Originally Posted by
cxwrench
No...there should be no noticeable difference that you could feel between pretty much any 2 rims much 2 rims that are basically the same thing. If a certain wheel 'feels' much more comfortable than another wheel it's all in your head. With proper tension rims don't move anywhere near enough to feel a difference no matter how hard your tire is inflated. It's a huuuuuuge myth.
You are technically correct in that the hub, spokes, rim are stiff enough not to affect compliance (suspension). However, the road-tire-rim interface DOES affect compliance and ride quality. Changing from a 20 to a 23mm rim width significantly affects the profile (shape) of the tire cross section hence its compliance and contribution to ride quality. The same thing happens in your car with low-profile tires.