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I want to add another 'speed' to my bike so I am researching the new 2 speed kickback hub from SA.
I am not to familiar with any post-1985 technology so might someone explain to me the benefit of a deep-V rim? Looks kind of heavy. Are they stronger or is it an aerodynamic thing? Shorter spokes seem to be a better idea, but all that aluminum, yikes !
I am considering one of the two below because most other 2speed pre-builts seem to have less-than-desirable Weinmanns. I have had good luck with my Alex rims and they will be going to another project. I guess my question is if the deep V's are in fact more bullet-proof for daily commuter abuse. Where I live the roads are like MTB trails in some places, so any wheel set that costs twice what my bike did, I sort of want to hold up for a while
And to finish up this ponderousity, does anyone have an opinion on www.coasties.com ?

https://coasties.com/?p=891 <--- Deep V set EDIT: This link keeps going to the wrong product. Cant figure out why
Below is an image of the rims in question. "Super" Deep V's according to the link that I cant get to work correctly.

https://coasties.com/?p=904 <---the black Sun CR-18 version


Regards,
Thanks in advance

FBinNY 

The deep V section offers improved aerodynamics, at the expense of some added weight. The benefit of better aerodynamics increases proportional to the square of the speed, so is most interesting for those who can sustain 20+ mph.

OTOH, there's increased sail effect which makes handling in crosswinds somewhat harder, and the added weight.

In the real world, for most people it's a coin toss, but IMO the Deep V makes slightly more sense if you're a fas rider, and the more classic profile makes more sense otherwise.

Then there's the style considerations, and I leave that up to you.

HillRider

Deep section wheels allow reduced spoke counts since the rim provides the rigidity that the fewer spokes give up. The weight savings from that is minimal and overall the wheels will be heavier but look "cooler". Aerodynamics are their main advantage but, as FB noted, the benefits are mostly at higher speeds.

Kimmo

At 520g, the Deep V isn't a light rim. But that's not such a bad thing; what you lose in acceleration you gain in momentum, which the lower drag helps you sustain.

Not a huge effect, but some... you might say the main benefit is mostly at no speed.

Deep rims hot-rod the looks of your bike, like big wheels on a car.

Reanman1

Why a kickback 2 spd? Have you considered the SRAM 2spd Automatix hub? While I was living in Portland, OR I had one laced up to an Oringal8 36H VRim at Revolver Cycles. I use it on my commuter bike and love it....and no kicking required!

Cross Creek

+1 for the SRAM Auto 2 hub. I built up two coasties versions and have another (freewheel) planned. Have been riding them for about 16 months and love them. They shift up and down without any drama or much conscious thought, based on rotation speed.

ebgbz

I have been considering a SA 2spd kickback on a 26" project bike. I have seen this but NOT looked at it in detail. After reading this thread post I will definitely be rethinking the SA option. I think this(SRAM Automatix) makes a lot more sense...to me! ..."bicicletta funzionalita"
It seems clear to me that the consensus on the rims you are considering is that structurally and functionally the V rims work. As FB posted the issue is then "style." We all have an opinion on style. The important opinion on this style question is the OP's. It's his bike and he has to ride it and receive kudos or comments as others see fit. The V rims look a bit more aggressive and smoother. But, as KIMMO said: "...you might say the main benefit is at no speed." "Form follows function."
All that being said, I prefer the box rims and the more "minimalist" look AND the "sparkly" finish! Whew!!!

xenologer

Deep v is also less repairable compared to a traditional box section - cant use rim puller, cant bend back as easily, etc.
They also require you to have extra long stemmed presta valves (may be hard to find)
And they don't work well with wide tires, wide box section would give more support.
So is this a utility bike? or a fast bike?
box section for utility, deep v if you're fast enough for aerodynamics to matter.

gmt13

I like the box section rims just because they look better on my vintage commuter. I decided to give the CR-18s a try and have found them to be pretty darn rugged. I put ~4000 miles on one set that was laced to a SA S2 on the back and a Shimano Dynohub in the front. 36H, 4x, and straight gauge 2mm DT spokes. Although my commute is 95% paved streets, there are some rough sections. Also there is my tendency to speed up over speed bumps. The CR-18s took it all in stride. My personal opinion is that it is less about the rim and more about how the wheel was built as well as keeping good tire pressures.

I loved the S2 hub, but it took about 500 miles to feel competent with gear selection.

-G