Can Aero Wheels Improve Climbing Performance? Debunking the Myths

When it comes to climbing, most cyclists instinctively reach for the lightest wheels possible. The logic is simple: less weight means less effort going uphill. But in recent years, many riders and professional teams have started to use aero wheels even on mountain stages.
This raises the question: Can aero wheels help you climb faster? Or is it all just marketing?

In this article, we’ll explore the science, the myths, and what matters when choosing wheels for climbing.

The Traditional View: Lightweight Is King

For decades, the prevailing wisdom has been that lighter wheels make a faster climber.
The main arguments:

Less rotating mass means faster acceleration.

Lower weight reduces the total system mass you must lift uphill.

While weight certainly matters, it’s not the only factor.

 Why Aero Wheels Can Still Benefit Climbers

1. Aerodynamics Still Matters at Climbing Speeds

Most riders think aerodynamics only applies at high speeds, but that’s not entirely true.

At speeds around 15–20 km/h (9–12 mph) on moderate gradients, aerodynamic drag still accounts for about 20–30% of total resistance.

On shallow climbs or rolling terrain, aero benefits can outweigh the small weight penalty of deeper rims.

2. Real-World Racing Trends

Pro Tour teams now frequently use 40mm to 50mm rim depth wheels even on hilly courses.
Why? Because the time gained on flat and descending sections often offsets the minimal weight disadvantage on climbs.

3. Weight Differences Are Smaller Than You Think

Modern carbon aero wheels are much lighter than they were 5–10 years ago.
Example:

Lightweight climbing wheelset: ~1350g

Mid-depth aero wheelset: ~1450–1550g

A 100–200g difference is measurable but often overstated in real-world riding.

Common Myths About Aero Wheels and Climbing

Myth 1: Aero Wheels Are Always Heavier

Reality: Many modern aero wheels are competitive in weight, especially those in the 35–45mm range.

Myth 2: Aero Wheels Feel Sluggish on Climbs

Reality: Unless you’re doing stop-and-go climbing (like hairpins), the slightly higher rotational mass is not dramatically felt on steady climbs.

Myth 3: Deep Rims Are Dangerous in Crosswinds

Reality: Current aerodynamic designs handle crosswinds far better than older wheel profiles, especially at depths below 50mm.

When Aero Wheels Are a Smart Choice for Climbers

Shallow Climbs (Under 6% Gradient): Aero wheels offer a net gain due to reduced drag.

Mixed Terrain Rides: Where flats, descents, and rollers make up a significant part of the route.

Racing Scenarios: Where every second counts, even on downhill and transition sections.

Heavier Riders (>75kg): The minor weight difference has a smaller relative impact.

When Lightweight Wheels May Still Be Better

Steep, Sustained Climbs (Above 8–10%): Pure climbing wheels can give a slight advantage when speed is low and every gram counts.

Low-Speed Technical Climbs: Where frequent accelerations from near standstill require fast-spinning wheels.

When Crosswinds Are Extreme: Ultra-deep rims (60mm+) may still be challenging in gusty conditions.

Final Thoughts: Should You Climb on Aero Wheels?

For most riders, especially in non-extreme mountain stages, mid-depth aero wheels (35–50mm) provide the best all-around performance.
✔️ The aerodynamic advantage is real, even when climbing.
✔️ The weight difference is smaller than you think, and in many cases, the trade-off is well worth it.

At Superteam, our mid-depth carbon wheelsets are designed to balance weight and aerodynamic performance, making them a smart choice whether you’re sprinting on flats or attacking on climbs.

 Bottom Line:
Don’t blindly chase low weight. Look at your ride profile, average speeds, and race goals. Aero wheels can improve your climbing, especially when paired with modern lightweight designs.