Notice Regarding Visual "Rippling" or Slight Deformation on Ultralight Carbon Rims, Particularly with 2:1 Lacing

Notice Regarding Visual "Rippling" or Slight Deformation on Ultralight Carbon Rims, Particularly with 2:1 Lacing

This document explains the visible sidewall rippling or slight deformation that may be observed on ultralight carbon rims, an effect often more pronounced on wheels built with a 2:1 (or similar asymmetric) spoke lacing pattern.

1. The Phenomenon & Its Cause
The sidewalls of ultralight carbon rims are engineered to be exceptionally thin to minimize weight. Under the necessary high spoke tension, this thin-walled construction can exhibit a gentle, wave-like appearance between spoke holes. This is a natural physical characteristic of the material under tension and is an accepted trade-off in pursuit of maximum performance and minimal weight.

2. Why It Is More Noticeable with 2:1 Lacing
Wheels with a 2:1 lacing pattern (two spokes on the drive side for every one on the non-drive side) are designed to optimize drive-stiffness and balance tension. This configuration inherently leads to:

• Lower spoke tension on the non-drive side.

• Larger unsupported spans of rim material between the fewer spokes on that side.
  The combination of lower tension pulling the rim inward and a larger flexible area makes the visual rippling more apparent on the non-drive side. This is a direct and expected outcome of the 2:1 design principle.

3. What This Means for You

• This is a feature, not a defect. It is a visual indicator of an advanced, weight-optimized design.

• It is not a sign of weakness or damage. The structural integrity of the rim is determined by its overall composite layup and reinforced areas (e.g., spoke bed, brake track). This superficial flex does not affect the wheel's strength, safety, or rated durability.

• Performance remains uncompromised. The wheel's lateral/pedaling stiffness, braking performance, and reliability are fully maintained as designed.

• It is an industry-standard characteristic. This effect is present to varying degrees in high-end ultralight wheelsets from all major manufacturers, especially those utilizing aggressive weight-saving and asymmetric lacing designs.

Conclusion
The visual rippling you may observe—particularly on the non-drive side of a 2:1 laced wheel—is a normal and benign characteristic. It confirms that your wheelset embodies the cutting-edge engineering choices made to deliver exceptional lightweight performance. No action is required, and you can ride with complete confidence.

Q1: Why do my new Lighteset carbon wheels look wavy/uneven on the sidewalls?
A1: This is a characteristic visual trait of ultralight carbon rims under proper spoke tension. To achieve extreme lightweight, the rim sidewalls are made very thin. Under high tension, this thin wall exhibits a "rippling" or "oil-canning" effect. This is not a defect and does not compromise strength or safety.

Q2: Is this specific to your product, or do other brands have it too?
A2: Virtually all top-tier ultralight racing wheelsets (especially models under 1200g per pair) exhibit this to some degree. It's a physical characteristic of ultra-thin wall construction, common across high-end lightweight wheels. The difference lies in whether brands proactively inform customers about it.

Q3: Why does the deformation look more obvious on one side of my 2:1 laced wheels?
A3: This is actually the expected characteristic of 2:1 lacing. The side with fewer spokes (usually the non-drive side) has lower tension and larger unsupported spans between spoke holes. This larger area of thin wall, with less supporting pull, makes the visual rippling more pronounced. This confirms the wheelset is functioning exactly as designed—optimizing drive-side stiffness while accepting this visual trait on the non-drive side as the trade-off for low weight.

Q4: Does this affect performance or longevity?
A4: Not at all. The structural strength of the rim comes from the overall carbon layup and reinforcement in critical areas. This localized visual rippling in thin wall sections does not affect:

• Pedaling or lateral stiffness

• Braking performance

• Wheelset longevity

• Safety

Q5: What if I can't accept this appearance?
A5: You have two options:

1. Choose an "endurance" or "all-rounder" wheelset: These have thicker sidewalls and minimal visual rippling, but are slightly heavier

2. Keep your current wheelset: Understand this as the hallmark of performance-oriented design, and enjoy the weight savings

We recommend living with them for a few days—most riders fully accept this characteristic once they understand the reason and experience the performance benefits.

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