About Bike Wheels

Identification

Bike wheels are very easy to identify. They generally have a thin build. In the very center of the wheel is the bike hub. Extending from the hub is a series of wire spokes. Depending on the wheel, there can be 28, 32, 36 or as many as 48 spokes. Each spoke is connected to the wheel rim, which is typically composed of carbon fiber material. Stretched across the rim is the tire, which varies in size and density.

The center of the bike wheel is the hub. This is the most complex part of the wheel. It contains the axle and the dropouts that allow the wheel to attach to the bike frame. The hub also is made of bearings and attachments for the bike's brake and gear systems. The spokes are wires made out of various tough metals and strung between the hub and rim under high pressure. The tire is an extension of the wheel really, and varies depending on the use of the bike.

There are three main types of bike wheels: road bike wheels, mountain bike wheels, and BMX bike wheels. Road bike wheels are the lightest of the three, which helps when the bike is used for racing. They are also the most aerodynamic and usually hold the smallest tires for the same reason. Mountain bike wheels are a litter larger and feature different tires. They don't have inner tubes for one, and the rim and tire ration allow the tire to work with lower air pressure inside, giving the wheel better traction. BMX bike wheels are the smallest in diameter, making them able to withstand the pressure of tricks performed on BMX bikes.

Bike wheels come in many different sizes. Road bikes typically are produced with a diameter of 622 mm, though 650-mm wheels are also growing in popularity. Mountain bike wheels are generally 26 inches in diameter, though larger 29-inch wheels and smaller 24-inch wheels are also available for varying rider sizes. There are also 27-inch mountain bike wheels, though they are rare. BMX bikes are small and usually only 20 inches in diameter.

Bike wheels are one of the most important parts of a bike as they are not only responsible for the ride the bike offers, but also for being a connective part of the other vital systems, including the brake and gear systems on a bike. The bike wheel is directly responsible for a smooth ride and adds to a bike's overall speed. The wheel also absorbs all the shock from various terrains and allows the rider to better maneuver the bike.