Rim Choice
 

I'm considering getting light-weight rims at some point, and I wanted to what your opinions are on which would have the least impact on drag/aerodynamics. I understand that, ideally, I'd have wheel covers for best aerodynamics, but I'd probably only use those for extended highway driving.

Anyway, this question has more to do with the basic design of the rim, and which design has the best native aerodynamics. Basically, does an increased number of spokes always equal increased drag?

For reference, the two possibilities I am looking at are Volk TE37 (six-spoke) and RE30 (14-spoke). Both would save ~ 5 lbs per corner in rotational mass, but it would be nice to also reduce the drag as much as possible. My current, stock rims are 12-spoke.

From what I can gather, I am getting better fuel savings with the OE steel rims coupled with aerodynamic covers than with my lightweight alloy wheels. Most will agree that wheel weight reduction is important, especially in city driving (stop and go), but once you get rolling at a constant speed, the benefit of lighter wheels starts to dissipate.

I can't really comment on wheel design though.

It all depends on what kind of driving you do most of the time. If you're on the highway get low drag wheels/tires but if it's all city driving then the drag doesn't matter much and the weight does.

Did you do the math on how much the rims will cost you and how long it would take for you to pay for them with the fuel savings?

For me, a mod or an upgrade should pay for itself in the 1st year of use.

so if these wheels will save you about 3% and they cost $1000, the only way it would be worth changing if you (curently) go through ~$30000 in fuel / year

The motivation isn't only the improved fuel economy; it is also increased overall performance. Weight reduction costs a premium in performance vehicles, and the answer to whether it is worth it is in the eyes of the beholder (or purchaser as it were).

Just like installing a new radio isn't going to pay for it's self, buying brand new shinny wheels is never going to pay for it's self either, but some people find it worth while.
But when you are looking at new wheels what you want is something that is as smooth as possible, so a few wide spokes are better then a pile of thin spokes that turn out to be more like paddle wheels stirring up the air.