Bike Wheels
Different Mountain Bikes call for different types of wheels. Road bikes, which are usually used for speed riding and racing, require strong tires that are less than an inch wide. The wheels measure about 29 inches in diameter. Since road bikes are used on pavements and concrete surfaces, the tires should allow the biker to glide smoothly yet safely through the road even on rainy days. Aerodynamic and semi-aerodynamic wheel sets are common in road bike wheels.
Mountain Bikes, on the other hand, have wheels with sizes that range from 26 - 29 inches. Wheels with 26-inch tires are the most common. They usually have inner tubes, although tubeless wheels are gaining popularity because they give better traction and shock absorption. Mountain Bike Wheels should have tires that are wide and strong enough to ride through rough terrain.
A hybrid bike is a combination of a road bike and a Mountain Bike. It is used for riding through relatively smooth terrain and for light road riding. The wheels of a hybrid bike are as thick as mountain bikes but are as light as those in a road bike.
Bikes used for bicycle motocross, also known as BMX Bikes, are used for races on rough terrain and for stunt and trick exhibitions. The wheels are light and relatively small compared to those of other bikes. The usual size of a BMX Bike Wheel is 20 inches, although there are also 24-inch wheels. The wheels must have good traction so bikers can easily make efficient turns. Because of the rough racing and stunts done with a BMX Bike, its wheels must also have three brakes for better control: one for the front wheel, one for the rear, and coaster brakes.
As evident above, the sizes of Bike Wheels vary. Kids’ bikes, of course, are way smaller. The wheels range from 12 to 18 inches.
Bikers must consider the weight, width, size, and dynamics of the Bike Wheels to ensure that they are compatible with the bike’s purpose. The wheels must always allow for good traction for efficiency and safety, and ideally should also be equipped with well-functioning brakes.
|
|
|
|
|
Basics & Backgrounds
in Dutch
Home
Print Article
Email Article
Comment on Article
Write New Article
Search Articles
