Rim advice - dynamo build

[bnolan@yahoo.com]

I have just purchased a Shutter Precision PD-8 dynamo hub.  My plan was to re-use my existing rim for the build, but now am wondering if I should use a wider rim.

My 2016 Novara Safari came with Vittoria Randonneur 700x48c tires on Alexrims MD19 rims.   I like the wide tires given the quality of the roads and paths I regularly ride on.   A 19mm rim seems a little bit narrow for a 48c tire.  Should I be looking for something wider?  Recommendations?

[Pat Lamb]

Have you had any problems with your current setup? 

Dynamo hubs are just a different hub.  I wouldn't change anything just for that.  You might want to replace the rim if it's worn, or if you want an extra front wheel.

[DaveB]

Are you planning to go to even wider tires?  Will your frame and fork even clear a wider tire?  If no to either question and your bike came OEM with those rims and tires, apparently the manufacturer was convinced the rims were wide enough.

[RonK]

Regardless of whether the rim is wide enough, it makes sense to build a complete new wheel and keep the original as a spare.

And in fact with 48mm tires you should be using 25mm rims.

[bnolan@yahoo.com]

Thanks.   I had heard a rule of thumb that the rim should be 50-65℅ the width of the tire.

[canalligators]

Tire and rim width guide:
http://www.sheldonbrown.com/rim-sizing.html

For touring use, where reliability is very important, I would always build with new spokes, and likely a new rim too.  I also build with tried & true, conservative spoking, and the result is that I never have wheel problems.  I will occasionally reuse rims when they're in top shape (low mileage) and the bike is only used for local riding.