Bicycle Wheels
All things related to Bicycle Wheels
Like everything else about a bicycle, parts for wheels are numerous.
Bicycle wheels are typically made up of a hub, a rim and the spokes
that hold the two together. That is not to say that there are not
other designs like spokeless or 'solid wheels' but this is the most
common configuration.
Lets add a few other bicycle
parts to that list, with tires, tubes, tire liners, eyelets
and bicycle wheel covers.. all essential pieces to keep you on the
bike longer and make your cycling passion more exciting.
Bicycle Rims: This is the circular
outer "rim" of all common bicycle wheels. It is the key
bicycle part that holds the tube and tire in place. Traditionally
it is attached to the "hub" via aluminum, steel or stainless
spokes.
If you go back far enough in history rims were made out of wood
but today they are usually an aluminum alloy, carbon fiber or titanium.
Some of the challenge today is buying rims online that are compatible
with your bicycle. Rims are specific to your style of brakes, spoke
pattern on the hub, double walled or single, double or single eyelets,
clincher or tubular.
Hubs: Like rims, bicycle wheels
have an array of hub designs, largely dependent on the whether we
are talking about the front or rear hub. They are also design dependent
on the style of brakes and spokes.
Bicycle wheels can be built with flanged hubs for loop style spokes
or as in the Easton bicycle wheel have a threaded hub for a screw-in
style, each with it own type of eyelets.
They can be geared hubs, like the ones I road in Holland, or designed
with built-in coasting or braking capabilities, or come with flanges
for disc or drum brakes.
Spokes: Of all the parts for bicycle
wheels, spokes are probably the easiest one to understand. Length,
profile, material, screw-in or loop , butted or not are all options.
All are easily understood and described if buying bicycle parts
online. Its just a matter of sorting out all the options.
BICYCLE
TIRES: After tubes, this is one of the biggest consumables
in the list of components for bicycle wheels. Parts, such as tires
are probably the most confusing. because it is not inherently obvious
by looking, what tread pattern or composition is best for your particular
style of riding.... and the choice of the best bicycle tire can
be the most cost effective purchase to improve speed, traction and
reliability.
BICYCLE
TIRE LINERS: The purpose of tire liners is to keep you
on the bike longer. Trailside repair stops to change a tube are
somewhat a drag. Tire liners install between your tire and your
tube, to act as a barrier so sharp objects from glass to thorns
don't get the chance to puncture your tire. Some are great and others
are heavy and a waste of money.
BICYCLE
TUBES .. and this is the most consumable element of bicycle
wheels. Depending on your cycling ambitions it could be a monthly
or weekly purchase. Are there better bicycle tubes, ... tougher,
lighter, or stronger?
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