

Fify

rpenmanparker 

Your rims will last as long as they last. Then you will know the answer, and it will be irrefutable, unlike what you get here. It is called real-time testing.

texbiker

I have a set of carbon rims with almost 19,000 miles and they look almost new, maybe new if I wash them good.

nycphotography

if you aren't descending into switchbacks they will last indefinitely.

hack

I treat my carbon wheels like crap. Ride them in the rain, on gravel roads, down windy brake laden descents, and they have been solid. 20+ thousand miles on them so far. Still true and maintenance has been limited to changing out hub bearings a couple of times.

Psimet2001 

It's really a thing with too many variables to answer. Same holds true with aluminum FWIW.

Being in the business long enough I have had the pleasure of being able to finally replace rims that were worn out through normal use. I am also entering my 7-8th year of building/business.

I have seen some of my early ones that still look brand new and are used daily, and I have seen a pro rider take a brand new set and wear through most of the sidewall in one race (cyclocross in horrible conditions).

It's kind of like asking how long anything lasts. Depends on the user and the use it sees.

Seattle Forrest

No but I have a set of 404 rims that were given to me for free because the brake track is worn out. I said "don't throw those out, Calfee or someone can probably build the brake surface back up for you." He told me to let him know if it works.

Dreww10

Certainly there are variables, but as the title implies, I'm questioning the longevity of rims that are meticulously cared for, but ridden a lot. No diving down mountains, no riding in downpours, not riding with sandy, dirty brake pads, no cyclocross use, and relatively low application time.