Carbon vs. Composite Wheels: What’s Coming in the Next Generation?

As cycling technology continues to evolve, the materials we ride on are advancing, too. While carbon fiber wheels have dominated the high-performance segment for years, a new contender is quietly emerging: composite wheels.

But what exactly are composite wheels, and how do they compare to traditional carbon wheels? More importantly, what can we expect from the next generation of wheelset materials in 2025 and beyond?

Let’s explore the differences, trends, and future possibilities.

Carbon Wheels: The Current Standard

Carbon fiber wheels have been the top choice for performance cyclists for over a decade.

Key Benefits:

Lightweight: Excellent power-to-weight ratio.

Aerodynamics: Complex rim profiles are easier to mold.

Stiffness: Ideal for sprinting and climbing.

Tubeless & Disc Brake Compatible: Now widely available.

Common Drawbacks:

Impact Sensitivity: Prone to cracking under severe impact.

Heat Management: Though less relevant with disc brakes, early carbon rims struggled with heat in rim braking.

Cost: Still more expensive than alloy alternatives.

What Are Composite Wheels?

While carbon wheels are technically a type of composite, composite wheels in the modern context often refer to wheels made from:

Blended materials: Combining carbon with thermoplastics, resins, or other fibers like basalt or Kevlar.

New-generation polymers: Offering enhanced flexibility, impact resistance, or recyclability.

Key Benefits:

Increased Impact Resistance: Thermoplastic composites can deform under impact and recover better than traditional carbon.

Potential Cost Reduction: Some composite processes are more affordable to produce.

More Sustainable: Some new composite wheels can be recycled or use bio-based resins.

Potential Trade-Offs:

Heavier: Some composite blends currently weigh more than high-end carbon.

Less Proven: New materials may not yet have the same track record of long-term durability.

What’s Coming in the Next Generation?

 1. Thermoplastic Carbon Composites

Easier to mold and repair.

Better impact tolerance.

Potentially recyclable.

 2. Hybrid Carbon Composites

Mixing carbon with Kevlar, basalt, or glass fibers.

Aims to balance weight, cost, and shock absorption.

 3. Advanced Manufacturing

Lower resin content for reduced weight.

Automated layup for more consistent quality.

Reduced costs for mid-tier carbon wheelsets.

 4. Improved Hookless Designs

Wider rim profiles.

Lower tire pressures.

Better tubeless integration with next-generation materials.

��5. Sustainability Innovations

Bio-resins, recycled carbon, and end-of-life recovery programs may become mainstream.

Carbon vs. Composite: A Quick Comparison

Feature	Carbon Wheels	Composite Wheels
Weight	Very light	Slightly heavier (currently)
Impact Resistance	Can crack or delaminate	More impact-tolerant
Repairability	Difficult	Easier with thermoplastic
Cost	Moderate to high	Potentially lower
Sustainability	Limited	More recyclable options
Proven Performance	Industry standard	Emerging technology

Should You Wait for Composite Wheels?

If you’re buying now, carbon wheels are still the best balance of weight, stiffness, and proven race performance. However, if you’re interested in future-proofing, the next few years may bring more affordable, more durable, and more eco-friendly composite wheelsets to the market.

Brands like Zipp, Mavic, and emerging independent manufacturers are already experimenting with thermoplastic composites, recyclable fibers, and sustainable production.

At Superteam, we continue to explore material innovation while delivering high-value carbon wheels that are race-ready today.

Final Thoughts

The next generation of wheelsets won’t just be lighter or faster—they’ll likely be smarter, stronger, and more sustainable.
While carbon wheels will remain dominant in 2025, expect composite materials to play a growing role in offering affordable and more impact-resistant alternatives.