How to choose bicycle wheels

Wheels play an important role in the design of a modern bicycle. It is their type that determines the roll of the bike and its capabilities in certain conditions, maximum speed and braking efficiency, as well as many other features.

Which wheels to choose? Top manufacturers

Budget bikes and mid-range models are very often equipped with inexpensive wheels, the functionality of which leaves much to be desired. And the first thing that comes to mind is to replace them with a better and more functional analogue. As a rule, the choice is made from products of well-known manufacturers, whose name is on everyone's lips:

1. Continental

2. Dunlop

3. Presta

4. Schrader

Each of the brands described above has a large number of different models designed for use in certain conditions. When choosing, you should pay attention not only to the characteristics and catalog descriptions, but also to the reviews of specific users, taking into account both positive and negative aspects.

Bicycle wheel selection options. What to pay special attention to?

When choosing an alternative to the wheels mounted on your bike, the following features must be taken into account:

Rim profile design

an important parameter that directly affects the reliability of the wheel and its resistance to mechanical stress.

1. The oldest and least perfect is the single wall rim design. Such wheels can be found in old Soviet bicycles made by MMVZ, as well as in modern cheap Chinese bikes. They are suitable, perhaps, for sedate driving around the city without any sharp and dynamic loads.

2. The double-walled design is considered more advanced; it can be found in most modern bicycle models. Decent strength and ability to withstand mechanical stress, coupled with a low price – these are its main advantages.

3. The three-walled profile design is typical only for MTB of the upper price range. The functional features of such rims are maximum, however, the price is far from budget;

Number of spokes

A parameter that directly affects the reliability of the wheel, the ability to operate it in extreme conditions, as well as the weight of the rider the bike can withstand. The more their number, the more the bike is suitable for more severe operating conditions. For example, mountain bikes are almost always equipped with 32-spoke wheels, road bikes – 28. The material from which the spokes are made also plays an important role. Preference should be given to steel or titanium spokes, they provide maximum reliability and rigidity of the entire structure, allowing the manufacturer to reduce the total number of spokes without compromising reliability and functionality.

The method of attaching the spokes to the rim

Direct attachment of the spoke to the aluminum rim. This method has a significant drawback – cracks appear quite quickly at the point of attachment of the spoke, which can lead to chipping of the spoke.

Fastening with caps – special steel inserts in the rim, to which the spoke is attached. This design significantly increases the overall strength, and also leads to an increase in the price of the wheel, and therefore it is quite rare on budget bikes.

The design and parameters of the tires used

As in the case of car tires, bicycle tires are divided into many conditional classes, differing from each other in the softness of the rubber used, the height of the profile, the type and pattern of the tread. Pay attention to the parameters of the tire. They are designated by two numbers, going through a dash or a fraction sign, the first of which indicates the width, the second – the landing diameter.

Choosing the diameter of the bicycle wheels

The diameter of the wheel used directly depends on the type of bike and its suitability for certain conditions of use.

1. Small wheels, 13-15 inches in diameter, are installed on children's bicycles and their teenage counterparts;

2. Wheels with a diameter of 20-22 inches are widely used in 'slow' city bikes, involving leisurely movement around the city;

3. Mountain MTB and XC bikes are almost always equipped with 24-28 ”wheels and powerful, pronounced mud tread;

4. Wheels with a maximum radius (about 30-32 inches), equipped with a narrow and rigid tread, are installed on road bikes and triathlon models. Their purpose is to develop maximum speed in extremely short periods of time.

In the following articles, our experts will tell you how to choose a mountain bike, the secrets of choosing a chain for a bicycle and the peculiarities of choosing a road bike.

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Attention! This material is the subjective opinion of the authors of the project and is not a purchase guide.