# 15 mm versus 17 mm inner rim width, rim brake clincher wheels, can you tell the difference? **URL:** \ **Category:** Equipment\ **Tags:** wheels, tires\ **Created:** [August 21, 2020, 2:33pm UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/15-mm-versus-17-mm-inner-rim-width-rim-brake-clincher-wheels-can-you-tell-the-difference/41401 "2020-08-21T14:33:22Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 6\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![apond58](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/f9ae1b/32.png) [@apond58](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/apond58)\ **Post date:** [August 21, 2020, 2:33pm UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/15-mm-versus-17-mm-inner-rim-width-rim-brake-clincher-wheels-can-you-tell-the-difference/41401/1 "2020-08-21T14:33:22Z")
The only upgrade I am considering making to my current rim brake bike is getting a new set of clincher wheels with a 17 mm inner rim width from my current 15 mm rim width. I would use 700 x 25 mm tires. I currently run about 90 psi front and rear. Has anyone made this switch recently and noticed a difference in the ride? I’m just wondering if it is worth making the switch. ---
**Author:** ![KorbenDallas](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/korbendallas/32/86114_2.png) [@KorbenDallas](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/KorbenDallas)\ **Post date:** [August 22, 2020, 6:08pm UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/15-mm-versus-17-mm-inner-rim-width-rim-brake-clincher-wheels-can-you-tell-the-difference/41401/2 "2020-08-22T18:08:38Z")
Years ago I rode the Enve Classic 45’s which were 15mm internal. I bought another set of wheels at 19mm internal. Same tires, the difference was subtle but, noticeable enough I sold the 45’s and started to comment about internal width being a thing when everyone seemed uber obsessed with external width. Generally, a wider external will see a wider internal but, not many seemed to concerned about the internal…anyways, I can’t say for sure going from 15-17 but, anything that makes the tire rounder is a very good thing and I’d bet 2mm will be felt. This is a smart upgrade. If you have the option I’d recommend a little wider if money permits. ---
**Author:** ![apond58](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/f9ae1b/32.png) [@apond58](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/apond58)\ **Post date:** [August 22, 2020, 6:18pm UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/15-mm-versus-17-mm-inner-rim-width-rim-brake-clincher-wheels-can-you-tell-the-difference/41401/3 "2020-08-22T18:18:14Z")
Thanks for the input, much appreciated. I’ll see what I can find in 19 mm internal. ---
**Author:** ![Trippy](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/trippy/32/14322_2.png) [@Trippy](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/Trippy)\ **Post date:** [August 22, 2020, 10:15pm UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/15-mm-versus-17-mm-inner-rim-width-rim-brake-clincher-wheels-can-you-tell-the-difference/41401/4 "2020-08-22T22:15:23Z")
Second what @KorbenDallas said. I felt a difference going from “training” wheels that were 17 internal to the Rovals I had which are 20.7 internal. I’d go as wide as you can afford on internal width if ride quality is the driver. ---
**Author:** ![mcalista](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/mcalista/32/92377_2.png) [@mcalista](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/mcalista)\ **Post date:** [August 23, 2020, 3:21am UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/15-mm-versus-17-mm-inner-rim-width-rim-brake-clincher-wheels-can-you-tell-the-difference/41401/5 "2020-08-23T03:21:35Z")
You could expect the increased internal width to give you around a 5% increase in volume for the same 25mm tire, allowing you to run slightly lower pressure. If you want to feel what it’s like, try your current tire at 85 psi. ---
**Author:** ![apond58](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/f9ae1b/32.png) [@apond58](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/apond58)\ **Post date:** [August 23, 2020, 7:41am UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/15-mm-versus-17-mm-inner-rim-width-rim-brake-clincher-wheels-can-you-tell-the-difference/41401/6 "2020-08-23T07:41:08Z")
Thanks guys, very helpful advice.