In many cases race-oriented technologies don’t translate to the recreational market but wide rims offer benefits everyone can appreciate. You are less likely to experience pinch flats with wider rims; larger air volume allows for lower pressures, which can increase comfort; cornering is improved since tires experience less flop in response to lateral forces; and wide rims are typically stronger with better durability. There are downsides to consider too. You may require brake adjustment when switching between wide and narrow rims; and brake modulation may suffer.
![Pacenti SL23 rim, actually 24mm wide at the brake track](/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/pacenti_white_1.jpg)
![A pair of Pacenti rims laced to White Industries hubs](/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/pacenti_white_2.jpg)
![White Industries ENO classic singlespeed hub](/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/pacenti_white_3.jpg)