Why does wheel weight matter more than frame weight?

Rotating weight at the rim has to be both moved forward (like frame weight) and also spun up to speed. This means saving 100g at the rim is roughly equivalent to saving 200g on the frame for acceleration.

Where is the best place to save weight on a wheel?

At the rim and tyre — the outermost components. Saving 50g on the tyre has more impact than saving 50g on the hub. Lighter rims, tyres and tubes have the biggest effect on how a bike feels.

How much does rotating weight really matter?

For constant speed on flat roads, it makes no difference. For accelerating, climbing and criterium racing, it matters. The 2x factor is most relevant for repeated acceleration (crits, group rides, technical terrain).

What is a good wheel weight?

Entry-level alloy road wheelsets: 1800-2000g/pair. Mid-range: 1500-1800g. High-end carbon: 1200-1500g. Lightweight race wheels: under 1200g. Add 500-600g for tyres, tubes and tape.

Do I include cassette and rotor weight?

For total wheel weight comparison, include them as they are always on the wheel. However, they are near the hub (low rotational impact), so they matter less for the rotating weight calculation.

BikeCalcs

Wheel Weight Calculator — Total Weight & Rotational Inertia

Calculate total wheel weight and understand the impact of rotational mass.

Rim Weight

Hub Weight

Spoke Weight (each)

Spoke Count

Nipple Weight (each)

Tyre Weight

Tube / Sealant Weight

Rim Tape Weight

Disc Rotor (0 if rim brake)

Cassette (rear wheel only)

How We Calculate This

Wheel Weight Breakdown

Total weight = Sum of all components
Rotating weight = Rim + Tyre + Tube + Sealant + Tape + Nipples + 67% of spokes
Static weight = Hub + Cassette + Rotor + 33% of spokes
Effective inertia = Static weight + (2 x Rotating weight)
Outer mass (rim, tyre) counts ~2x for acceleration compared to hub mass

Frequently Asked Questions

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Last updated: February 2026

All calculations are estimates. Always verify results and consult a professional bike fitter where appropriate.