How to Prevent Carbon Rim Brake Tracks from Overheating

Essential Tips to Protect Your Carbon Wheels and Ride Safely

Carbon rim brake wheels offer lightweight performance and aerodynamic advantages, but they also come with one critical challenge: heat buildup. On long descents or aggressive braking, carbon brake tracks can overheat, leading to reduced braking power, rim damage, or even catastrophic failure.

In this guide, we’ll show you:

Why carbon rims overheat

Key strategies to prevent overheating

Best practices for braking safely on carbon wheels

Why Carbon Rim Brake Tracks Overheat

1. Material Limitation

Unlike aluminum, carbon does not dissipate heat quickly. Prolonged braking causes heat to build up in the rim wall and tire.

2. Friction Heat During Braking

The brake pads create heat when they press against the rim. On steep descents, this heat can accumulate rapidly.

3. Heat-Induced Tire Failure

Excessive rim heat can increase tire pressure, risking blowouts or causing the brake track resin to soften.

Key Tips to Prevent Carbon Rim Overheating

1. Brake in Intervals (Pulse Braking)

Avoid dragging the brakes continuously. Instead, apply short, firm braking pulses to allow the rim to cool between each brake cycle.

2. Use Carbon-Specific Brake Pads

Never use alloy brake pads on carbon rims.
Carbon-specific pads:

Are softer and create less heat

Offer smoother heat dissipation

Reduce rim wear

Recommended: Superteam Carbon Brake Pads or SwissStop Black Prince.

3. Descend at Controlled Speeds

Don’t rely on brakes to hold speed constantly.
Use:

Lower body position to create air drag

Alternate between front and rear brakes to share heat load

4. Avoid Over-Inflating Tires

High tire pressures + heat = dangerous expansion.
Use moderate pressures and account for thermal expansion on hot days or long descents.

5. Check for Advanced Rim Technology

Modern carbon rims often include:

High-temperature resins (heat-resistant up to 250°C or more)

Textured brake tracks to improve heat management

Integrated heat-dissipation channels in premium models

Make sure your wheelset is rated for rim brake use with appropriate thermal resistance.

Additional Best Practices

Pre-ride brake check: Ensure pads are aligned and not worn down.

Avoid panic braking: Smooth, controlled input is key.

Inspect rims regularly: Look for signs of discoloration, warping, or cracking.

Should You Consider Disc Brakes?

If you often ride in mountainous regions or long descents, disc brakes might be a safer, more reliable option. They:

Remove heat from the rim

Offer consistent braking in all weather

Eliminate risk of rim overheating

However, carbon rim brakes remain popular for lightweight builds and classic frame compatibility.