Lighter + Stronger + Faster = Success. That's the impossible equation engineers face whenever they develop a new cycling product, and immense time, energy, research, and dollars go into every undertaking when those engineers get cooking. On rare occasions, the impossible equation becomes possible. Such was the case with hookless rims, which were, in fact, lighter, stronger, and faster than hooked rims.
Yet we're now watching hookless rims face a crucial inflection point. Pro riders fear hookless rims may not be safe, fueled by notable incidents such as Thomas De Gendt's 2024 UAE Tour crash; consumers want to know if they pose real benefits; and manufacturers are unsure if consumer sentiment will drive ridership right back where it came from, with hooked rims becoming de rigueur once again.
