Wider rims on the track?
 

So I'm building a fixed gear bike and it would be nice to know how well-suited to the velodrome it would be. Right now there are a lot of COVID-related restrictions for new riders at my local track, to the point that I couldn't finish my introductory sessions in the fall. Hopefully things open back up soon.

Anyway, in my mind track wheels have narrow rims+tires - is this based in reality? Any reason not to run H Plus Son Archetypes with 25mm tires? They have 17.5mm internal width, weigh 470g, are 23mm wide, and 25mm deep. I guess they do not have a deep, aerodynamic shape - any other considerations?

25mm tires are not very wide, but if you have an old-school frame you may run into clearance issues, especially with the fork. What kind of bike do you run?

There are some people who race for fun with plain old box section wheels and regular butted spokes.

If you lace your Archetypes with Aerolites or CX Rays and use 23mm tires then you’ll definitely have an aero advantage over those oldschool people.

Your frame might be stuck with 23mm tires though, not due to width, only due to outer circumference limits at the fork crown or seat stay bridge. The skinniest rim won’t make a 28mm fit in a frame like that. Likewise, a 23mm internal-width rim won’t make a 23mm tire not fit in that frame, it just won’t be structurally sound.

Thanks for the feedback guys!

Sounds like rim width will not be a big issue. I know the wheels will fit the frame as I have another one of these frames with an even wider rim and it fits fine. H Plus Son 'The Hydra' - 25mm external width, running 28mm tires.

The frame is an FBM Sword SQ from 2015. The tubing is straight gauge chromoly, so it'll be on the heavy side, and I have no idea how stiff it is. But right now the limit to my performance is me, not the bike's weight or stiffness.