Radius

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Radius

Spokes are the thin metal or sometimes composite rods that connect the hub (center) of your bicycle wheel to the rim (rim). Playing a key role in the wheel's structure and performance, spokes are essential for maintaining the integrity and stability of your two-wheeler.

Each spoke is individually tensioned, and it's this tension that gives the wheel its strength and resilience. The spokes absorb some of the shock from the terrain, reducing the impact on the rider and providing a more comfortable ride. Precise balancing of spoke tension is crucial: uneven tension can result in an unbalanced wheel, affecting both bike performance and rider safety.

There are different types of spokes, ranging from straight, slim models, favored for their lightness and aerodynamics, to flat, wide spokes, sought after for their strength and resistance in disciplines such as mountain biking. The choice of spoke type depends on the bike's intended use and personal preferences in terms of weight, stiffness and aesthetics.

The number of spokes on a wheel also varies. A wheel with more spokes will generally be stronger and better suited to off-road cycling or cycle touring with a heavy load. Conversely, wheels with fewer spokes are often lighter and faster, favored by speed-oriented road cyclists.

Spoke maintenance is relatively simple but essential. It's important to check their tension and alignment regularly. Loose or broken spokes should be replaced or adjusted as soon as possible to prevent further damage to the wheel. This task can be carried out at home with a little practice, but it is often preferable to call in a professional to guarantee accurate work.

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Bike

Tubeless tire

The tubeless tire is a major innovation in the world of cycling. Designed to improve performance and ride comfort, this type of tire eliminates the need for a traditional inner tube. Instead, the tire forms a hermetic seal directly with the rim, making the configuration more resistant to punctures and offering other notable advantages. One of the main advantages of tubeless tires is their resistance to pinch punctures, a common problem with traditional inner tubes. What's more, in the event of a puncture, the sealing fluid present in the tubeless tire can automatically seal small leaks, allowing you to continue riding without any significant interruption. Another major advantage of tubeless tires is the ability to run at lower pressures without the risk of tube pinching. This translates into better traction and control, especially on uneven terrain, and a more comfortable ride thanks to better absorption of shocks and road vibrations. However, switching to tubeless tires may require specific or tubeless-compatible rims, as well as a more complex initial installation. The installation process involves applying sealing tape to the rim, installing the tire, then adding sealing fluid before inflating the tire to create a hermetic seal. Although this installation can be carried out by an experienced cyclist, many choose to entrust it to a professional. Tubeless tires also offer better performance in terms of rolling resistance. Without the internal friction of an inner tube, they can roll more freely, which can contribute to a slight improvement in speed and fuel efficiency. In terms of maintenance, tubeless tires require periodic replacement of the sealing fluid to maintain their ability to self-heal small punctures. They may also require a little extra attention to ensure they remain well sealed and inflated to the right pressure.