Deep-section carbon wheels can reduce aerodynamic drag, but they are not automatically the best wheel choice for a junior track cyclist. For many developing riders, a light, reliable and properly built shallow wheelset will offer better value and can perform just as well for junior racing level.

The right wheel choice depends on more than just rim depth. Rider power output, race speeds, weight and rotating mass, tyre choice, budget and many other factors should all be considered before investing in an expensive carbon wheelset. See our Performance Tools Dashboard to compare speed and lap times and how improving your Cda can affect impact speed. 

Junior Equipment Regulations 

Before choosing a wheelset, it's important to understand that junior track cyclists are often restricted in the equipment they can use. These regulations vary considerably between countries and age groups, making wheel selection more limiting in some cases and more complex in others. For example, New Zealand's Under 17 riders are currently limited to a maximum rim depth of 45 mm, while Australian junior riders are limited to 96mm depth rims but must use clincher tyres. Before investing in new wheels, always check the current regulations for your national governing body, as the fastest legal wheel isn't necessarily the deepest or most aerodynamic option available. 

Why do track cyclists use deep wheels?

Deep rims, three-spoke wheels and disc wheels are designed to reduce aerodynamic drag. As a wheel rotates, the airflow around it becomes surprisingly complex. The top of the wheel travels at almost twice the bike's forward speed, while the bottom is effectively stationary relative to the ground. A deeper, more continuous shape manages this airflow with less disturbance than a traditional shallow rim with many round spokes.

Research consistently shows that well-designed aerodynamic wheels produce less drag than conventional spoked wheels, making the wheels one of the more effective areas to gain free speed. However, the size of that advantage depends heavily on rider speed.

Why speed changes the impact of an aero wheel

Aerodynamic drag increases with the square of speed, while the power required to overcome that drag increases approximately with the cube of speed. This means that doubling your speed requires roughly eight times as much aerodynamic power, making wheel aerodynamics increasingly important as riders become faster. 

At lower speeds, a deep wheel still reduces drag, but the absolute saving is much smaller. In some cases, the additional weight or reduced agility of a deeper wheel can outweigh its aerodynamic benefit, resulting in a slower overall system. The goal isn't to choose the most aerodynamic wheel available, but the wheel that delivers the greatest net performance for the rider and event. 

Estimate your race speed using our Gear Ratio & Lap Time Calculator to better understand when aerodynamic wheels are likely to become worthwhile.

Does wheel weight matter more for junior riders?

Yes, particularly during acceleration.

Every gram of wheel weight must be accelerated forward, but because the wheel is also rotating, mass positioned towards the outside of the rim and tyre requires more energy to bring up to speed than the same mass positioned near the hub. Reducing weight at the rim therefore improves how quickly a bike accelerates and can make it feel more agile and responsive.

This becomes increasingly important for junior riders because:

• The riders produce less absolute power.

• Wheels represent a larger proportion of the total rider-and-bike system mass.

• Junior racing often involves repeated accelerations.

• Gear restrictions can lead to high cadences and frequent changes in speed.

For a smaller rider, adding several hundred grams to a wheelset represents a much greater percentage increase in system weight than it does for a heavier elite athlete. As a result, the performance penalty of a heavier aerodynamic wheel can be more noticeable.

This doesn't mean lighter less-aero wheels are always going to be faster. Rather, it reinforces the need to balance wheel weight against aerodynamic performance. As rider speed increases, the aerodynamic benefit of a deeper wheel becomes more significant. At lower speeds or in acceleration-heavy events, reducing wheel weight may provide the greater overall performance gain.

Similar trade-offs exist in drivetrain efficiency, where weight and mechanical losses must also be balanced with efficiency gains. 

Choosing the right wheel for the event

The decision isn't simply that shallow, lightweight wheels are for juniors and deep-section wheels are for elites.

The right wheel depends on how the bike is ridden. The faster and more consistently a rider travels, the greater the benefit of aerodynamic wheels. Conversely, the more often the rider accelerates, changes pace or rides in a bunch, the more valuable a lighter wheel can become.

This is why even Olympic-level riders don't always choose the most aerodynamic equipment available (outside of pursuing). In mass-start racing, it's common to see riders select slightly less aerodynamic wheels if they provide better acceleration, handling or responsiveness. The fastest wheel isn't always the deepest wheel.

Sprint and Keirin

Sprint riders reach the highest speeds in track cycling, making aero increasingly important. At the same time, events such as match sprint and team sprint demand explosive acceleration with teams focusing on reducing weight as much as possible.

For developing junior sprinters, a lighter wheelset may provide a greater performance benefit while they continue building power. As riders become faster and begin competing at national level, the aerodynamic advantages of deeper section wheels become increasingly worthwhile.

Individual and Team Pursuit

Pursuit events reward riders who maintain a high, consistent speed. While a heavier wheel may slightly reduce acceleration off the start line, that penalty becomes a much smaller proportion of the total race time than it would in a sprint event. As a result, deeper aerodynamic wheels will provide a greater overall performance advantage.

Scratch, Points Race and Madison

Mass-start racing involves repeated accelerations as the bunch changes pace, attacks form and riders contest sprints. Riders also spend much of the race sheltered in another rider's slipstream, reducing the aerodynamic benefit of deep wheels.

In these events, a lighter, more agile wheelset can often outweigh the small aerodynamic advantage of a deeper rim, particularly for developing riders.

When junior wheels become training wheels

As riders progress beyond junior equipment restrictions and begin using 3/4/5 spokes and disc wheels, their original spoked wheelset still has an important role.

A quality training wheelset will last a long time.They’re less expensive to repair after a crash and ideal for everyday riding. If they're clinchers, tires are cheap to replace. Keeping dedicated race wheels for competition use only, reduces wear helps ensure they're in their best condition when performance matters most.

Should the front and rear wheels be treated differently?

Yes.

The front and rear wheels operate in very different conditions and therefore contribute differently to overall performance.

The front wheel is the first part of the bike to meet undisturbed airflow, making it the more influential of the two for reducing aerodynamic drag. As rider speeds increase, upgrading to a deeper front wheel or a three, four or five-spoke design will deliver the most noticeable aerodynamic improvement.

The rear wheel sits behind the rider and frame in more disturbed airflow, reducing the aerodynamic benefit of increasing rim depth. Rear disc wheels are designed to maximise stiffness while minimising weight, helping riders accelerate quickly while preserving as much of the power through the bike as possible.

For riders gradually progressing into unrestricted equipment, rear discs are more common, and easier to find cheap(er) on the second hand market, and can be used in any event which makes it a sensible upgrade path when taking competition more seriously.

Learn how these design principles influenced the development of the Altias Disc Wheel.

Indoor and outdoor tracks create different priorities

The environment you race in can also influence which wheel is the better choice.

Indoor velodromes provide relatively consistent conditions with no cross winds (unless someone left the doors open). This allows riders to take full advantage of deeper aerodynamic wheels without the handling compromises that can occur outdoors.

Outdoor velodromes are a different story. Wind will constantly change as you ride around the track, altering the airflow over the front wheel. Deeper wheels can generate greater steering forces in these conditions, requiring more rider input to hold a smooth, consistent line.

Rear disc wheels are still commonplace outdoors, as the cross winds have much less of an effect on handling. 

The fastest wheels are always the ones best suited to the racing conditions.

A sensible wheel progression for junior track cyclists

Stage One: Reliable training and club-racing wheels

Start with a well-built shallow or moderate-depth wheelset that can handle regular training and racing.

Prioritise:

• Low rim and tyre mass

• Conservative 28-32 or spoke count

• Reliable, serviceable track hubs

• Readily available replacement spokes

• Tyre compatibility that meets your local regulations

• Tyres suited to your track surface

A quality hand-built wheelset around proven hubs will often provide better long-term value than an inexpensive deep wheel with unknown construction or limited spare-parts support.

Stage Two: Aero front wheel and rear disc

Once you've progressed beyond junior equipment restrictions and are regularly competing at regional, national or international level, aero wheels begin to offer greater performance benefits.

For most riders, the first upgrades are:

• A rear disc wheel.

• A deeper front wheel or 3/4/5 spoke front wheel.

Stage Three: Front disc

A front disc wheel is a specialist piece of equipment only used in timed events. Unlike a rear disc, it offers no benefit to any other events.

For most riders, a front disc will be the final wheel upgrade. By the time you're considering one, I recommend to ensure the rest of your equipment and bike fit is well optimised. Until then, the same investment will usually deliver greater performance gains elsewhere.

Because front discs are used so infrequently, many riders choose to borrow or hire one for major competitions before investing in their own. 

Where should juniors spend their money first?

If you're working with a limited budget, for juniors, improvements generally have a greater impact in roughly this order:

1. Coaching and track time

2. Weight reduction

3. Bike fit

4. Aero position discipline

5. Tyres

6. Helmets and skinsuits

7. Aero race wheels

This order will vary between riders, but wheels are not likely to produce the biggest improvement early in a rider's development.

Common mistakes when buying track wheels for juniors

Buying the deepest wheel available

Rim depth is easy to compare, but for teh above reasons, it might not be the optimum solution. An 88mm rim is not automatically faster than a 40mm rim.

Ignoring total wheel weight

Some inexpensive carbon track wheels are significantly heavier than good aluminium wheels. Always have a look at the weights during comparison

Copying elite riders

Elite riders choose equipment for elite speed and power outputs. Using the same equipment won't deliver the same performance if you're racing at a very different level.

Choose wheels that match your current level, not the equipment used by Olympic athletes.

Expecting equipment to replace fitness

Aero tech makes an existing rider more efficient. It doesn't replace power. The biggest gains usually come from improving the rider first, then selecting equipment that complements those improvements.

My Recommendation

For most developing junior track cyclists, start with the lightest high-quality wheelset that suits your budget and complies with your local equipment regulations.

Prioritise a well-built wheel with brand name hubs, quality spokes and a shallow or moderate-depth rim before investing in deeper aerodynamic options.

As you graduate into the higher age groups or want to take things seriously, upgrade to a rear disc and a 3/4/5 spoke where they provide a measurable advantage.

A junior wheelset should help them train, race and develop. It doesn't need to imitate the equipment used by an Olympic pursuit team. In my experience the fastest choice is rarely the deepest wheel, but the one that delivers the greatest overall performance for your current ability.

Frequently asked questions

What rim depth is best for a junior track cyclist?

There isn't a single ideal rim depth. The best choice depends on your local equipment regulations, and race speed.

For most junior riders, a shallow or moderate-depth wheel provides the best balance of acceleration,and versatility. As speeds increase and equipment restrictions are removed, deeper wheels become increasingly worthwhile.

Is a deeper wheel always faster?

No.

A deeper wheel generally produces less aerodynamic drag, but it may also be heavier and less responsive during acceleration. Whether it's faster overall depends on the race event and the rider's speed.

Should junior riders prioritise wheel weight or aerodynamics?

For most developing riders, reducing wheel weight often provides a greater overall performance benefit than maximising aero performance.

As rider speed and competition level increase, the aero advantages of deeper wheels become increasingly significant.

Should I upgrade the front or rear wheel first?

That depends on your goals.

If you're introducing aerodynamic equipment for the first time, a deeper front wheel wheel will provides the biggest aerodynamic improvement.

If you're progressing into unrestricted racing and have access to an affordable rear disc, that can also be an excellent upgrade. Riders gradually build their equipment collection over several seasons rather than purchasing everything at once.

Should I copy the wheels used by elite riders?

Not necessarily.

Elite riders select equipment based on elite power outputs, race speeds and event demands. The fastest wheel for an Olympic rider isn't automatically the fastest wheel for a developing junior.

Choose the wheel that best suits your current speed, racing style and local regulations.

Do I need carbon wheels to be competitive?

No.

Many junior riders achieve excellent results on quality shallow or moderate-depth wheelsets. Carbon wheels can become a worthwhile upgrade as rider speed increases, but they're rarely the biggest contributor to performance early in a rider's development.