Standard, Flyweight and Heavy-Duty, What’s the Difference?

Standard, Flyweight, and Heavy-Duty rims do not refer to certain rim models, but different layup styles. Since there are so many different kinds of riders, terrain, events, and sub-disciplines, we need to fine-tune our rims to be more suitable for your situation. It’s not as simple as changing the weight of the rim by adding or removing carbon layers. The entire layup needs to be redesigned to ensure the strength and ride characteristics are suitable for a given discipline.

If you’ve decided which style to go and wish to make sure the rim model you pick can be made in the specific version, you can skip to the charts at the bottom of this page.

STANDARD RIMS

Who is it for?

Middleweight riders of most riding types (XC, road, all-mountain, general trail riding, and even light Enduro).

What is the Standard style?

The rims we make with our standard layup are made exclusively with Toray T700. The production process is simplified when using one primary fabric type. Toray T700 has a nice balance of stiffness, weight, and strength, making it a great choice for the high-value rim.

Heavy Duty

Who is it for?

Super clyde riders (over 220lbs) or aggressive riding.

What is Heavy Duty?

For our heavy-duty (HD) rim version, we add material in some key areas and rework the angles on our standard layup. The largest change is adding a layer of carbon (typically 3K weave) wrapped around the air bladder in the opposite orientation of the previous wrap. The end result is an increase in overall strength, wall thickness, and stiffness. These rims are more suitable for heavy-duty applications as they can handle g-out forces, rock abrasions and compressions better than our lightweight rims.

Generally speaking, an HD rim adds approximately 50 grams over their standard counterpart, but rim diameters including the spoke length required are the same for both styles.

Flyweight

What is Flyweight?

Our Flyweight layup is significantly different from our other styles. We still use T700, but also introduce Toray’s T800, which is lighter and stiffer in comparison. Rims that are exclusively made with T800 are too stiff and can become brittle, so we use a blend.

Typically there is more stress introduced between the T700 and T800 layers because of the stiffness difference between material types. We solve this by using thinner unidirectional prepregs with a very low fiber areal weight which allows for a more adjustable layup. Since there are many more layers to build up the same thickness of a standard or HD rim, it’s more time consuming to perform the layup and there is significantly more material used. Internally, we vary the thickness at the nipple bed to reinforce the spoke holes while eliminating excess material in between.

The result? Flyweight rim comes in with an incredible lightweight, but also inevitably with a bit of compromises in strength and stiffness. Even with our Pro series, the flyweight rims are not as strong as the standard type.

Who is it for?

Our Flyweight layup is suitable for paved road, cross country, and XC marathon riders or for those looking to build the lightest wheels - particularly popular among teenagers, women riders, and lightweight cyclists. The weight limit is 90kg (198lbs).

Flyweight of Various Finishes

The claimed weight of the Flyweight version online is with a matte finish. If you want a glossy or satin paint, the rim will add an extra 8~10g. Our Pro series models do not come with other finishes as they come out of the mold as a finished product.

Layup Styles

Check the charts to see if your go-to models are available in Flyweight or Heavy-Duty versions (some are not offered as an option in the Buy & Configure part on the product pages, feel free to contact us). Also, we produce some models in Ultra-Light or HD-Plus styles to meet the needs of superlight riders or more extreme uses. Please email us ( sales@lightbicycle.com) to special order.

ROAD RIMS
MTB/FAT RIMS

Model	Standard	Flyweight	Ultra-Light
AR24 disc-27mm wide	360	320	280
AR46 disc-28mm wide	435	415	405
AR56 disc-30mm wide	460	430	X
AR28 disc-29mm wide	380	330	X
AR36 (650B) disc-29mm wide	380	370	X
AR36(700C) disc-28mm wide	410 (hookless) 410 (hooked)	X	X
R65 disc-25mm wide	540	480	X
R35T disc-25mm wide	360	330	X
R55T disc-25mm wide	430	410	X
R25T disc-25mm wide	330	290	X
R55 disc-25mm wide	490	465	X
R45T disc-25mm wide	410	390	X
R45 disc-25mm wide	445	X	X
R25 disc-25mm wide	385	375	365
R35 disc-25mm wide	405	380	X
AR35 Disc-28mm wide	410	360	X
AR45 Disc-28mm wide	460	390	X
AR55 Disc-28mm wide	480	420	X
WR45 Disc-32mm wide	450	408	X
WR35 Disc-32mm wide	430	385	X
WR50 Disc-32mm wide	470	420	X
WR38 Disc-32mm wide	440	395	X
WR65 Disc-32mm wide	540	500	X
WR35 650b Disc-32mm wide	370	X	X
AR375 Disc-28mm wide	440	390	X
AR465 Disc-28mm wide	460	410	X
AR565 Disc-28mm wide	495	440	X
WR40 Disc-32mm wide	440	400	380
AR25 disc-29.2mm wide	250	X	X
WG44 Disc-38mm wide	450	385	X
AR56-30mm wide	490	460	X
AR46-28mm wide	460	435	430
AR36-28mm wide	440	410	400
R65-25.85mm wide	540	515	X
R88-26.5mm wide	650	X	X
R35T-25mm wide	360	340	330
R55T-25mm wide	430	410	X
R25T-25mm wide	330	290	X
R55-25mm wide	515	485	X
R45T-25mm wide	410	X	X
R45-25mm wide	475	445	X
R25-25mm wide	405	385	X
R35-25mm wide	435	410	395
AR55-28mm wide	480	450	X
AR56-28mm wide	480	450	X
AR375-28mm wide	450	410	X
AR465-28mm wide	470	430	X
AR565-28mm wide	515	475	X

Model	Standard	Flyweight	Ultra-Light	HD	HD+
EH935S-29ER e-MTB	500	X	X	X	X
XC930-29ER	270	X	X	290	330
XC924-29ER	250	X	X	280	310
AM930S-29ER	400	350	X	450	470
EN732-650B	470	X	400 (not suggested)	520	X
EN932-29ER	500	X	420 (not suggested)	550	X
XC925-29ER	360	X	295	400	X
XC725-650B	345	X	285	380	X
AM927-29ER	400	X	340 XC	450	X
AM727-650B	385	X	330 XC	430	X
AM930-29ER	440	400	350 XC	490	X
AM730-650B	425	390	340 XC	475	X
AM935-29ER	470	X	440	520	X
AM735-650B	455	X	425	505	X
RM29C06-29ER	360	320	280	380	X
RM650BC09-650B	320	X	270	370	X
RM26C06-26ER	440	X	X	490	560
AM933-29ER	460	X	440	510	560
AM740-650B	480	450	X	530	580
AM733-650B	460	X	X	510	560
AM724-650B	385	X	290	430	X
AM728-650B	410	X	370	460	X
AM928-29ER	430	X	400	480	530
RM29C19-29ER	395	X	355	445	470
RM650BC14-650B	450	X	X	500	580
RM29C15-29ER	490	X	X	540	600
RM650BC13-650B	455	X	X	505	570
RM29C14-29ER	465	X	X	515	565
RM26C05-26ER	420	X	X	485	540
RM29T01-29ER	320	X	265	X	X
RM29C07-29ER	420	X	380	465	500
RM650BC05-650B	400	X	370	455	480
RM26C03-26ER	440	385	365	460	500
RM26C02-26ER	360	X	300	400	X
FAT680-26ER	580	X	X	700	X
FS680-26ER	500	X	X	X	X
RSNOW05-650B	580	X	550	670	X
RSNOW03-26ER	500	X	X	550	580~900

If you are on the fence between categories, consider the lighter version up front, and the heavier version in the rear. The rear wheel sees far greater forces compared to the front wheel so it’s perfectly acceptable to mix layups within the wheelset. If you’re not sure which to choose, please send us an email describing your riding situation.

The customization fees for flyweight or HD style range from $8 to $20 per rim. Please contact us or leave a comment if you have any questions.

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July 28th, 2020 | Light Bicycle

COMMENTS

Martin 2025/02/15

Hi Is it possible to get the ARv56 disc with holes for internal nipples? There is no option to chose. Is the hooks reinforced with carbon fiber or is it just epoxi/resin so its possible to widen a bit? Br Martin

LightBicycle 2025/02/17

Hi Martin, Yes, it is okay to order our AR56-30 disc 700C with holes for internal nipples, could you share the wheelset spec. Sorry, due to mold limitations, we cannot make the hook wider. Could you provide your tire pressure and tire width？Then we can check if it fits you. Thanks, Lightbicycle

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Daniel 2021/12/17

What’s the narrowest rim that you make for a road rim brake bike 28 holes back 22 holes front

LightBicycle 2021/12/17

Hi Daniel, We can drill holes in any amount if you ask for it. But can you tell me the bike you have so I can confirm the best fit road rim brake rims 700C for you? Thanks, Lightbicycle

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Jonny 2021/12/10

Hi There. I'm looking for MTB XC wheelset with Internal rim diameter of 30mm as I plan to run 2.4 or wider tyres. is the AM930-29ER 350 XC the best option for me? i dont seem to be able to find the custom build option for that on the site. cheers Jonny

LightBicycle 2021/12/10

Hi Jonny, Thanks for your inquiry! For 2.4" tires, 30mm inner width or 27mm or 28mm inner width 29er wheelset are good also. May i know your weight please? Do you ride aggressively or not? Then we can check which 29er XC wheelset is better for you. Thanks, Lightbicyle

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John 2021/10/19

Hello, Are AR55 good choise for 100kg rider?

LightBicycle 2021/10/19

Hi John, For large rider, it is okay to choose AR55 road rims with more spoke count like 28H or 32H. Or you can order customized heavy duty version, the rims will be with some more carbon fiber material added. They will be strong enough and durable enough for large riders. Thanks, Lightbicycle

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Robert 2021/07/15

I’m looking for an inexpensive lightweight disc wheelset for my Specialized Cruz. I already have a set of your wheels with 38mm gravel tires. I want my second set for road tires (28-32). I weigh 165 lbs. and the wheels will be for road rides only. Fast and light is my focus for my new wheels. Thx!

LightBicycle 2021/07/16

Hi Robert, For your new wheels, will you be expecting to do steep climbs? What 700C road disc rims do you have in mind so far? Which toad tires do you plan to use and with what pressure? Overall, I think the AR35 or AR375 would be good options. As for the hubs, I would say Carbon Ti is the most cost-effective hub option. We have black ones in stock. Thanks, Lightbicycle

LightBicycle 2021/07/16

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Richard 2021/02/19

I want to build a wheelset for my 2018 cervelo s3 disc, I plan to use a conti gp5000 25mm tires. What do you recommend for me I want a flyweight wheelset 45-55mm deep. What are the differences between the ar, r, wr wheelsets and will it fit my 2018 cervelo s3 disc

LightBicycle 2021/02/19

Hi Richard, May i know your weight please? Is it windy a lot there? Then we can check AR44 or AR55 is better. For R series, it is 25mm wide 700C. For AR series, it is 28mm ~30mm wide 700C . For WR series, it is 32mm wide or wider 700C . Thanks, Lightbicycle

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Aslam 2020/10/30

Hi, I have purchased rims from you before. I’m looking to custom design a top of the range ultra light rim set suitable for climbing on paved roads. My bike can accommodate up to 25mm wide rim in 700c size. I ride a Bianchi Oltre XR4. My weight is 72kg. My group set is SRAM Etap 11 speed. Pls propose a wheel set with focus on lightest weight and best rolling resistance. I would like high quality bearings and hubs.

LightBicycle 2020/10/30

Hi Aslam, For Bianchi Oltre XR4 bike, we recommend below AR35 28mm wide road disc wheelset for you. We just sent and email to you, please check. https://www.lightbicycle.com/700C-tubeless-bicycle-wheels-28mm-wide-35mm-deep-clincher-for-cyclocross-road-and-gravel-bikes.html Thanks, Lightbicycle

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Jon 2020/10/14

Hi. Is the Flyweight weight limit on the rider or the rider plus bike? I am 80kg and riding a bike that will weight c 8kg or just over 10kg with full Bidons etc

LightBicycle 2020/10/15

Hi John, The limited weight refers to the rider weight, not rider+ bike's weight. Some special make light version has a special request for the rider weight, which bike rim are you interested in? I can check if your profile is a good fit for the rim before you settle anything. Thanks, Lightbicycle

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See all 8 customer reviews>>

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