At the last race I did there was a solid, but not absurd (15-20 mph), cross-wind. I’m light 125-130, but used to ride in the wind a lot and am ok with being pushed. That said, I got a front wheel wobble that was not too fun.
Is this to be expected from a 50mm wheel? Should I go shallower / upgrade?
FWIW I usually take the position that you need to improve bike handling, but a wobble in those conditions is dubious.
Was it the wheel wobbling due to it being out of true or from crosswinds or was this the dreaded “speed wobbles”? I’ve experienced speed wobbles when rocketing down a steep hill at 35 + mph and it’s terrifying. Apparently it’s a phenomenon in which the front wheel begins oscillating leading to the whole front end and bike shaking uncontrollably. It’s not that un common but it is extremely dangerous for a rider who has never experienced it before and does not know how to prevent it. According to the articles I’ve read it’s pretty easily fixable which is the good news. See this article below.
https://www.220triathlon.com/training/bike-training/how-to-beat-speed-wobbles-on-the-bike/
Sounds pretty normal. I’m 135-140 lbs and run 70mm front wheels and I get a little wobble every once in a while. What gets you isn’t really the strength of the wind - it’s the gusts that cause a problem. I’ve ridden on the coast in a constant 15 mph wind. No biggie because it’s consistent. But when I come across homes, there are air pockets that can create gusts, and that’s when the instability can start.
You can often tell when a gust is coming. Look for structure upwind, look at the grass upwind, etc. I used to windsurf so I’m conditioned to look upwind for anticipated wind.
50 mm isn’t that deep IMO. Run a disc on the rear for more stability if you like, if you aren’t already.
I don’t think it was a speed wobble - i was doing mid 20’s and was hit by a gust and the front wheel wobbles (like it wanted to turn) a couple of times.
It’s often helpful to place a bit more weight on the front wheel in gusty situations (ex. by riding on the drops ).
Wheel profile impacts the reaction to gusts, not just depth. I have an old Cosmic Carbone V-shaped 50mm that is harder to handle in crosswinds than a 90mm Firecrest. The Zipp NSW wheels have the “whale fin” ridges specifically for crosswind stability.