Bike wheel
The bicycle wheel is a fundamental element that has a considerable impact on the performance, comfort and style of your bike. Made up of several parts - the rim, spokes, hub and tire - each component of the wheel has its own importance and contributes to the overall cycling experience.
The rim forms the outer edge of the wheel and is where the tire is mounted. It plays a crucial role in the bike's handling and responsiveness. Rims can be made from a variety of materials, such as aluminum or carbon, each offering a unique balance between strength, weight and cost. Carbon rims are often preferred for performance bikes because of their lightness and rigidity, while aluminum is commonly used for its strength and affordability.
Spokes, which attach the hub to the rim, are essential for wheel strength and stability. A higher spoke count increases the wheel's strength and durability, while a lower spoke count reduces weight and increases aerodynamics. Spoke tension is also important to keep the wheel aligned and balanced.
The hub, at the center of the wheel, contains the bearings that allow the wheel to rotate around the axle. There are different types of hub, including those with integrated braking systems, such as disc brakes, or dynamo hubs for powering bicycle lights.
The rim-mounted tire is the interface between the bike and the road or trail. Tires vary considerably according to use - from smooth, narrow tires for high-speed road bikes to wide, knobby tires for mountain bikes. Selecting the right tire has a significant impact on traction, rolling resistance and comfort.
Wheel maintenance is essential to ensure bike safety and performance. This includes regular checks on the condition of rims, spokes, hub and tires, as well as periodic adjustments to ensure that everything is properly aligned and working properly.
In short, bicycle wheels are much more than just spinning circles. They are the result of sophisticated engineering and play a crucial role in every aspect of cycling, from speed and stability to the bike's aesthetics.
Other definitions linked to this word
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.
Bike
Hub
The hub is the beating heart of your bicycle's wheels. Located in the center of the wheel, it is the part around which the rim rotates. Hubs play a crucial role in overall bike performance, influencing the smoothness of the ride, the durability of the wheel, and even its aerodynamics. A hub consists of several key parts: the axle, which fits into the bicycle fork or frame; the bearings, which allow the wheel to rotate freely around the axle; and the hub body, which connects the bearings to the rim via the spokes. The quality of the bearings and the precision of their fit are essential to ensure smooth, resistance-free rotation. There are two main types of hub: ball-bearing and cartridge-bearing. Ball-bearing hubs are traditional and can be adjusted and maintained, while cartridge-bearing hubs are sealed and require little maintenance, but must be replaced when they wear out. Rear hubs are particularly complex, as they incorporate the cassette (or freewheel) mechanism that allows the bike to move forward when you pedal, and to roll freely when you don't. Some top-of-the-range rear hubs also feature a quick-release system, improving the bike's responsiveness. In mountain biking, hubs can be fitted with suspension systems to absorb shocks and offer better traction on uneven terrain. In road cycling, hubs are often designed to be as light and aerodynamic as possible. Hub maintenance is crucial to the longevity and performance of your bike. This includes regular cleaning, checking bearings for wear or play, and periodic lubrication to maintain smooth rotation. Although some cyclists perform this maintenance themselves, it may be wise to call in a professional, especially for hubs with cartridge bearings.
Bike
Inner tube
The inner tube is a fundamental component of most bicycles, acting as an inflatable inner layer inside the tire. Its main function is to keep the air under pressure, providing a layer of comfort and protection against the roughness of the terrain. Usually made of butyl rubber, an elastic and resistant material, the inner tube adapts to different tire sizes, from road bikes to mountain bikes. It is inflated by means of a valve, which can be either Presta (thin and long, often found on road bikes for its ability to withstand high pressures) or Schrader (wider, similar to car tire valves, common on mountain bikes and city bikes). One of the main advantages of the inner tube is its ability to absorb shocks, offering a smoother, more comfortable ride. It plays an important role in the bike's grip, especially on uneven terrain, contributing to the rider's safety and stability. However, the inner tube is not immune to punctures. Sharp objects such as nails, shards of glass or thorns can puncture it, resulting in air loss and a flat tire. Fortunately, repairing or replacing an inner tube is a basic skill that any cyclist can learn. A repair kit or spare tube, a tire iron and a pump are all you need to get your bike back on the road. Inner tubes also vary in thickness. Thicker models offer better protection against punctures but are heavier, while thinner tubes are light but more prone to punctures. Some cyclists choose self-healing tubes, which contain a special liquid that seals small punctures almost instantly. In short, the inner tube is a humble but essential component of your bike, directly impacting the comfort, performance and even safety of your ride. Although it requires some attention in terms of maintenance and puncture preparation, its role in providing an enjoyable cycling experience is undeniable.
