Storage Tips for Carbon Wheelsets: How to Prevent Warping and Damage

Carbon wheelsets offer lightweight performance and aerodynamic advantages, but they require proper care—especially when they’re not in use. Improper storage can lead to warping, cracks, delamination, and premature wear.

In this guide, we’ll cover how to store your carbon wheelsets safely, whether it’s off-season, between races, or simply overnight.

Why Proper Storage Matters for Carbon Wheels

Carbon wheels are strong under riding loads, but sensitive to:

Prolonged pressure on the rim walls

Extreme temperature fluctuations

UV exposure

Poor vertical stacking

Incorrect storage can cause:

Rim deformation

Spoke tension imbalance

Seal and bearing degradation

Cosmetic damage or scratches

Best Practices for Storing Carbon Wheelsets

 1. Store Wheels Vertically, Not Horizontally

Hanging wheels from the rim (preferably by a padded hook) is ideal.

Avoid stacking wheels flat on top of each other, which can stress the rims and spokes over time.

 2. Use Wheel Bags for Protection

A padded wheel bag shields against dust, scratches, and accidental impacts.

Ensure the wheeled bag is breathable to prevent moisture buildup.

 3. Avoid Direct Sunlight and Heat Sources

Carbon resins can degrade with long-term UV exposure or heat.

Do not store wheels near windows, radiators, heaters, or in cars exposed to sun.

4. Keep in a Dry, Temperature-Stable Environment

Ideal storage temperature: 10–25°C (50–77°F).

Avoid garages with extreme cold or humidity, which can damage bearings and corrode metal parts.

 5. Release Tire Pressure for Long-Term Storage

Lower the tire pressure to around 20–30 psi to prevent long-term stress on the rim walls.

Never store tubeless setups fully inflated for months.

 Additional Tips for Long-Term Storage

Rotate the Hanging Position: Occasionally, change the hook’s position to avoid localized pressure on one spoke section.

Clean Wheels Before Storage: Dirt, brake dust, and moisture can slowly degrade carbon and aluminum surfaces.

Lubricate Bearings and Freehub: If storing for several months, lightly oil bearings and the freehub to prevent internal corrosion.

Avoid Hanging by Spokes: Always hang by the rim, never by the spokes, to prevent bending or tension issues.

 Can You Store Wheels Mounted on the Bike?

Yes—if:

The bike is hung properly (preferably by the frame, not the wheels).

Tire pressure is slightly reduced.

The bike is kept in a clean, temperature-stable, and UV-protected environment.

Avoid storing the bike with the wheels supporting full weight for extended periods in extremely hot or cold spaces.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake	Risk
Stacking wheels flat	Rim warping, spoke tension imbalance
Storing in direct sunlight	Resin degradation, cosmetic damage
Full tire pressure storage	Rim stress, tire bead deformation
Hanging by spokes	Spoke bending, tension loss
Storing in damp environments	Bearing corrosion, seal degradation

Final Thoughts

Proper storage is crucial for preserving the performance, safety, and lifespan of your carbon wheelsets.
By following these best practices, you can ensure your wheels stay true, smooth, and ready for your next ride.

At Superteam, we recommend regular inspection, proper cleaning, and careful storage for all our carbon wheelsets. Taking a few extra steps today can save you from costly repairs or dangerous failures later.