Road, road bike, and MTB wheels

Bike rims

Bike rims, together with the tire, play the important role of damping and absorbing vibrations both on asphalt and on off-road routes over rough terrain, technical trails, or singletrack. The rim is a key element of the wheel and is connected to the hub through the spokes. From a structural standpoint, the rim section features a convex central channel on which the tire rests. The sidewalls, instead, are supports that keep it anchored to the wheel. Below the channel, finally, there is the nipple bed, the holes to which the spokes are attached. The types of rims on the market are numerous and differ both by the discipline they are designed for and by color. From a technical standpoint, the main differences between one model and another are determined by dimensions, shape, and construction materials. The material currently considered the best on the market is carbon, lightweight and durable, but expensive. Aluminum solutions, despite a higher weight, offer more affordable options suitable for every budget.

The standard rim sizes

Replacing a bike rim is not as complex as it may seem. First of all, however, it is essential to choose the right one. Diameter and internal channel width are two elements that require the utmost attention. On road bikes, the rim always measures 28 inches. On MTBs, on the other hand, there are mainly two options: 29 and 27.5 inches. What distinguishes these two cycling worlds is also the tire size. For example, for a road tire of 20/21 mm, the rim width must be between 15 and 17 mm. In XC, by contrast, 28/30 mm tires require 23/25 mm rims. In Gravity discipline and on e-MTBs, larger rims and tires are required. For true road cycling addicts and professionals, the rim height also makes a difference. A low profile makes the bike lighter and better able to absorb bumps. A deep rim, on the other hand, helps improve aerodynamics at the expense of weight and stiffness.

Choosing the right tire for every rim

Tire selection ranges from clincher tires with inner tubes to tubular tires up to tubeless tires. Depending on the tire chosen, it is necessary to select a specific rim. Widely used by professionals on the road, tubular tires must be glued to the rim bed, making the rim hooks almost unnecessary. These, however, are clearly more pronounced in models designed for disciplines that use clincher tires and tyres tubeless. In the second case, the main difference between rims is that they are less concave and do not have spoke holes. For those who have not yet decided which format they prefer, the market offers compatible rims for both clincher and tubeless tires.

Bike rims: the most appreciated brands

- Ambrosio
- DT Swiss
- Rodi
- Spank
- Xtreme